Flame Lit for Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games as Countdown Begins

The ceremonial lighting of the flame for the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games took place in the Sun Island Scenic Area of Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, on January 20, 2025, signaling the start of the countdown to the opening ceremony on February 7. The organizing committee revealed that three test events will be held at the Yabuli ski resort in the days leading up to the games, while the torch relay is set to commence on February 3.

Ticket sales began on January 11, with particular excitement surrounding events like short track speed skating and figure skating. In preparation for the games, Chinese athletes are actively participating in a series of international competitions, showcasing their talents and honing their skills. Notably, the Chinese freestyle skiing aerials team recently celebrated success at the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup in Lake Placid, where they secured the mixed team gold and individual medals.

The team's head coach expressed optimism about their prospects at the upcoming Games, especially with five gold medals available in the freestyle skiing aerials categories, which now include newly introduced synchronized events. Other Chinese athletes in various winter sports are also using this period to compete internationally as part of their training regimen.

One standout athlete, speed skating champion Ning Zhongyan, who garnered multiple medals at a recent World Cup event, highlighted the significance of the Asian Winter Games as a vital component of their training for the Tokyo 2026 Winter Olympics. With the 2025 Asian Winter Games returning to Harbin after a 29-year hiatus, China's previous medal performances provide a solid foundation for their aspirations.

Zhang Bin, a sports commentator, noted that the upcoming games serve as a critical assessment for athletes from competing nations such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Kazakhstan, as they gauge the effectiveness of their preparation efforts. This edition of the Games is set to be the largest yet, featuring over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries, including first-time participants Cambodia and Saudi Arabia. Harbin's winning bid to host the event reinforces China's growing prominence in global winter sports, with the Games featuring new disciplines such as mixed doubles curling and synchronized aerials. As the opening event draws near, excitement builds for the competitions ahead.