Harbin Lights Up the 9th Asian Winter Games After 29 Years
Harbin, the capital of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, lit up with excitement on Friday night as the city hosted the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games. This marks the second time Harbin has hosted the event, 29 years after it first welcomed athletes from across Asia in 1996.
The opening ceremony was a dazzling display of ice and snow culture. The cauldron, shaped like a blooming lilac flower—a symbol of the city—was ignited at the Harbin Ice-Snow World, the world’s largest ice and snow theme park. The honor of lighting the flame was shared by some of China’s most celebrated Winter Olympic champions: short track speed skater Yang Yang, freestyle skier Han Xiaopeng, race walker Wang Zhen, and speed skater Zhang Hong. They were joined by children carrying ice lanterns, adding a touch of warmth to the icy spectacle.
The flame journey began on January 20 at the Sun Island Scenic Area, with a torch relay featuring 120 torchbearers traversing Harbin’s historic landmarks. The relay route included the famous Harbin Central Street, with its over 100 years of history, and the picturesque Songhua River, highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia paraded into the arena in an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. China’s delegation entered last, with star speed skater Ning Zhongyan and young freeskier Liu Mengting proudly carrying the national flag. This edition of the Games is the largest yet, with over 1,200 athletes competing. Notably, teams from Cambodia and Saudi Arabia are making their debuts, emphasizing the growing popularity of winter sports across the continent.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach attended the opening ceremony and expressed high expectations for the Games. “I’m here in the traditional winter sport center of China and see the great development over the last six years, knowing about the expertise of the people of Harbin and of China, organizing great sporting events. So the expectations are very high. As I know, China will even exceed these high expectations,” Bach said.
As the Games commence, all eyes are on Harbin, a city blending its storied past with a vibrant present, once again showcasing its ability to host international sporting events with flair and hospitality. The 9th Asian Winter Games promises thrilling competitions and a celebration of athletic excellence, fostering unity among nations and regions across Asia.
