The excitement is building! 🎉 The ninth Asian Winter Games officially kicks off this Friday, February 7, in Harbin—but the energy was already sky-high as the torch relay blazed through the city on Monday. With over 1,270 athletes from 34 nations and regions set to compete, this year’s event is breaking records as the largest edition yet! 🌏❄️
A total of 120 torchbearers, ranging from a 16-year-old rising star to an 83-year-old legend, carried the flame past Harbin’s iconic landmarks. Leading the charge was Shen Xue, the iconic figure skater who snagged gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and holds four consecutive Asian Winter Games titles with partner Zhao Hongbo. 🛷💫
The relay also featured sports heroes like speed skating world champion Luo Zhihuan and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics gold medalist Sui Wenjing. Meanwhile, the 2025 Asian Winter Games got its first taste of action with ice hockey matches, while mixed doubles curling made its debut on Tuesday. 🏒🥌
Mark your calendars: The Opening Ceremony is set to dazzle on Friday, and competitions will run through February 14. Whether you’re a sports junkie or just here for the vibes, this winter showdown promises thrills, chills, and history in the making! ⏳✨
