China opens Winter Asian Games in Harbin

On 7 February, the opening ceremony of the 9th Winter Asian Games is taking place in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, China. More than 1,275 athletes from 34 countries will compete in 64 events across 11 sports.

The programme of the Asiad includes biathlon, alpine skiing, curling, speed skating, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, figure skating, ice hockey, and short track speed skating.

Senior officials from several countries have arrived for the opening of the games, including Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and others. Before the ceremony, President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, hosted a formal reception for foreign delegations, according to CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

The Chinese leader emphasised that this Asiad, held under the slogan "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia," has set a record for the number of participating athletes, countries, and regions. He expressed confidence that Harbin would showcase a unique sporting event with Chinese characteristics and Asian cultural elements.

"Asia is a convergence of the world's diverse civilisations. We should promote inclusiveness, coexistence and mutual learning and contribute more to the development and progress of human civilisation"

Xi Jinping President of China

The opening ceremony is taking place at the Harbin International Exhibition and Sports Centre. The show consists of three segments: the first highlights Harbin and its ice and snow culture, the second focuses on the development of winter sports in China, and the third explores winter sports across Asia. The event also includes the lighting of the flame of the 9th Winter Asian Games.

The Asiad will run until 14 February, with the first gold medal set to be awarded on 8 February.

Photo: China Daily / Xinhua