Harbin, China, February 8, 2025: The Senior Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Mr. Timothy Fok, has hailed last night’s opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games as a “new milestone” in the history of the event.
Some 8,000 spectators in the Harbin International Conference Centre were captivated by the beauty and elegance of the opening ceremony, which combined traditional Chinese culture with modern, dynamic elements.
“It was a beautiful spectacle,” said Mr. Fok.
“Not only the graceful performances captivated the audience but also the emphasis on youth and on future generations.
“What particularly impressed me was the parade of athletes. Not only did this display the growth of the Asian Winter Games with a record number of 34 National Olympic Committees taking part in Harbin but also the unity in diversity of athletes from all five zones of the OCA.
“The slogan of the Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 is ‘Dream of Winter, Love among Asia’, and this was on full display in the opening ceremony.”
Mr. Fok also praised the reaction of the audience during the parade of athletes, many of whom wore their distinctive national dress.
“The spectators made everyone feel so welcome in Harbin and greeted the announcement of the delegations with enthusiasm and appreciation. You could really feel the ‘Love among Asia’ during the parade.”
Mr. Fok concluded: “The fact the President of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping, came to Harbin to declare the Asian Winter Games open showed the commitment of China to making the event a big success. It was also an honour to welcome the President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Thomas Bach, to the opening ceremony despite his busy schedule.
“With the lighting of the cauldron by our Olympic champion and IOC Member, Ms. Zhang Hong, in her hometown of Harbin, it really showed the pride of the people in hosting the ninth edition of the Asian Winter Games.
“Overall, with the vibrant and colourful cultural performances, the parade of athletes and the cauldron lighting ceremony in the Harbin Ice and Snow World, the OCA believes this opening ceremony marked a new milestone for the Asian Winter Games. Now it’s time to enjoy the action on ice and snow.”
