- Harbin will host the 9th Asian Winter Games from February 7 to 14, 2025.
- 64 events will be held in 11 disciplines, including biathlon, curling, and ski mountaineering.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend and declare the Games open.
- Harbin’s infrastructure is upgraded for international standards.
- Official mascots “Binbin” and “Nini” represent the event’s spirit.
The 9th Asian Winter Games are set to take place in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province in northeast China, from February 7 to 14, 2025. This marks Harbin’s second time hosting the prestigious event, following its successful role as the venue for the 1996 Games.
The Games are expected to feature a wide array of exciting winter sports, attracting athletes and visitors from across Asia.
The 9th Asian Winter Games will feature 64 medal events across 11 disciplines in 6 different sports. These include biathlon, curling, ice hockey, speed skating, skiing, and the debut of ski mountaineering. The inclusion of new sports, such as ski mountaineering, will add an exciting dimension to the competition, reflecting the growing interest in winter sports throughout Asia.
Opening Ceremony and International Dignitaries
The grand opening ceremony will take place on February 7, 2025, and will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi will officially declare the Games open, marking the start of what is anticipated to be an unforgettable sporting event.
President Xi will also host a special welcome banquet for foreign leaders attending the event, including Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and National Assembly Speaker of the Republic of Korea Woo Won-shik.
China Media Group will broadcast the ceremony live, with Xinhuanet providing real-time coverage of the event through photos and text updates. The global audience will have the chance to witness the spectacle of the Games from the comfort of their homes.
Venues and Infrastructure Upgrades
Competitions will take place in Harbin as well as the nearby Yabuli resort, known for its world-class winter sports facilities. The Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center will serve as the main venue for many events.
The city has made significant efforts to upgrade its infrastructure, ensuring that the venues meet international standards for safety, accessibility, and spectator experience. These improvements aim to provide a world-class atmosphere for both athletes and visitors.
Mascots, Emblems, and Thematic Significance
The official mascots of the 9th Asian Winter Games are “Binbin” and “Nini,” a pair of Siberian tigers. Binbin, dressed in winter sportswear and skates, represents the ice events, while Nini, adorned in traditional Chinese attire, symbolizes the snow events. This pairing reflects Harbin’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of the Games, emphasizing both the traditional and modern aspects of Chinese culture.
The Games’ emblem, named “Breakthrough,” is a dynamic design that incorporates the image of a short-track speed skater. It is enhanced by elements like lilac, Harbin’s city flower, symbolizing the city’s openness, inclusiveness, and spirit of achievement. The emblem captures the essence of the Games and the unity among the nations of Asia.
Slogan and Torch Design
The slogan for the event, “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” underscores the vision of bringing people together through a shared passion for winter sports. The design of the torch is equally symbolic. Inspired by a blooming lilac, it features colors such as Chinese red, lilac purple, and snow white, symbolizing Harbin’s warmth, inclusiveness, and the vibrant energy of the Games.
A Global Celebration of Winter Sports
As the 9th Asian Winter Games approaches, Harbin is preparing to welcome athletes, leaders, and spectators from across Asia and beyond. With top athletes competing in a variety of sports and the presence of high-profile dignitaries, the Games are expected to be a grand celebration of winter sports and international unity.
Harbin’s commitment to showcasing its cultural heritage and promoting winter sports is evident in its detailed preparations, which will undoubtedly create an unforgettable experience for all involved.
The event promises to be a landmark moment for both Harbin and the broader Asian sporting community. The 9th Asian Winter Games is set to be a spectacle that captures the spirit of competition, friendship, and cooperation among the nations of Asia.