In just 30 days, the flame of Asian Winter Games will be lighted in Harbin. So far, the Gamespreparation hasentered the final sprint. At the 30-day Countdown Press Conference held on 7 January, Mr Li Guang, Director of the Sports Department, and Deputy Chief Director of the Sport Operations Centreof Harbin Asian Winter Games Organising Committee (HAWGOC), emphasized that meticulous planning and detailed preparation have been made for all aspects of competition organisation.
According to Mr Li, Harbin 2025 will kick offon7 February and conclude on 14 February 2025. Considering the special factorssuch as athletes competing in multiple events, shared competition venues, TV roadcasting, and pre-Gamesopen training sessions, HAWGOC has carefully developed a detailed Competition Schedule. Currently, the General Competition Schedule and Competition Scheduleby Sessionhave been both released. Given the large number of participating teams and extended schedules for ice hockey and curling, these events will begin ahead of the official opening, on 3 and 4 February,respectively, in accordance with the established ractices of international multi-sport events. As a result, the competition period for the Games spans over a total of 12 days. Team Chinawill start itsfirst competition inmixed doubles curling match on 4 February, and the first gold medal of Harbin 2025 is expected to be awarded on the morning of 8 February.
Mr Li also noted that the core competition team for Harbin 2025 consists of domestic and international winter sports professionals. The IFs and AFs have appointed 12 technical delegates and oneassistant technical delegate from China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, among other countries, ringing extensive experience and professional insights from international events. Additionally, HAWGOChas appointed 21 Competition Managersand Deputy Competition Managers, responsible for event organisation. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has assigned 151 International Technical Officials (ITOs) and 685 National Technical Officials (NTOs), the majority of whom have played significant roles in organising the Beijing 2022 OlympicWinter Gameand other national and international sport events. This elite team will leverage their expertise and rich experience to ensure smooth execution of the Games in a fair, just, and professional manner.
Speaking ofthe test events, Mr Li revealed that since September 2024, HAWGOC has planned 14 “DynamicHarbin” test events, covering all competition venues and disciplines. Seven test events, including the National Men’s Ice Hockey Championship, the National Women’s Ice Hockey Championship(U18), and the China Cup Short Track Speed Skating Elite League, have been successfully held. Snow test eventsare also being progressively conducted in the Yabuli Clusteras scheduled. Through these test events, wehave thoroughly inspectedvenue operations, equipment and facilities, local support, command & coordination, and the work of various other FunctionalAreas, and identifiedissues and gaps, with timely adjustments and improvements made bythe competition and venue teams.
“We have carefully planned and prepared competition organisation for Harbin 2025. With relentless efforts, we aim to setan exceptional stagefor the Asianwinter sports athletes to showcase their competitiveness and deliver outstanding performance, and strive to present a spectacular, unforgettable Games for winter sports enthusiasts,” said Mr Li.