Harbin, China, November 2, 2024: The Harbin Asian Winter Games Organising Committee held the 100-day countdown ceremony at Harbin Ice Hockey Arena on October 30.
The venue for the ceremony was particularly significant as the ice hockey arena hosted the opening ceremony of the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996.
The 100-day countdown ceremony unveiled the official medals, torch design and anthem for the upcoming Games, along with a solemn pledge: “We are ready”. There was also an enthusiastic invitation to the world: “Meet you in 2025 for the Asian Winter Games.”
The event was attended by Zhou Jinqiang, Vice President of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 Organising Committee (HAWGOC) and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Zhang Anshun, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee; Yu Hongtao, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Harbin Municipal Committee; as well as provincial and municipal leaders including Han Shengjian, Qian Fuyong, Wang Hesheng, Sun Zhe and Ma Zhiyong.
The celebration kicked off with the inspiring symphony on ice “Asian Mighty Winds”.
Raja Randhir Singh, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, delivered a video message to express his expectations for the upcoming Games. He said the host city had done an impressive job in preparing for the Games, which will run from February 7-14, 2025 with six sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events.
On behalf of the OCA, he wished Harbin 2025 a complete success and the athletes an excellent performance during the Games.
*The front of the medals features a combination of the streamlined shape of a racetrack with the emblem of the 9th Asian Winter Games. The reverse side highlights the beautiful landscape and bountiful resources of Heilongjiang Province and local features of Harbin. It depicts a picturesque landscape of the Yabuli Cluster, with the mountains and forests characteristic of the terrain of the Greater and Lesser Khingan ranges. At the centre, the OCA emblem is embedded with a gem from Heilongjiang - red agate from Xunke. The ribbon clasp at the top of the medal is inspired by the Sun Gate of Sun Island Scenic Area, adding a distinctive local character to the design.
*The torch design is inspired by blooming lilacs, blending culture, technology and natural artistry.
*The anthem “Snow in Harbin” reinforces the theme “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia”. It reflects the host city’s openness and inclusiveness and encourages athletes inspired by the Olympic Motto to perform to their best during the Games.
Harbin expressed the commitment to thoughtful preparations. The short video “Ready for Harbin 2025” briefed participants on the overall preparations from competition organisation, venue operations, catering and accommodation, safety and security to volunteer services.
In the animated film “Let’s Explore Together” featuring city landmarks and mascots, the two cute Siberian tigers “Binbin” and “Nini” served as hosts, warmly inviting friends from all over the world to experience Harbin’s historical and cultural legacy and poetic appeal.
The participants also witnessed the release of the sports programme of Harbin 2025, the travel route during Games-time and transport information, and the launch of the “100 Days, 100 People” promotional event.
A 100-member choir consisting of Olympic champions Zhang Hong, Wang Meng, Han Xiaopeng, Zhang Hui, Han Cong, Qu Chunyu, Zhang Yuting and Zhang Hao as well as local residents presented the symphony chorus “Together with One Heart and Dream”, singing in praise of the cherished vision of a community with a shared future for mankind.
