The city of Harbin in northeast China is ready to host the Asian Winter Games for the second time, beginning on Friday. Yu Zaiqing, IOC Member and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, speaks about the impact of the Games on winter sports development, and what legacy they will have on Harbin, China, and the whole sport industry.

YU ZAIQING, IOC Member and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee: "I believe that the Asian Winter Games in Harbin in 1996, almost 30 years ago, marked a significant moment. The current facilities and the overall level have greatly improved. Additionally, the economic, financial, and fiscal capabilities of Harbin and Heilongjiang Province have significantly strengthened, making this a much-anticipated Asian Winter Games."

"Last time, only a handful of NOCs participated, but now 34 NOCs are taking part, which is a significant increase. This demonstrates the role the Games play in promoting and developing winter sports, despite its geographical challenges and climate. Their participation shows how much effort is being put into developing and promoting winter sports."

"When it comes to heritage, there are three aspects: cultural heritage, social heritage, and sports heritage. Cultural heritage refers to the broader cultural context of an event like the Asian Winter Games. It contributes to the larger cultural scope, especially the Olympic spirit and the spirit of sportsmanship, such as perseverance and dedication. This has definitely enhanced the overall cultural development."

"From the perspective of social heritage, hosting the Asian Winter Games requires significant investment in infrastructure, particularly in transportation."

"Lastly, in terms of sports heritage, the increase in the number of people participating in winter sports is a key aspect, along with the improvement of winter facilities and the overall level of sports. This requires investment and will be more evident in winter sports than in other fields."