Harbin selected as host city for the 2025 Asian Winter Games

by Leandro Lutz • 10.07.2023
Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang in China’s northernmost region, has been announced as the host city for the 9th Asian Winter Games in 2025.

During the 42nd Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly in Bangkok, Thailand, Harbin’s bid presentation received unanimous approval from delegates. Known for its rich history of hosting winter sports events, including the successful organization of the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996, Harbin emerged as the favored choice. The previous edition of the Asian Winter Games took place in Sapporo, Japan, in 2017.

Leading the Harbin bid team were prominent figures such as Chinese Olympic Committee Vice President and IOC Member Yu Zaiqing, Vice Governor of Heilongjiang Province Han Shengjian, Mayor of Harbin Zhang Qixiang, and Winter Olympic gold medalist speed skater Zhang Hong.

Delegates from 45 National Olympic Committees in attendance at the OCA (Olympic Council of Asia) General Assembly were impressed by Harbin’s extensive experience hosting major international winter sports events. Yu Zaiqing expressed complete confidence in Harbin’s ability to deliver an outstanding Asian Winter Games and foster the development of winter sports in China and across Asia. The Chinese Olympic Committee pledged its complete support to Harbin’s endeavors.

“We have excellent winter sports facilities in Harbin, which has previously hosted several events, including the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996, the 10th National Winter Games of China in 2003, and the 24th World University Games in 2009,” remarked COC Vice President Yu Zaiqing in a press release.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Zhang Hong, a native of Harbin and gold medalist in the women’s 1,000m speed skating event at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, expressed confidence in her hometown’s ability to provide an excellent platform for athletes to showcase their skills in 2025.

“I’m a native of Harbin, and this is a city of Olympic champions. I’m confident that my hometown will provide ideal conditions for athletes to achieve their dreams,” Zhang said.

In her presentation, Zhang highlighted that 16 sports facilities would undergo upgrades in preparation for the grand event in 2025. She also emphasized the presence of top-notch infrastructure, including five-star accommodations and a well-established transportation system with an international airport. Harbin’s status as a UNESCO-recognized Music City further adds to its appeal.

Looking ahead, the 10th Asian Winter Games are scheduled to take place in Trojena, Saudi Arabia, in 2029.

Read More: Saudi Arabia will host the Asian Winter Games in 2029

Show sharing buttons

Subscribe to our newsletter

Most read

More Articles

  • Sprint Lenzerheide

    Biathlon World Championships Guide: 7.5km Sprint for women in Lenzerheide

    The Biathlon World Championships continues today in Lenzerheide, Switzerland, with the 7.5km sprint for women. Discover how the race works and who the top contenders for gold are!
    by Kjell-Erik Kristiansen
    14.02.2025
  • Biathlon World Championships: Program, start list and start time for the 7.5km Sprint in Lenzerheide

    by Leandro Lutz
    14.02.2025
  • Falun World Cup: Results from the men’s sprint qualifier

    by Leandro Lutz
    14.02.2025
  • Falun World Cup: Results from the women’s sprint qualifier

    by Leandro Lutz
    14.02.2025
  • Cross-country World Cup: Program, start lists and start times for the Sprint in Falun

    by Leandro Lutz
    14.02.2025