The Inner Mongolia men's hockey team poses for a photo after winning gold at the 15th National Games on Nov 15. [Photo/Inner Mongolia news network]

The team from North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region clinched the men's hockey championship at the 15th National Games on Nov 15, defeating long-time rival Guangdong 3–2. The winning goal came from a decisive fifth 23-meter shot, ending a 32-year wait for the title.

The matchup carried the weight of history. At the previous National Games, Inner Mongolia narrowly lost to Guangdong in the 23-meter shootout, missing gold by a single point. This time, determined to rewrite the ending, the team opened with fierce momentum.

"We did it!" Captain Meng Dihao shouted as he sprinted across the field. Competing in his fourth National Games, he said the team had prepared for every possible setback. "No one panicked. We stayed patient and trusted each other. This gold belongs to every teammate who never gave up, and to everyone back home who supported us."

The Inner Mongolia men's hockey team celebrates its victory at the 15th National Games on Nov 15. [Photo/Inner Mongolia news network]

The victory highlights Inner Mongolia's rich hockey history. In the Daur Autonomous Banner of Morin Dawa, the sport is a cultural symbol – once earning the banner the reputation of "half a national team". Many players grew up with the sport and carried those hometown aspirations into competition. The team, which has won 30 national titles, has finally overcome its long-standing hurdle and reached the National Games podium.

In recent years, Inner Mongolia has issued a series of policy measures – including the Opinions on Promoting the Development of Hockey and the Three-Year Action Plan for Hockey Development (2025–27) – to strengthen the sport through policy support, funding, talent development, and industry growth, driving rapid advancement in the region's hockey program.

An Inner Mongolia player (R) drives the ball forward during a match. [Photo/Inner Mongolia news network]