The ninth Asian Winter Games, set to take place in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, from February 7 to 14, 2025, is poised to make history with a record participation of 34 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), according to the event organizers.
Among the participating nations and regions, China, Japan, and South Korea will compete in all sports, showcasing the growing competitive spirit in Asian winter sports. Alpine skiing has emerged as the most popular event, with 25 NOCs registering athletes, followed closely by short track speed skating and figure skating, each attracting participants from 21 teams. Meanwhile, cross-country skiing and snowboarding have garnered registrations from 18 and 16 NOCs, respectively.
Approved by the Olympic Council of Asia, the upcoming Games will feature six sports, 11 disciplines, and a total of 64 events. Notably, mixed doubles curling, ski mountaineering, and synchronized aerials in freestyle skiing will make their debut, adding fresh excitement to the competition and reflecting the dynamic evolution of winter sports in the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome a record number of NOCs to the 2025 Asian Winter Games,” said Bai Zhiguo, Deputy Secretary-General of the Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee and Director of the Harbin Sports Bureau. “This unprecedented participation underscores the growing interest and development of winter sports across Asia.”
The competitions will be held across venues in Harbin and Yabuli Town, approximately 193 kilometers from Harbin. Harbin will host the ice sports events, while Yabuli Ski Resort in Yabuli Town will be the venue for snow sports. Currently, all competition venues are undergoing significant upgrades, including enhancements to cooling, dehumidification, lighting, heating, networking, and functional facilities. The renovation work is nearing completion, with the Harbin Ice Hockey Arena and the ski mountaineering facilities at Yabuli already finalized. Remaining venues are scheduled to be fully completed by the end of September.
“Our preparations are well underway, and we are committed to providing world-class facilities for athletes and spectators alike,” added Bai. “The upgrades to our venues will not only ensure the success of the Games but also leave a lasting legacy for future sporting events in the region.”
With record participation and the introduction of new events, the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin are set to be a landmark occasion, highlighting Asia’s expanding role in the global winter sports arena.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
