The ninth Asian Winter Games (AWG) is set to light up Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province in the northeast of the Chinese mainland, from February 7 to 14, 2025. This event marks the latest international comprehensive winter sports competition held in China since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
Despite being awarded the hosting rights on July 8, 2023, giving Harbin only 18 months to prepare—a notably short timeframe—the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has expressed high praise for the city's swift and efficient preparations. Delegates visiting the venues have lauded the impressive infrastructure, including a high-speed train connecting Harbin to Yabuli, the site of the snow events.
The OCA's confidence in Harbin’s ability to deliver on time stems from several key factors. First, the robust cooperation between major stakeholders, such as the General Administration of Sport of the Chinese mainland, the Chinese Olympic Committee, the local organizing committee, and the governments of Heilongjiang Province and Harbin city, has been instrumental. This unified teamwork has been pivotal to China’s growing prominence in the Olympic movement on both international and continental stages.
Second, China’s track record in organizing major winter sporting events speaks volumes. The successful hosting of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, along with previous AWGs in Harbin (1996) and Changchun (2007), showcases the country’s expertise and dedication to delivering world-class events.
Now, with the AWG returning to Harbin, larger than ever before, the city is poised to complete an impressive hosting hat-trick. This continuity reinforces the belief that China will continue to make significant contributions to the OCA's success story.
Third, the surging popularity of winter sports in China is set to create a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere in Harbin and Yabuli. Public support and cheering will not only energize the athletes but also inspire a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts and competitors.
Furthermore, the OCA has been particularly impressed with the readiness of the venues. All five stadiums—dedicated to speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating, curling, and ice hockey—are fully prepared, embodying the OCA’s commitment to sustainability and legacy. Renovations have been a crucial aspect of the preparations, allowing ample time for event testing without the pressure of construction deadlines or delays.
As Harbin gears up to host the 2025 Asian Winter Games, the city stands as a testament to rapid and effective event preparation, setting the stage for a memorable and successful competition that will captivate sports fans across the globe.
Reference(s):
Harbin's swift preparations shine for 2025 Asian Winter Games
cgtn.com
