mk 2025 shows a countdown clock for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 hits the 30-day mark on Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Song)" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-01-12/9386902c-9d93-429d-bdff-26e2384d2f73.jpeg" />

Photo taken on Jan. 8, 2025 shows a countdown clock for the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The countdown to the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 hits the 30-day mark on Jan. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Song)

 
The Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games set to begin on February 7 in Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province will see the highest number of athletes take part, the organizing committee revealed at a press conference on Wednesday.

According to the committee, this time the Games has drawn over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia, making this the largest edition of the Games in terms of both participating countries/regions and athletes. 

"More and more Asian countries are beginning to promote winter sports, especially ice and snow sports," Luo Le, a sports commentator based in Beijing, told the Global Times. 

"For Chinese athletes, this means fiercer competition and greater challenges. The overall standard of Asian athletes is improving, which motivates us to pay more attention to detail and innovation in training and preparation, thereby enhancing our overall level."

It was also noted at the press conference that starting from October 2024, a total of 17 test events were organized to ensure the smooth operation of the Games. 

These include seven ice sports events, 10 snow sports events, and one full-scale rehearsal, covering all venues and events scheduled for the Games.

These test events thoroughly assessed venue operations, equipment and facilities, local support, and other areas, identifying potential issues and shortcomings, which allowed the organizing team to make necessary adjustments.

Aside from the test events, 39 hotels, 1,090 support vehicles, 40 daily round-trip high-speed train services between Harbin and the Yabuli competition venues, and more than 600 dedicated medical personnel will work together to provide support for the Asian Winter Games.

A standout of the Games' service support is the establishment of a professional meteorological team, equipped with automatic weather monitoring devices to ensure smooth operations throughout the event.

Tickets for the Games went on sale on January 11, with short track speed skating and figure skating emerging as the most popular events.

The first competition is scheduled for February 3, with China's team making their debut on February 4. The first gold medal will be awarded on the morning of February 8.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the Chinese short track speed skating team, regarded as a powerhouse in winter sports, is aiming for gold at the Games. At a media event held on Tuesday in Beijing, head coach Zhang Jing and the team expressed their determination to fight for gold.

Based on the competition schedule, the first gold medal at the Asian Winter Games is expected to be in the mixed team relay in short track speed skating. "We will do our best, and for every gold and medal within reach, we will strive to achieve it," Zhang said.

Team leader Liu Chenyu explained that the upcoming schedule is tight, with the Asian Winter Games overlapping with the fifth and sixth stops of the World Cup, the latter of which takes place in Milan and provides the athletes with the last opportunity for training before the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

As athletes intensify their preparations, the organizing committee also hopes to provide a holistic experience for spectators during the Games.

The committee shared that during the Games, they will link major tourist attractions, venues, and events to launch 12 premium travel routes, promoting recreational choices like Harbin Ice-Snow World, the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo, and a music concert for the flame lighting ceremony.

"Through one event, you connect with a city," said Wang Hongxin, director of Harbin's Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Department. "Visitors can enjoy Russian-style cuisine at a modern restaurant, participate in the Hongzhuan morning market, and take home souvenirs and gifts from the Asian Winter Games to share the city's blessings with family and friends."

On Monday, the Asian Winter Games flame was successfully lit, and the online torch relay began. On February 3, an offline torch relay will take place, inviting world travelers to visit the city and enjoy winter sports.