The flame for the 2025 Asian Winter Games was ignited at Sun Island Park in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, on Monday. The ceremony coincided with "Major Cold," the last of the 24 solar terms in China's lunar calendar, symbolizing the transition to a new year and an impending seasonal change.
The organizers chose this special day to highlight the event's connection to renewal and hope. "On Major Cold Day, using the water of the Songhua River and sunlight, together we created the light of the Harbin Asian Winter Games," said Tong Xiaoyu, Deputy Director of the Torch Relay Operations Office. "The flame expresses enthusiasm for winter sports and honors friendships among athletes from Asia as they gather in Harbin to compete and cooperate in the pursuit of excellence and the unremitting spirit of sports."
The flame, an iconic symbol of international sporting events like the Olympics, represents light, unity, friendship, peace, and justice. The selection of Sun Island Park for the lighting ceremony underscores the harmony between humanity and nature. "Sun Island shares the same theme as the 'Sun' symbol we want to use for the Asian Winter Games," explained Wang Zheng, Chief Director of the Flame Lighting Ceremony. "The Harbin Sun Island Snow Fair is the birthplace of snow sculpture art in China, and with the 37th Harbin Sun Island International Snow Sculpture Art Fair currently ongoing, we've integrated the lighting ceremony with the natural landscape to highlight the scenery and cultural customs of Harbin."
As athletes from across Asia look forward to the 2025 Asian Winter Games, the lighting of the flame marks the beginning of a journey filled with anticipation and camaraderie. Harbin, renowned for its rich winter culture and vibrant festivals, sets the stage for a celebration of sportsmanship and cultural exchange.
Reference(s):
Harbin 2025 organizers talk flame lighting ceremony timing, location
cgtn.com
