Harbin hosts largest-ever Asian Winter Games with 1,275 Athletes

(ECNS) -- The 2025 Asian Winter Games is set to open in Harbin, capital city of northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Friday, marking another grand international winter sports event in Asia held by China following the successful hosting of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

This marks the return of the Asian Winter Games to Harbin after nearly 30 years, with a record-breaking 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and regions registering to compete. Cambodia, Bhutan, and Saudi Arabia will make their debut, while Afghanistan and Bahrain will return to the competition after missing the 2017 edition.

Competing for the third time, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will send seven athletes to participate in alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding. This marks the largest delegation the country has ever sent to the Asian Winter Games.

Kazakhstan has sent a delegation of 137 winter sports athletes to Harbin. Among them, the youngest is just 15 years old, while the oldest is 41. They will compete for a total of 51 medals. This marks Kazakhstan's sixth participation in the Asian Winter Games.Notably, the country achieved an impressive second place in the medal standings at the 1996 Harbin Asian Winter Games.

The Lebanese delegation comprises 17 athletes, marking the largest team in its history. They will compete in five events.

In addition, as strong Asian nations in ice and snow sports, Japan and South Korea have sent 151 and 149 athletes, respectively, to compete in various events such as speed skating, ice hockey, and figure skating.

Harbin is ready to welcome ice and snow athletes from across Asia. They will compete fiercely in the arenas while also experiencing the charm of this ice city beyond the competitions. Just like the theme of “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia”, this grand event will unite efforts to develop the dream and future of winter games across Asia.