The ninth Asian Winter Games are set to commence on February 7 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, coinciding with the vibrant celebrations of the Spring Festival. As excitement builds for this major sporting event, athletes from across Asia have shared their heartfelt wishes for the Year of the Snake via CGTN Sports Scene.
Among those extending festive greetings are renowned athletes including Winter Olympic champion short track speed skaters Liu Shaoang and Liu Shaolin, aerials skier Xu Mengtao, Olympic gold medalist speed skater Gao Tingyu, world champion short track speed skater Sun Long, and world champion snowboarder Cai Xuetong. Also sending their wishes are Yu Baiwei, captain of the women's ice hockey national team, Olympic gold medalist speed skater Ning Zhongyan, his teammate Han Mei, and Kazakh short track speed skater Abzal Azhgaliyev.
China is poised to make a strong showing at the Games, sending a delegation of 170 athletes to compete in all 64 events. The team is scheduled to make their first appearance on February 4, signaling their readiness to embrace both competition and celebration.
The convergence of the Asian Winter Games and the Spring Festival adds a layer of cultural significance to the event, highlighting unity and shared traditions across the region. As the Year of the Snake approaches, athletes and fans alike anticipate a memorable Games that fosters goodwill and showcases the best of Asian winter sports.
Reference(s):
2025 Asian Winter Games participants send Spring Festival wishes
cgtn.com
