Tonight, February 7, the 9th Asian Winter Games officially kicked off in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province in Northeast China. In a groundbreaking display of innovation, the opening (and later, closing) ceremonies were held simultaneously at two venues—the main event at the Harbin International Exhibition Center and the secondary show at Harbin Ice and Snow World, the world’s largest ice and snow theme park.
Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the ceremony and declared the Games open, joined by dignitaries including the King of Brunei, the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and the Speaker of the Korean National Assembly
The ceremony began at 8:00 PM local time and was organized under the theme “Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia.” The 80-minute spectacle was divided into two segments—a 50-minute formal segment followed by 30 minutes of artistic performance and the torch lighting ceremony. Luong Hue Linh, the Governor of Heilongjiang Province, emphasized during her remarks that the organizers aimed to deliver a simple, safe, and enjoyable event that would showcase a vibrant winter sports festival imbued with Chinese character and Asian style. For primary school students, “vibrant” means full of bright colors and energy, while “imbued” means filled with a special quality or feeling.
The performance was structured in three parts. The first segment, set against the backdrop of Harbin’s famed ice city, narrated a story of spiritual strength and a passionate love for winter culture. The second segment expanded the narrative to the whole of China, focusing on the nation’s winter sports and the enthusiastic support of its people. In the final part, the ceremony celebrated Asia as a whole by highlighting the bonds of friendship and the spirit of collective progress toward a common winter dream. Cutting-edge digital technologies—including augmented reality (AR), naked-eye 3D visuals, and digital AI effects—were seamlessly blended with live performances to create an enchanting, almost otherworldly atmosphere
At the secondary venue, the torch lighting ceremony unfolded amid cheers from thousands of onlookers. The sacred flame for the 2025 Asian Winter Games was ignited on a specially designed podium at the heart of Harbin Ice and Snow World, symbolizing hope, unity, and the enduring spirit of winter sports. This moment marked the start of a record-setting Games that have drawn more than 1,270 athletes from 34 Asian countries and territories, including first-time participants from Cambodia and Saudi Arabia.
Among the competing nations, Vietnam’s delegation is small—only three members—with Duong Truong Lap as the sole athlete representing the country at this prestigious event. The Games will continue until February 14 and feature an extensive program comprising 32 skating events in Harbin and 32 skiing events at Yabuli, spanning six sports, 11 disciplines, and 64 events in total. As the 9th Asian Winter Games unfold, the blend of tradition, modern technology, and international camaraderie promises to deliver an unforgettable celebration of winter sports on the Asian stage
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