Harbin 2025 will be the pinnacle of winter sports events in Asia, said Raja Randhir Singh, President of the Olympics Council of Asia, at the 100-day countdown event for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin on Wednesday.
Singh said he had visited Harbin during the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996 and was deeply impressed by the city.
"Harbin will become the second city to have hosted two editions of the Asian Winter Games, which will be a significant honor for the city, and also a brilliant milestone in the history of the Asian Winter Games," he said.
Singh highlighted that China has rich experience in hosting major sports events, and Harbin has demonstrated professionalism, efficiency and outstanding work in preparing for the Asian Winter Games.
Singh stated that Harbin 2025 would welcome the highest number of participating countries and regions and athletes in the history of the Asian Winter Games, adding that he had full confidence that Harbin would host a splendid event.
"As the theme 'Dream of Winter, Love among Asia' suggests, this event will be a grand gathering for people across Asia to share the dreams and future of winter sports," he added.
The 9th Asian Winter Games, which will open in Harbin on February 7, 2025, is the first major international ice and snow event hosted by China since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
More than 1,500 athletes from 34 countries and regions have registered to participate in the Games, with the number of participating delegations and athletes expected to reach a record high.