Harbin Lights the Flame for 9th Asian Winter Games
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Synopsis
On January 20, 2025, the flame for the upcoming Harbin Asian Winter Games was lit at the Sun Island Scenic Area. The ceremony featured a children's choir and highlighted the event's theme of harmony between humans and nature.
Key Takeaways
- The flame for the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games was lit on January 20, 2025.
- The design of the torch is themed "Surging," inspired by nature.
- Online and offline torch relays are part of the event.
- The medals feature designs reflecting speed and the beauty of sports.
- The Games will take place from February 7 to 14, 2025.
Harbin (China), Jan 20 (NationPress) The flame for the 2025 Asian Winter Games was ignited at the Sun Island Scenic Area on Monday, just 18 days ahead of the Games' commencement. The lighting of the flame followed a short ceremony featuring a choir of 90 children.
The torch stands at a height of 735mm, with a top diameter of 115mm and a grip diameter of 50mm. Its design, themed "Surging," draws inspiration from the vibrant energy of nature and life. Shaped like a blossoming lilac, it showcases colors such as China Red, Lilac Purple, and Snow White, representing the warmth, sincerity, and inclusivity of Heilongjiang Province, as well as the essence of the host city, Harbin, as reported by Xinhua.
According to Wang Zheng, the chief director of the ceremony, the event highlighted the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. The stage design was carefully crafted to respect nature, merging the icy vistas with rich cultural aesthetics.
On the same day, an online torch relay was inaugurated, allowing individuals from all over to engage in this grand sports and cultural celebration, transcending time and space. The offline torch relay is set to commence on February 3.
The medals for the Asian Winter Games, named "Spirit of Speed," were unveiled on October 30, 2024. The front features a streamlined racetrack shape alongside the emblem of the 9th Asian Winter Games, symbolizing the dynamic and elegant movements of athletes. This design captures the essence of strength and beauty in competitive sports. The flowing contours of the racetrack incorporate the silhouette of the Harbin Grand Theatre, showcasing the city’s unique character.
The reverse side of the medal displays a beautiful landscape of Yabuli, with mountains and forests reflecting the terrain of the Greater and Lesser Khingan ranges, portraying the rich and vibrant scenery of Heilongjiang. At its center, the emblem of the Olympic Council of Asia features a rare Xunke red agate gem from Heilongjiang, symbolizing sunlight over the lush land. The ribbon clasp is inspired by the Sun Gate of the Sun Island Scenic Area, adding a unique local touch to the design.
The anthem for the Asian Winter Games, titled "Snow of Harbin," was penned by lyricist and director Wang Pingjiu and composed by acclaimed music producer Chang Shilei. The lyrics and melody convey a vision of unity, friendship, and a shared dedication to peace and development among Asian nations, aiming to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Harbin will host the Games for the second time from February 7 to 14, having previously held the event's third edition in 1996.
As per the newly released competition schedule, ice hockey and curling events will kick off earlier, on February 3 and 4, respectively, with the overall schedule spanning a total of 12 days.
