Harbin Ignites the Flame for the 9th Asian Winter Games

The Flame of the 9th Asian Winter Games Ignites in Harbin

The flame for the 9th Asian Winter Games was lit on Monday at the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, marking the start of an 18-day countdown to the event. This will be the second time Harbin has hosted the Games, having previously held them in 1996. The city is leveraging its extensive winter sports facilities and experience from nearly three decades ago to ensure a successful event.

The flame lighting ceremony, an important ritual with roots in the ancient Greek Olympic Games, represents the inheritance of the Olympic spirit and symbolizes light, peace, and unity. Nine female envoys, representing youth and responsibility in the new era, successfully lit the flame on a torch in front of the Sun Stone, a landmark of the scenic area.

The torch, designed in the shape of a blossoming lilac, stands 735 millimeters tall and incorporates the colors of China red, lilac purple, and snow white. When ignited, the torch presents a merging effect of ice and fire, symbolizing the passion and brilliance of winter sports.

This year's Games will see the largest representation of Asian countries and regions in history, with 34 national Olympic committees confirming their participation. A total of 64 medal events across six sports will take place at five ice sports venues in downtown Harbin and eight snow sports venues in Yabuli, a ski resort cluster about 200 kilometers southeast of the city.