The 9th Asian Winter Games concluded in grand style on February 14 at Harbin International Conference, Exhibition, and Sports Center, blending cultural symbolism with a vision for Asia's future. Over 1,200 athletes from 27 countries and regions competed in the event, which wrapped with a ceremony themed \"Wang Chun\" (\u201cLooking Forward to Spring\u201d), reflecting hopes for renewal and regional unity.
Performers showcased northeastern Chinese folk traditions alongside digital projections of blooming peonies \u2013 a nod to Harbin\u2019s icy winters giving way to spring. The ceremony emphasized sustainability themes through LED-backdropped dance routines symbolizing ecological balance, aligning with younger audiences\u2019 climate concerns.
Notably, the Chinese Taipei delegation joined representatives from Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia \u2013 host of the 10th Games in 2027 \u2013 in the closing rituals. Saudi organizers previewed AI-driven plans for their desert-hosted winter sports events, signaling tech\u2019s growing role in athletics.
The Games\u2019 legacy includes new winter sports infrastructure in China\u2019s northern regions and heightened youth engagement, with livestreams reaching over 180 million viewers globally.
Reference(s):
Live: Special coverage of the 9th Asian Winter Games closing ceremony
cgtn.com
