Chinese freestyle skiing superstar and Olympic gold medalist Gu Ailing announced on Tuesday that she had to withdraw from the competition of the upcoming Harbin Asian Winter Games due to a series of recent injuries.

In a post on the Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, Gu, also known as Eileen Gu, said she has no choice but to announce with a heavy heart that she has to withdraw from the Harbin Asian Winter Games, which she has long been looking forward to.

"After I was injured in the Aspen X Games, I got back to training to prepare for the World Cup events and unfortunately got injured again," she wrote. "I wish all the best for the Chinese athletes. And I will also closely follow the doctors' recovery and treatment plan so I can be back in the action before the competition season ends."

As a member of China's delegation to the Games held in Harbin, capital of Northeast China's Heilongjiang province from Feb 7 to 14, the 21-year-old is expected to take part in the freeski halfpipe event as well as one or both of the freeski slopestyle and Big Air events.

Previously, she became the first freestyle skier to win three medals which took place at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. Additionally, Gu is a three-time Winter X Games champion and two-time world champion. And people have high hopes to see her snatch golds for Team China in the upcoming Games.

Gu withdrew before freeski halfpipe and big air events at the Winter X Games held in Aspen, Colorado, the United States after sustaining an injury in a bad fall in the earlier street style competition on Jan 24.

"I'm okay but unable to walk at this point in time due to some really aggressive bruising on that last crash," she posted on her social media. "To be completely honest, my mental and physical tanks hit zero yesterday. I was planning on pulling out two nights ago but challenged myself to get through the practices and to stay in the contests for the love of the game and as a mental strength exercise".

On Jan 28, Gu withdrew from competition of the US Grand Prix also held in Aspen following a crash during training.

As the eldest torchbearer for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, 83-year-old Luo Zhihuan was thrilled to take part in the torch relay on Monday.

"I was nervous but ecstatic to become a torchbearer for the Games in my hometown," said Luo, China's first winter sports world champion.

He was among the 120 torchbearers, who ranged in age from 16 to 83 and represented the various industries and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Games.

"It's a relay of the Olympic spirit from the older generation to the next generation, and I hope our young athletes can vie for the best results at the Games," Luo said.

Luo himself is among the pioneers of China's winter sports development and has had a huge impact on generations of winter sports athletes.

In 1963, Luo won the men's 1,500-meter event at the World Speed Skating Championship in Nagano, Japan, marking China's first world championship gold medal in winter sports.

The relay on Monday, which featured an 11-kilometer journey across the city, set off from the famous Chinese-Baroque historical and cultural block in the city's Daowai district.

Xu Qin, Party secretary of- Heilongjiang, lit the torch from a cauldron at a launch ceremony and announced the start of the relay.

The first torchbearer was 47-year-old Shen Xue, who won China's first pairs figure skating gold medal with partner Zhao Hongbo at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics — a major breakthrough for Chinese figure skating.

The torchbearers passed through landmarks such as the century-old Binzhou Railway Bridge, Zhaolin Park, which is known for its ice and snow art, the renowned Central Avenue, the Flood Control Memorial Tower and Nine Stations Park, where Harbin residents enjoy snow and ice leisure activities.

Torchbearer Liang Xiaosheng, a renowned writer and a professor at Beijing Language and Culture University, said: "I've been looking forward to this day since the invitation came. Relying on its abundant winter resources, Harbin has already become a popular tourism destination, and it is buzzing with more excitement as the Games are coming.

"Moreover, I hope that following this opportunity, cultural and tourism activities in the three northeastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang can be linked together, which will be very encouraging for us in Harbin," he added.

Yao Lijun, a successful entrepreneur who was born in Harbin, said he hoped his hometown will attract more investments and develop further after the Games.

"I felt quite honored to become a torchbearer for the Games," said Yao, president of Ningbo Konfoong Materials International Co in Zhejiang province.

"I hope that entrepreneurs from all over the world can come to Heilongjiang to invest and make my hometown better."

The closing ceremony was held at Daoli district's Snowman Square, a popular cultural and tourism landmark.

The Games, which will open on Friday and run through Feb 14, will see the largest representation of Asian countries and regions in history, with 34 confirming participation.

DUBAI -- The UAE National Olympic Committee on Sunday announced the country's participation in the 9th Asian Winter Games, which will be held in Harbin, China, from February 7 to 14.

This marks the UAE's third participation in the Asian Winter Games and the largest delegation to date. Athletes will compete in three disciplines: alpine skiing, freestyle skiing and snowboarding.

The UAE first participated in the Asian Winter Games in 2011, competing in ice hockey in Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan. Its second appearance came in 2017 in Sapporo, Japan, where it expanded its involvement to include both ice hockey and figure skating.

This year, the UAE will be represented by seven athletes - six males and one female. The delegation will showcase the UAE's growing presence in winter sports on the Asian stage.

The UAE National Olympic Committee expressed confidence in the athletes' preparation, emphasizing their dedication to enhancing the nation's profile in international winter sports events.

The torch relay for the 9th Asian Winter Games will kick off on Monday morning in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, according to a news conference on Sunday.

A total of 120 torchbearers, ranging from 16 to 83 years old, will participate in the torch relay,representing various industries and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Games.

Covering approximately 11 kilometers, the relay will start at the famous Zhonghua Baroque Historical and Cultural Blocks in the city's Daowai district.

The route will pass through landmarks such as the century-old Binzhou Railway Bridge, the famous Zhaolin Park known for its ice and snow art, the renowned Central Avenue, the Flood Control Memorial Tower and the Nine Stations Park, where Harbin residents enjoy snow and ice leisure activities.

The closing ceremony will be held at the popular cultural and tourism landmark - the Snowman Square in Daoli district, a must-visit spot for both domestic and international tourists in the city.

HARBIN - As preparations for the ninth Asian Winter Games in Harbin enter the final stretch, public enthusiasm for winter sports in the "Ice City" has reached a new peak.

This marks the second time the northeastern Chinese city hosts the event, following its staging of the third edition in 1996.

Bai Zhiguo, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee and director of the Harbin Sports Bureau, said that over 300 mass winter sports events are scheduled this winter, attracting tourists from home and abroad.

He added that the city has designed 10 themed travel routes under the title "Travel with the Games," linking Asian Winter Games competition venues with winter sports activities and tourist attractions.

Wang Keshuai, deputy director of the Yabuli competition venue, noted that in addition to the 32 official events during the Games, the venue will also host more than 20 professional and mass events, aiming to boost Yabuli's reputation.

He emphasized that actively hosting high-level ice and snow competitions helps accelerate infrastructure upgrades and diversify the range of winter tourism products.

The ninth Asian Winter Games will take place in Harbin from Feb. 7 to 14. Over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will participate, making this edition the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.

HARBIN - A new batch of tickets for the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games will go on sale at 3 pm on Saturday, according to the organizers.

The initial batch of tickets has been available since January 11 for the public and major clients including the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) family members, national and regional Olympic committees, athletes, broadcasters, and sponsors.

As the Games approaches, the organizers announced that refunded tickets and those not claimed by major clients within the validity period will be released for public sale.

Tickets on sale include 94 sessions of ice events, including ice hockey, speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating, and curling. Starting at the same time on Saturday, tickets for all 12 sessions of snow events, including cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing aerials, and half-pipe, will also be available for free. However, spectators will need to reserve them on a first-come, first-served basis.

Purchases for ice event tickets and reservations for snow events can be completed on the official ticketing website (https://tickets.harbin2025.com) or via the official WeChat ticketing mini-program. Ticket offices at the ice event venues are set to begin operations on Saturday.

The first event of the Games is scheduled to begin on Monday with ice hockey, before the opening ceremony on February 7. The Games will conclude on February 14.

Over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will compete, making this edition of the Winter Games the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.

HARBIN -- With a week to go before the opening ceremony of the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, the Main Media Center (MMC) was officially put into operation on Friday.

Located in the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center, the MMC consists of the Main Press Center (MPC) and the International Broadcasting Center (IBC).

The volunteers in the MMC have been ready to provide language and guiding services for registered media and broadcasters, and the foreign currency exchange outlets in the venue are also available. At the official merchandise store of the 9th Asian Winter Games, various kinds of souvenirs including the adorable tiger mascots "Binbin" and "Nini" of Harbin 2025 are eye-catching.

"The MMC will be in 24-hour operation with a full coverage of the IPTV, or Internet Protocol TV, during the Games," introduced Lyu Zhuangzhi, media operation director of the MMC.

The MPC comprises press conference room, online news center, and workrooms of the media including Xinhua, the host news agency of the event. In addition, the MPC also displayed the torches of the past editions of the Asian Winter Games and exhibited calligraphy and painting works with the theme of Harbin 2025.

Also on Friday, the Athletes' Village besides the MMC and the Mountain Media Center for snow events in Yabuli began to operate officially.

The first match of the Harbin Asian Winter Games will kick off on Monday in ice hockey before the opening ceremony on Feb 7. The Games will conclude on Feb 14.

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HARBIN - In the northeast corner of China, Heilongjiang province boasts rich ice and snow resources, and winter sports here have a profound tradition and continue to shine on the world stage.

Up to now, athletes from Heilongjiang have contributed 13 of China's 22 Winter Olympic gold medals.

On February 7, the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games will be held in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang. More than 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will compete, making this edition of the Winter Games the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.

As the hometown of a number of Winter Olympic champions, including speed skater Zhang Hong and figure skating pair Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, Harbin also hosted the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996, and has staged several editions of China's National Winter Games.

In Harbin, many outstanding skaters have emerged since the city's figure skating team was founded in the 1950s. Harbin native Yao Bin, who was part of China's first generation of figure skaters, became a coach after retiring from competition, and cultivated the 2010 Winter Olympic champions Shen and Zhao, as well as elite pairs Pang Qing and Tong Jian, and Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao.

At the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Sui Wenjing and Han Cong, who were also born in Harbin, topped the podium in pairs figure skating. 29-year-old Sui is currently preparing for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics with a new partner, as Han announced his retirement in 2023 due to injury.

"Just like figure skating in Harbin, many other cities in Heilongjiang have their own prominent events with a long history to boost the overall development of winter sports," said Zhuang Shichao, deputy director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Sports Bureau.

In the 1970s, Meng Qingyu, then a coal miner in Heilongjiang's Qitaihe, stood out in a local skating competition, through which he earned the opportunity to become a skating coach in the municipal sports committee. The first task for Meng was to set up a skating team in Qitaihe.

Despite an open-air ice rink and tough conditions, Meng and his team never wavered in their dedication to improving their skills. Instructed by Meng, Zhang Jie was selected into China's national team and won the short track speed skating women's 3,000m relay gold together with teammates at the 1991 FISU Winter University Games.

Zhang was the first world champion from Qitaihe, before Yang Yang, Wang Meng, Sun Linlin and Fan Kexin, who were all proteges of Meng and won short track speed skating golds at the Winter Olympics.

Meng passed away in 2006 after a traffic accident, but his team members, including Zhang, took over the responsibility to cultivate more talents in speed skating.

In the west of Heilongjiang, Qiqihar formed its first ice hockey team in the 1950s. As one of the first cities in China to play the sport, Qiqihar has staged an ice hockey festival each January since 2017 and organizes ice hockey events all year round.

Currently, four skating ovals and over 200 outdoor ice rinks in Qiqihar are open to citizens, while more than 100 ice hockey teams at the city's primary and middle schools ensure a considerable depth of talent.

"Other cities in Heilongjiang such as Yichun, Hegang, and Jixi feature curling, Alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing," said Zhuang, adding, "The upcoming Asian Winter Games will further promote the development of winter sports with a history of over seven decades in Heilongjiang."

HARBIN -- With just over a week to go until the opening of the 9th Asian Winter Games, the streets of Harbin are alive with both the festive spirit of Spring Festival and growing excitement for the upcoming sporting event.

At the Harbin Ice-Snow World, a theme park dedicated to the Asian Winter Games, visitors are treated with a spectacular drone show celebrating the Chinese New Year. The park also features a variety of ice sculptures with festive themes, including a carp symbolizing prosperity and the Chinese character Fu (meaning good fortune) carved in ice.

The world's largest ice park showcases ice sculptures of landmarks from various member countries and regions of the Olympic Council of Asia, as well as snow sculptures depicting different winter sports.

"We decided to spend our holidays in Harbin this year," said Sui Aiwen, a tourist from Shanghai. "Asian Winter Games elements included in the Ice-Snow World have made us more excited about the opening ceremony in a few days."

Harbin has seen surging enthusiasm for ice and snow activities ahead of the Games.

On the morning of January 28, 10-year-old Huang Zitian and his father arrived at a local park to enjoy the snow. The park's natural snow slopes, a popular winter attraction for locals, were bustling with people. "Engaging in winter sports is also a way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. We are really looking forward to the Asian Winter Games," said Huang's father, Huang Wen.

During the Spring Festival holiday, many streets in Harbin are adorned with blue snowflake-shaped lights featuring the Asian Winter Games emblem. The entrances of shops are decorated with red couplets, creating a striking contrast between red and blue that highlights the festive ambiance.

Preparations for the Asian Winter Games continued on the Chinese New Year's Eve. On January 28, the Games' media village officially opened.

The New Paris Hotel, located on Zhongshan Road in Harbin, is one of the designated media reception hotels. Inside, red lanterns and festive couplets contribute to a vibrant New Year atmosphere.

"The opening of the media village coincides with the Chinese New Year's Eve, and we are eagerly anticipating the Asian Winter Games. All preparations have been completed, and we will welcome the first group of journalists on January 30," said Geng Chunyu, media service manager of the New Paris Hotel operations team.

To accommodate international journalists, the hotel has arranged for volunteers proficient in multiple languages. A media service desk has been set up in the hotel lobby, where staff are to make final arrangements for check-ins.

Final preparations for the Games are in full swing during the Spring Festival celebration.

"As we celebrate the Chinese New Year, we are also eagerly awaiting the opening of the Games, which is truly exciting," said Zhao Lihong, deputy director of the New Paris Hotel venue.

China Eastern Airlines officially launched seven arrivals and departures service centers at airports in six major Chinese cities on Monday. The initiative aims to provide enhanced services to air travelers during the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, scheduled to begin on Feb 7, 2025, in Harbin, the capital of China's northernmost Heilongjiang province.

Formally known as the arrivals and departures service desks, the centers are located at airports in Harbin, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an of Shaanxi province, Guangzhou of Guangdong province and Urumqi of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, according to the Shanghai-based airline.

As the official aviation service partner for the event, China Eastern will operate the service centers until Feb 17, covering the Asian Winter Games, scheduled from Feb 7 to Feb 14. The airline anticipates the first peak of the special services around Jan 31, with daily service reception volumes likely to exceed 100 passengers.

In addition to the arrivals and departures services, China Eastern has boosted flight transfer support. More than 100 staff members have been deployed at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of the country's largest aviation hubs by inbound and outbound traveling volume, to offer multilingual assistance at Terminal 1 and the satellite terminal.

It is also worth mentioning that the opening of this year's Asian Winter Games coincides with the Spring Festival travel rush, which began on Jan 14 and will last until Feb 22. To address the increased demand, China Eastern will introduce special guidance services for passengers with urgent transfer needs. International travelers with transit times under 80 minutes and domestic travelers with transit times under 60 minutes will receive personalized guidance to ensure a smooth travel experience.

HARBIN -- As the 9th Asian Winter Games draw near, the host city of Harbin, known for its stunning ice sculptures and deep-rooted winter sports culture, is brimming with anticipation. Among the treasures the capital city of Heilongjiang province holds, the remarkable personal collection of Liu Chang is especially impressive.

Housed in the Baroque Museum within the city's historic cultural district, Liu's collection captures the essence of winter sports in China, spanning decades of history and marking pivotal moments in the nation's sporting evolution.

A passion turns into a lifelong pursuit

Born in 1965 to Liu Zhongqian, a former speed skating coach of 1959 World Speed Skating Championships silver medalist Yang Jucheng, Liu Chang's fascination with winter sports began at the age of six. "Growing up in Harbin, winter sports were a part of my life," Liu Chang reflected.

At 17, Liu began working in the local sports system, and that's when he started his collection - initially focusing on stamps.

"When I was young, we didn't have many toys, so I collected stamps. It was a way to learn about the world, about history, and it allowed me to connect with my passion for sports. I started collecting Olympic-themed stamps, especially those featuring winter sports," Liu recalled, adding that even with his modest salary of just 30 yuan a month, he would empty his pocket money on rare stamps.

Liu's collection expanded rapidly in the 1980s, after the Harbin Stamp Collecting Association was founded. Nearly every weekend, he would attend stamp exhibitions held at the Workers' Cultural Palace.

To deepen his knowledge, Liu began reading books and newspapers, and traveling to antique markets across the country.

Over the course of more than four decades, Liu managed to gather a treasure trove of items, including rare memorabilia from every Winter Olympics, starting with the 1924 Winter Olympics in Chamonix and spanning all the way to the most recent 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

The collections vary widely, from Olympic medals to old event tickets, and even ice skating shoes that date back to the 1950s. "I've collected items from all over the country, from markets in Beijing, Shenyang, Changchun and Jinzhou. Each piece tells a story about the history of winter sports in our region," Liu said.

Bearing witness to China's sporting milestones

One of the most fascinating parts of Liu's collection is a series of ice skates made by the Heilongjiang Ice Skate Factory, which he painstakingly collected from various markets. These skates, produced in the 1950s, represent the rise of speed skating in China.

Many of the ice skates were made in Heilongjiang, which played a pivotal role in the development of ice sports in China. The factory, which started in 1951 as the Heilongjiang Hardware Factory, eventually became the Heilongjiang Ice Skate Factory. In 2015, after being dormant for over a decade, the factory was revived and continued to produce high-quality ice skating gear.

In 1990, Liu Chang and four fellow collectors traveled overnight by train to Beijing for the Asian Games, where they attended the 11th Asian Games Sport PHILEX'90 Beijing.

This was China's first major international sports event, and Liu seized the opportunity to purchase rare collectibles, spending over 1,000 yuan on commemorative items. Liu remembers the exhibition's vast scale - about the size of three or four basketball courts - and its significance as Asia's largest stamp event at the time.

One of the highlights of Liu's collection is a set of commemorative gold coins from the third Asian Winter Games in 1996, which Harbin hosted. This was the first time China had hosted the event, and Harbin's role as the host city marked a milestone in the development of winter sports in the country.

Liu, who had been deeply involved in supporting the athletes during the Games, remembers the excitement at the time. "It was an incredible experience," he noted, "The atmosphere was electric. The city was buzzing with excitement, and it felt like everyone was a part of the Games."

Liu's memories of the 1996 Games stand in stark contrast to the Harbin of today. Back then, athletes trained outdoors in freezing temperatures as the city had limited winter sports infrastructure.

However, the 1996 Asian Winter Games laid the foundation for the development of modern sports venues in Harbin. "The facilities were basic back then, but we made do. The Games were a turning point for winter sports in China. It was the beginning of a new era," Liu said.

A new Harbin is ready for Asian Winter Games

Nearly three decades later, Harbin is once again preparing to host the Asian Winter Games, while this time, the city boasts world-class venues and an international atmosphere.

The 2025 Games are expected to be the largest in history, with over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions to participate. Harbin has transformed into a symbol of China's growing commitment to winter sports, with a modern airport connected to major global cities and an extensive high-speed rail network ensuring smooth travel for athletes and spectators alike.

Today, Harbin is also a microcosm of China's growing passion for ice and snow sports. On the Songhua River, new and exciting ice activities are continuously introduced, becoming part of everyday life. Meanwhile, skiing enthusiasts from all corners of the country flock to Yabuli during holidays to experience the thrill and excitement of skiing.

For Liu, the thrill of collecting continues, but today's landscape is different from decades ago. He no longer has to travel far and wide to find items for his collection. With official merchandise stores selling Binbin and Nini mascot toys, Liu can easily access memorabilia right in his hometown, Harbin.

HARBIN -- Harbin's newly renovated and upgraded Huaqi Hotel will officially open on Monday to welcome athletes and officials for the 9th Asian Winter Games.

The Huaqi Hotel, located in the same complex as the Main Media Center and the venues for the opening and closing ceremonies, will serve as the Athletes' Village for the ice sports competitions.

Built in 2005, the Huaqi Hotel has 41 floors and 625 rooms. In preparation for the Asian Winter Games, the hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation, including the replacement of the elevators.

Under the guidance of Ma Ning, the executive deputy director of the hotel, reporters were shown to the athletes' rooms which featured welcome cards, mascot standees and traditional cultural art pieces.

"To create a comfortable living environment for the athletes, we've brought in elements of the Asian Winter Games. For athletes who are taller, we've also prepared extra platforms at the end of the beds," Ma said.

During the Games, more than 900 athletes and accompanying officials will stay at the hotel, with the first athletes to check in on Monday. During the Chinese New Year, both bedrooms and public areas will be decorated with Chinese New Year elements like the Chinese character "Fu", which means happiness, to create a festive atmosphere.

To meet the diverse dietary needs of athletes from across Asia, Wang Gang, the hotel's executive chef, has prepared over 100 dishes with his colleagues, offering a variety of flavors to cater to different culinary traditions.

During the Winter Games, a clinic in the Athletes' Village will also provide medical support for athletes.

"The clinic has dozens of medical staff from the Harbin Medical University Affiliated Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine," said manager Pan Yu. "Many of the doctors have studied abroad, and they can integrate international perspectives and advanced medical concepts into their daily practice, offering the latest healthcare services for the athletes."

"Because of the high-intensity of winter sports competitions, athletes often need relaxation and recovery after competitions, so we've also added traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture and massage to help athletes relieve fatigue and refresh themselves," Pan added.

In addition to these services, the Athletes' Village also features a gym, a licensed merchandise shop, and an anti-doping testing station.

BEIRUT -- Lebanon's winter sports athletes expressed their great excitement about competing in the 2025 Asian Winter Games from February 7 to 14 in Harbin, China.

"I have a feeling it will be exciting and an awesome experience," said cross-country skier Karen Succar, 17.

"I'm eager to explore the country, see the ski tracks, and see how they organize competitions. I also look forward to immersing myself in a new culture, meeting people, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere. From the images I've seen, China looks breathtaking."

Paul Keyrouz, 36, who will take part in cross-country skiing and biathlon, was equally enthused about competing in Harbin.

"This is my first time in China, a vast and highly developed country known for its rich history, breathtaking mountains, and snowy landscapes. I'm thrilled to explore and experience its culture," he said.

"I have great confidence in the Chinese people-their intelligence, innovation, and technological advancements are remarkable. It will be fascinating to witness these firsthand, especially aspects we don't often see in Lebanon. China excels in many fields, particularly sports, making this an entirely new and enriching experience."

Raymond Succar, head of Lebanon's delegation, praised China's excellence in organizing international events. "China is renowned for its flawless organization of major events, and I am eager to witness this again. With vast financial and human resources, precision and efficiency are always remarkable."

He added, "What draws me to China is its relentless pursuit of excellence on the global stage. The country is constantly evolving, never settling until its goals are achieved. What impresses me most is sports' significant role in Chinese society, reflecting their commitment to discipline, progress, and national pride."

A record 17 athletes will represent Lebanon across five disciplines - Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering.

Karen Succar expressed her pride in representing her country and emphasized the friendship among Lebanese skiers. "The Lebanon ski community is so special. All the athletes are very supportive of each other. We all want the best for our teammates," she said.

For his part, Keyrouz said: "We have to do our best despite the tough situation this year, both financially and in terms of snow. Our morale is not too high, but we must push forward."

Meanwhile, Raymond Succar highlighted the significance of this year's participation. "This is the biggest Lebanese delegation in international games. Competing in five disciplines is a milestone for Lebanon, especially given the difficult circumstances in the country," he said.

For years, Lebanon was primarily represented in Alpine skiing. However, with the rise of athletes like Samer Tawk, the country has expanded its presence in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Cross-country skiing remains underdeveloped in Lebanon compared to Alpine skiing. "Very few people do cross-country skiing here, and the infrastructure is limited. We need specialized snow tracks and more professional training schools," Keyrouz said, noting the challenges facing professional skiers in Lebanon, such as limited financial capabilities and a lack of snow.

"We trained in Croatia and Bulgaria in the summer through the federation, but much of the preparation was done individually due to financial constraints," he explained.

Karen said that Lebanon's lack of snow pushed athletes to adapt their training routines by relying on roller skiing, cycling, and running. She added that the conflict in Lebanon has taken a toll on skiers both mentally and physically.

According to Raymond Succar, funding remains one of the biggest obstacles for Lebanese athletes. "To compete internationally, athletes must travel extensively, but our federation has limited resources. The government does not provide financial support, so we rely on personal efforts and the Lebanese Olympic Committee," he explained.

Despite financial struggles, the Lebanese Ski Federation continues to train and support athletes, working alongside ski schools, the Lebanese Army, and dedicated parents, he said.

Led by six Beijing 2022 Olympic champions, China's 257-strong Asian Winter Games delegation is primed to do the country proud while promoting unity and friendship across the continent.

With two weeks to go before the 9th Asian Winter Games open in Harbin, Heilongjiang province on Feb 7, the host delegation has vowed to go all out to compete for the best possible athletic results in all 64 medal events at the sporting gala, relying on a blend of youth and experience along with its balanced prowess in ice and snow sports.

Also high on Team China's agenda is to promote integrity and sportsmanship, while further spurring public interest in ice and snow sports activities based on the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, said Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport of China.

"The Harbin Asian Winter Games have presented us another opportunity to demonstrate the huge progress our country has made in winter sports promotion, and a great occasion to test our athletes ahead of the next Winter Olympics in 2026," Gao said during the delegation unveiling ceremony on Friday.

"Our athletes should not only strive for performance-based gold medals, but also make sure that all the medals are earned cleanly with meticulous efforts against doping," Gao added.

The largest-ever Chinese delegation in history of the Winter Asiad comprises 170 athletes, including 48 who have competed at the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022. Meanwhile, 147 athletes are making their debut at the continental ice and snow sports gala.

Six Beijing 2022 gold medalists — Gu Ailing, Xu Mengtao and Qi Guangpu in freestyle skiing, Gao Tingyu in speed skating, Fan Kexin and Liu Shaoang in short-track speedskating — are expected to bolster the host's medal ambitions in Harbin, a renowned winter tourism destination in Northeast China, which also hosted the Games' third edition in 1996.

A record number of 34 countries and regions have registered more than 1,270 athletes in total to compete at the Harbin Games, where the host is expected to meet fierce challenges from the Republic of Korea, Japan and Kazakhstan in highly competitive events, such as short-track speedskating, snowboarding and ice hockey.

As the final multisports international event before the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, the Harbin Games will serve as an invaluable "dress rehearsal" for the Chinese delegation to gear up for the ultimate test at the Olympics, said athletes and coaches.

"Our goal is to go for every gold medal up for grabs, and use the experience of competing in Harbin to boost our chances for the 2026 Olympics," said Zhang Jing, head coach of China's decorated short-track speedskating team.

Should it happen as scheduled, the Harbin Games' first gold medal is expected to be decided on the morning of Feb 8 in short-track mixed 2,000-meter relay, where the Chinese squad will have to fend off strong competition from the ROK — one of the world's best programs in the sport — to get the host off to a scintillating start.

"We'll give it our all and aim to hear our national anthem played at every event," said veteran short-track speed skater Fan, who will compete at the Winter Asiad for a third time in Harbin.

"Competing on home ice gives me even more motivation and energy, especially during Spring Festival," said Fan, a native of Heilongjiang.

Star skier Gu, who shot to fame at Beijing 2022 by winning two gold medals, will also compete for the first snow-sport gold on offer in the women's freestyle halfpipe at Yabuli, a ski resort cluster about 200 kilometers from downtown Harbin, later that same morning.

To help Chinese athletes gear up for the Games, the delegation has hired 20 foreign coaches and trainers from 11 countries, including the United States, Canada, Russia and New Zealand, to make sure that Chinese athletes improve their tactics, plays and routines up to the highest international standards.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

BEIJING - China on Friday unveiled a 257-member delegation, including 170 athletes, for the upcoming Harbin Asian Winter Games from Feb 7 to 14.

Comprising 85 men and 85 women, the squad is headlined by six Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic champions: Gu Ailing, Xu Mengtao, Qi Guangpu, Gao Tingyu, Fan Kexin and Liu Shaoang.

Their average age is 23, with the group ranging from a 40-year-old veteran to a 16-year-old newcomer. They will compete in 64 events across six sports, as Harbin - capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province - hosts the Games for the second time since 1996.

Gao Zhidan, director of China's General Administration of Sport, underscored the importance of striving not only for performance-based gold medals but also for those reflecting moral integrity, sportsmanship and clean competition. He emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to doping, insisting on meticulous measures to ensure foolproof anti-doping efforts.

"Every day of training focuses on building our willpower and character, so when the important competitions come, we can present a positive and upbeat mindset," said Fan, who is eager to compete in her third Asian Winter Games. "We'll give it our all and aim to hear the national anthem played for every event."

"Competing at home gives me even more motivation and energy, especially during the Spring Festival," added the Heilongjiang native.

As the final international multi-sport event before the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the Harbin Games serve as a valuable training opportunity for the Chinese squad.

Zhang Jing, head coach of the national short track speed skating team, said, "Our goal is to compete for every gold medal. In the lead-up to the Games, our training will become more practical and focus more on details, and we will also implement specific strategies to address our Asian competitors."

According to the Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee, a record 34 countries and regions will participate in Harbin 2025, represented by 1,275 athletes - 128 more than the previous high of 1,147 at the 2017 Sapporo Games.

HARBIN - The Sports Department of the Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee (HAWGOC) has announced that 34 countries and regions will participate in Harbin 2025 from Feb 7-14.

The figure marks an increase of four countries and regions compared to the previous record set at the 8th Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, in 2017, where 30 Asian countries and regions, alongside two other guest countries from Oceania - Australia and New Zealand - made up a total of 32 participating delegations.

Additionally, the 34 countries and regions set to compete in Harbin will be represented by 1,275 athletes, an increase of 128 athletes over the previous high of 1,147 athletes at the Sapporo Games.

Of the 1,275 athletes, 755 are male and 520 are female. Among them, 847 athletes (513 male, 334 female) will compete in ice events in Harbin, while 428 athletes (242 male, 186 female) will compete in snow events in Yabuli.

"Harbin 2025 is expected to host the largest number of participating NOCs and athletes in the history of the Asian Winter Games, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for winter sports across Asia and the attention garnered by Harbin 2025," said Li Guang, Director of the Sports Department and Deputy Chief Director of the Sport Operations Centre of HAWGOC, at a recent press conference.

"Spectacular competitions are crucial to the success of a sports event. HAWGOC is sparing no efforts in competition organization to present a spectacular winter sports gala for spectators across Asia and the world," he added.

The Train D8003 left the Harbin Railway Station in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, at 11:05 am on Monday for Yabuli West Station, marking the launch of the dedicated railway line for the 9th Asian Winter Games.

China Railway Harbin Group has formulated a designated transportation plan for the event, which will be held from Feb 7 to 14, adding six high-speed trains from Harbin to Yabuli West Station and six regular trains from Harbin to Yabuli South Station.

At the same time, the group arranged up to 51 high-speed trains stopping at Yabuli West Station, with a minimum interval of seven minutes between the trains connecting the competition areas and a travel time as short as about one hour and 2 minutes.

Additionally, to facilitate the travel for athletes, event staff and media reporters, the group has set up special ticket windows and dedicated waiting areas at designated stations such as Harbin Railway Station, Harbin West Station and Yabuli West Station.

A team of one hundred dedicated service personnel have assembled and undergone comprehensive professional training to enhance their service capabilities.

The dedicated railway line chose new high-altitude Fuxing intelligent technology-enhanced electrical units, which have made breakthroughs and improvements in intelligence and user-friendliness, providing a more comfortable travel experience.

The flame for the 9th Asian Winter Games was lit Monday at the Sun Island Scenic Area in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, marking the start of an 18-day countdown to the event.

Harbin, which previously hosted the Games in 1996, will hold the event from Feb 7 to 14, leveraging its extensive winter sports facilities and experience from nearly three decades ago.

The tradition of flame collection, an important ritual with roots in the Olympic Games of ancient Greece, represents the inheritance of the Olympic spirit and symbolizes light, peace and unity.

During the ceremony, nine envoys, walking in procession, successfully lit the flame on a torch in front of the Sun Stone, a landmark of the scenic area.

"The flame is collected from the sun," said Wang Zheng, chief director of the ceremony. "The ceremony emphasizes harmony between humans and nature."

Wang said the stage design focused on respecting the natural environment while showcasing Harbin's unique ice and snow culture. An ice sculpture of a rolling mountain surrounding the Sun Stone symbolized the belief that "ice and snow can be treasures".

The nine female envoys, representing youth and responsibility in the new era, were selected from universities across Heilongjiang. They underwent more than a month of training, including lessons on etiquette, physical preparation and operation of the flame collection device, Wang said.

The Games' torch, designed in the shape of a blossoming lilac, stands 735 millimeters tall, with a crown diameter of 115 mm and a grip diameter of 50 mm. It incorporates the colors of China red, lilac purple and snow white, while its combustion chamber features a cutout snowflake pattern.

When ignited, the torch presents a merging effect of ice and fire, symbolizing the passion and brilliance of winter sports. The "surging" design theme embodies the energy of nature, reflecting the vibrancy and passion of the Games.

This year's Games will see the largest representation of Asian countries and regions in history, with 34 national Olympic committees confirming their participation.

A total of 64 medal events across six sports will take place at five ice sports venues in downtown Harbin and eight snow sports venues in Yabuli, a ski resort cluster about 200 kilometers southeast of the city.

HARBIN - The flame for the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games was lit at the Sun Island Scenic Area here on Monday, with 18 days to go before the opening of the Games.

The flame was lit at 11:14 am local time after a brief ceremony opened by a choir of 90 children.

The torch, measuring 735mm in height, features a top diameter of 115mm and a grip diameter of 50mm. Its design, themed "Surging", is inspired by the dynamic energy of nature and life. The design takes the form of a blossoming lilac, integrating colors such as China Red, Lilac Purple, and Snow White, symbolizing the sincerity, warmth, openness, and inclusivity of Heilongjiang province and the characteristics of the host city, Harbin.

Wang Zheng, the chief director of the ceremony, introduced that the whole event emphasized the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The stage design was centered around respecting nature, blending the icy landscapes with rich cultural charm.

The event saw the launch of an online torch relay on the same day, which allows more people to take part in this grand sports and cultural event regardless time and space. The offline torch relay will start on Feb 3.

The capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang province, Harbin will host the Games for the second time from Feb 7 to 14, having previously hosted the event's third edition in 1996.

According to the recently released competition schedule, ice hockey and curling events will begin earlier, on Feb 3 and 4, respectively, with the overall schedule spanning 12 days.

China has approved and registered 19 special symbols of the upcoming 9th Asian Winter Games, such as the emblem and mascots, in a move to strengthen intellectual property protection for the sports event, an official from the country's top IP regulator said.

"We've also set up a quick channel to review patent applications involving the event, and authorized six design patents already in this way," Guo Wen, head of the China National Intellectual Property Administration's IP protection division, told a news conference on Wednesday.

Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang province, will host the games from Feb 7 to 14.

Guo revealed that a campaign to fight IP infringements involving the games has been launched since the end of last year and will end in the middle of February.

The combat of malicious trademark registrations has been intensified nationwide, she said, adding that the administration has guided major livestreaming and e-commerce platforms, including Douyin, Kuaishou, JD and Pinduoduo, to strengthen IP protection while selling the authorized products related to the games.

Additionally, greater efforts have been made in introducing copyright, trademark and patent policies and laws to public, she said, calling on all walks of life to raise the awareness of IP protection to ensure the smooth progress of the event.