Home > Sports > Olympic Sports

Asian Winter Games kick off in Harbin with 34 countries set to compete

Published: 07 Feb. 2025, 22:47 Updated: 08 Feb. 2025, 11:37

PAIK JI-HWAN
[email protected]

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China on Feb. 7. [XINHUA/YONHAP]

The 2025 Asian Winter Games officially kicked off on Friday with its opening ceremony at Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center in Harbin, China, where 34 Asian countries introduced themselves ahead of their quests to shine across 11 sports.

The opening ceremony welcomed participating countries starting with a performance from a group of children.

A young girl in the center of the stage first lit an ice lantern that gradually became brighter, representing the idea that athletes’ dreams grow bigger. Thirty-four young kids, symbolizing the number of participating countries, then danced around the lantern.

Children perform during the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China on Feb. 7. [XINHUA/YONHAP]

The mascots of the Asian Winter Games Harbin, Binbin and Nini, came onto the stage and welcomed all participating countries that walked in with their own flags.

Team Korea also waved the Korean flag as they appeared onstage, declaring their official start to the winter Asiad, where they have traditionally been a strong contender.

Team Korea enters Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center in Harbin, China during the Asian Winter Games ceremony on Feb. 7. [YONHAP]

Host country China introduced themselves last in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and other senior officials.

A series of performances followed and conveyed such ideas as fortune and prosperity sought by athletes in this year’s Asiad.

The ceremony also included a show in which performers wearing various kinds of traditional Asian outfits danced together, embodying the concept that the Asian Games bring every Asian country together.

This is the first time the Asian Winter Games have done so since the end of the 2017 Asiad, as the 2021 tournament was canceled due to Covid-19.

Some athletes have already showcased their skills and talent in the tournament, as multiple sports like ice hockey and curling began a few days prior to the opening ceremony.

Team Korea can secure medals as early as Saturday, when medal contests that they reached begin. The country is competing in all 11 sports this year, including short track speed skating and speed skating, where they have enjoyed great success.

Over 1,200 athletes across from Asia will vie for medals through the end of the competition on Feb. 14.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [[email protected]]