Harbin Hosts the 9th Asian Winter Games
The 9th Asian Winter Games, officially opened on February 7th in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, marking the third time China has hosted the event. The games will run until February 14th, featuring 6 major events, 11 sub-events, and 64 minor events. Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the games open, attended by international dignitaries, including leaders from various Asian countries and regions, as well as officials from the Olympic Council of Asia. The ceremony began with a performance by locals from Heilongjiang, showcasing the region's unique culture and traditions, followed by the entrance of the Chinese national flag, accompanied by the national anthem, and the raising of the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia.
7 February 2025
A short film, "Liu Li Shi Guang," highlighted the beauty of Harbin's winter landscapes and the city's passion for ice and snow sports, accompanied by a live performance, "Bing Deng Qi Meng," which showcased the city's hospitality and welcoming spirit. The athletes' procession then began, with teams from 34 countries and regions participating in the games. The Chinese team, consisting of 257 athletes, was the last to enter, and was greeted with thunderous applause. In his address, Xi Jinping welcomed the athletes and guests, and expressed his hope that the games would promote friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding among the participating countries and regions. He also emphasized the importance of the games in promoting the development of ice and snow sports in Asia.
The opening ceremony was attended by six Olympic champions serving as flag bearers, including Zhao Hongbo, Jiao Liuyang, Han Cong, Qu Chunyu, Gao Tingyu, and Ding Ning. Notably, Han Cong, China's pairs figure skating Olympic champion, was among the flag bearers, having had a distinguished career with numerous World Championship and Four Continents Championship titles under his belt. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the cauldron, which was done by four torchbearers, including Chinese athletes Yang Yang and Han Xiaopeng. The flame was lit in a symbolic gesture, representing the passion and energy of the athletes participating in the games.
As the games commenced, the competition preview revealed a thrilling lineup of events, including alpine skiing, freestyle skiing big air, and speed skating. This edition of the Asian Winter Games features six major events and 64 gold medals, with over 1,200 athletes from across Asia vying for glory. The games promise to be an exhilarating showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship, with athletes pushing themselves to the limit in pursuit of their dreams and honor. Tomorrow, the Games will witness the awarding of the first gold medals, with a total of 17 gold medals up for grabs, making it the day with the most gold medals awarded throughout the entire event.
The 2025 Asian Winter Games will be broadcast through various media channels, providing extensive coverage of the events, as well as behind-the-scenes insights and interviews with athletes, offering a glimpse into the dedication, perseverance, and passion that define these winter sports champions. With the games underway, fans around the globe will be tuning in to witness remarkable feats of athleticism and sportsmanship, embodying the spirit of unity and friendly competition that the Asian Winter Games represent. The opening ceremony also featured a stunning performance, with dozens of actors wearing creative electronic and smart programming costumes, and equiped with anti-gravity devices, creating a breathtaking display of ice and snow passion.
The movement's village canteen has also become a hot topic, with over 400 different dishes available, including Northeastern specialties, international cuisine, and delicate pastries. Athletes and guests can enjoy a wide range of flavors, from sweet to spicy, and the canteen has been praised for its variety and quality. As the games continue, fans are eagerly anticipating the most highly anticipated events, and the Chinese team, in particular, is expected to make a strong showing, with many eyes on the likes of Han Cong and other top athletes. With its unique blend of culture, sports, and entertainment, the 2025 Asian Winter Games are set to be an unforgettable experience for athletes, officials, and spectators alike.
