Xi Jinping Opens 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin with Grand Ceremony
TDT | Manama
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Chinese President Xi Jinping officially inaugurated the 9th Asian Winter Games (AWG) in Harbin on Friday night, presiding over a spectacular opening ceremony that highlighted the city’s rich ice and snow culture.
A jubilant crowd of around 8,000 spectators at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition, and Sports Center erupted in cheers as Xi declared the Games open. The ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach.
The ceremony’s most electrifying moment came as four esteemed torchbearers – two-time Olympic champion short track speed skater Yang Yang, China’s first male Winter Olympic gold medalist and freestyle skier Han Xiaopeng, Olympic race walk champion Wang Zhen, and Sochi Winter Olympics speed skating champion Zhang Hong – ignited the lilac-shaped cauldron. They were joined by children holding ice lanterns at Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world’s largest ice and snow theme park, adding a symbolic touch to the grand occasion.
Running from February 7 to 14, the Harbin Games carry the slogan “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia.” This marks China's latest international winter sports endeavor following the successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. It is also the third time China is hosting the AWG, having previously staged the event in Harbin in 1996 and Changchun in 2007.
This year’s edition has set a new record, with 34 countries and regions participating, surpassing the previous high set at the 2017 AWG in Sapporo, Japan. Over 1,200 athletes are competing across various disciplines, with ice events being held in Harbin and snow events taking place in Yabuli. The participation figures have exceeded the previous record of 1,147 athletes at the Sapporo Games.
Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, First Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), commended the Chinese organizers for their dedication in bringing the Asian Winter Games back to Harbin after nearly three decades.
“In just 18 months, you have transformed Harbin into a Winter Wonderland – a fantastic achievement!” Fok remarked in his speech, praising China’s significant efforts in introducing winter sports to over 300 million people.
Liang Huiling, President of the Harbin AWG Organizing Committee and Governor of Heilongjiang Province, extended a warm welcome to the athletes and international guests, representing the 30 million residents of Heilongjiang. She encouraged the athletes to “push their limits, showcase their talents, achieve their dreams, and leave everlasting memories.”
Gao Zhidan, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee and the Harbin AWG Organizing Committee, reaffirmed China’s commitment to hosting a sustainable and inclusive event.
“China has been dedicated to organizing a green, inclusive, open, and clean Games that is streamlined, safe, and splendid,” Gao stated. “Let us embrace Asia, working hand in hand to open up broader prospects for common development, openness, and integration, building an Asian community with a shared future.”
Amid thunderous applause, Chinese star speed skater Ning Zhongyan and skier Liu Mengting, fresh off her victory in the women’s big air event at the FIS Freeski World Cup in January, proudly carried the national flag during the athletes’ parade, further igniting the patriotic spirit of the audience.
The 9th Asian Winter Games are set to showcase world-class competition while reinforcing China’s growing influence in winter sports, as Harbin embraces the spirit of international athletic excellence and unity.
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