Shi Dan (middle), a teacher from a vocational high school in Gongshu district of Hangzhou, celebrates after winning gold in hairdressing at the 45th World Skills Competition in Kazan, Russia on Aug 28. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Shi Dan, a teacher from a vocational high school in Gongshu district of Hangzhou, was crowned champion in hairdressing at the 45th World Skills Competition in Kazan, Russia on Aug 28, marking the first time for a Zhejiang competitor to claim gold in this event.

Shi qualified to represent China at the World Skills Competition by taking first place at the national qualification trials in March before winning gold medals in other international competitions in Russia and Australia.

"I have no regrets and I will continue to be a teacher and lead my students to become world champions," said Shi in excitement.

The success of Shi epitomizes Gongshu district's efforts in nurturing highly skilled talents over the years. To date, the district has a total of 101,700 skilled talents, one national-level expert studio, and three provincial-level studios.

An additional three contestants from Zhejiang province took home two silvers and one outstanding award at the global-level skills competition.

The 45th World Skills Competition, a grand event in the arena of vocational skills worldwide, attracted 1,354 participants from 63 countries and regions competing in 56 skills events.

Shi Dan shows off her gold medal for hairdressing at the 45th World Skills Competition in Kazan, Russia on Aug 28. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]