A Miracle on Ice and Snow - The 9th Asian Winter Games Draw to a Successful Close

A Miracle on Ice and Snow

The 9th Asian Winter Games, held in Harbin, Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, from February 6 to 16, 2025, were a resounding success. The Games, which drew over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia, were the largest edition of the Games in terms of the number of both participating countries/regions and athletes. Bhutan, Cambodia, and Saudi Arabia also made their debut at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

Vinod Kumar Tiwari, deputy director general of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), described the Games as a "miracle on ice and snow." He was impressed by the city's distinctive architecture, magnificent scenery, and the warmth and unity of the people. He also noted the record number of athletes and the variety of events, including athletes from countries and regions that are not established winter sports powers.

The Games were a testament to China's commitment to promoting the growth of the winter sports population in Asia. The organizing committee did an incredible job in preparing for the Games in only one year, when five to seven years is the norm ahead of a major multi-sport event. All of the 13 competition venues were renovated using existing facilities, following the principles of sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for post-event use.

The Harbin Games were the latest international multi-sport winter sports event held in China since the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Beijing 2022 was a great success, as it was held in very difficult circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, it wrote another chapter in China's success story in the Olympic Movement, as Beijing became the first city in the world to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics.

China realized its goal of engaging 300 million people in winter sports activities since Beijing won the bid to host the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2015. According to Tiwari, winter sports are beneficial to enthusiasts at all levels in terms of health and lifestyle, and the achievement of hosting the Harbin Games will be a lasting positive legacy for generations to come.

The 9th Asian Winter Games were a testament to the power of sport to bring people together and promote peace and understanding. The Games were a success on all levels, and they will be remembered for years to come.