As the excitement builds, Wednesday marked the 30-day countdown to the 2025 Asian Winter Games set to take place in Harbin, in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. This year’s Games are gearing up to be the biggest yet, with a record-breaking number of athletes expected to compete.
An impressive total of 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and regions have registered so far, making it likely to be the most participated Asian Winter Games in history. Notably, Cambodia and Saudi Arabia will be sending athletes to the event for the first time, showcasing the growing appeal of winter sports across Asia.
The Games will officially kick off on February 7 and run until February 14. Due to the high number of teams in ice hockey and curling, these events will start a bit earlier on February 3 and 4, respectively. Fans won’t have to wait long for the excitement, as the first gold medal is set to be awarded on February 8.
Renowned director Sha Xiaolan has been appointed as the chief director of the opening and closing ceremonies, which will take place at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition, and Sports Center. Sha’s creative team previously led the spectacular ceremonies of the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, so attendees can expect an unforgettable experience.
Under the theme “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia,” the Games aim to bring together athletes and fans in a celebration of sportsmanship and unity across the continent.
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2025 Asian Winter Games likely to have record number of participants
cgtn.com
