The ninth edition of the Asian Winter Games is set to ignite excitement as the torch relay concludes in Harbin, the host city, ahead of the official start on Friday, February 7.
A diverse group of 120 torchbearers, ranging from 16 to 83 years old, carried the flame through Harbin's iconic landmarks. Among them was Shen Xue, the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics pairs figure skating gold medalist, who, alongside Zhao Hongbo, secured four consecutive golds at the Asian Winter Games.
Other notable torchbearers included Luo Zhihuan, China's first speed skating world champion, and Sui Wenjing, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics pairs figure skating gold medalist. Their participation highlighted the event's prestige and the rich history of winter sports in the region.
Simultaneously, the 2025 Asian Winter Games kicked off with ice hockey matches, marking the first sporting events of the competition. Athletes from the host nation also made their debut in the mixed doubles curling event on Tuesday, showcasing the growing diversity of sports within the Games.
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, with competitions running until February 14. This edition is poised to be the largest yet, featuring over 1,270 athletes from 34 nations and regions, setting new records for both participating delegations and the total number of competitors.
Reference(s):
Torch relay for ninth edition of Asian Winter Games wraps up in Harbin
cgtn.com
