Harbin, China, February 11, 2025: The Chair of the Olympic Council of Asia Athletes’ Committee, Ms. Ding Ning, made a visit to the election booth on Tuesday where athletes participating in the Harbin Asian Winter Games were casting their votes for a new winter sports representative on the Athletes’ Committee.
Her presence at the Victories Hotel, which is serving as the Athletes’ Village, energized and encouraged the volunteers assisting with the process.
“I didn’t know the Chair of the OCA Athletes’ Committee was an Olympic champion from Harbin,” said one excited volunteer. “We were thrilled to meet her!”
Ding Ning took time to connect with the volunteers, thanking them for their hard work and support, and also spoke to athletes, highlighting the significance of the election.
“This is more than just selecting a representative; it’s about ensuring winter athletes have a strong voice in the OCA’s decision-making. Their unique perspectives are essential to shaping the future of sports in Asia,” she shared.
The newly elected winter sports athlete representative will advocate for winter sports and ensure that the specific needs and challenges of winter sports athletes are recognized and addressed.
Volunteers described the three-time Olympic table tennis champion’s visit as inspiring, with one noting: “It really made us feel that our role here matters and contributes to something bigger.”
Asia’s National Olympic Committees nominated six candidates for the one place available on the OCA Athletes’ Committee. Athletes can vote from February 8-13, and the candidate with the most votes will be announced on February 14 – the day of the closing ceremony of the 9th AWG.
Ding Ning competed in two Olympic Games - London 2012 and Rio 2016 - winning three gold medals and one silver.
(Source: Jamyang Namgyal, Manager, OCA Athletes’ Department)
