The 9th Asian Winter Games successfully concluded in Harbin

Harbin, February 14th (Xinhua) - Building a dream of ice and snow together, drawing concentric circles. The 9th Asian Winter Games concluded successfully in Harbin on the evening of the 14th.

Over the past 8 days, more than 1200 athletes from 34 countries and regions in Asia have broken through themselves, showcased their talents, achieved their dreams, and gained friendships here. With their superb competitive level and tenacious fighting spirit, they have written a new glory for Asian ice and snow sports. China adheres to the concept of "green, shared, open, and clean" in organizing competitions, and has won widespread praise from the Olympic Council of Asia family and the international community with first-class venue facilities and excellent organizational services. The Chinese sports delegation won 32 gold medals and 85 medals, ranking first in the gold medal table and medal table.

Under the night sky, the Harbin International Convention and Exhibition Sports Center shines brightly, with athletes from various countries and regions in Asia gathering here to discuss youth friendship and participate in sports festivals together.

Amidst the sound of the song 'Lighting Up Asia', Li Qiang and the First Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Huo Zhenting, stepped onto the podium and waved to the audience.

At 20:00 sharp, the closing ceremony began. Everyone stands up, sings the national anthem of the People's Republic of China, and the bright five starred red flag rises slowly.

The short film 'Winter Sonata' played on the big screen opened the night of joyful songs. The program 'Ice and Snow Knot Together' showcases the vibrant beauty of the four seasons and the arrival of spring in the ice city through the fusion of joyful dance and grand symphony.

The flags of each delegation and representatives of athletes enter the venue. The entire audience expressed congratulations and respect to the athletes with warm applause and cheers.

The short film "Exciting Moments" reproduces the exciting visual feast on the field. The program 'Meeting Again in the Future' showcases the two-way rush of volunteers and athletes, expressing deep admiration for dedication and friendship. The short film 'Touching Moments' focuses on touching moments in front and behind the scenes, on the field and in the city, preserving precious memories of the Asian winter.

Over the past week, we have presented a unique Asian Winter event with Chinese characteristics, Asian charm, and splendid splendor to the world. Let us use sports to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness, and work together to create a new chapter of a prosperous and developed Asian community with a shared future.

Huo Zhenting, the First Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, stated in his speech that this year's Asian Winter Games was exciting and had an incredibly wonderful time here. He expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese people, the Chinese Olympic Committee, the Harbin Municipal Government, and the Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee. Huo Zhenting announced the closure of the 9th Harbin Asian Winter Games and invited them to reunite with the 10th Future New City Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia four years later.

Accompanied by the anthem of the Olympic Council of Asia, the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia slowly descended.

Subsequently, a handover ceremony will be held. Wang Hesheng, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the 9th Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee and Mayor of Harbin, took the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia from the flag bearer and handed it over to Huo Zhenting, First Vice Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia. Huo Zhenting then handed the flag over to Prince Abdulaziz, Chairman of the 10th Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee and Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee.

After raising the Saudi flag and playing the Saudi national anthem, Future New City brought an 8-minute exciting cultural performance to the audience.

At 20:57, the flameout ceremony began, and the short film "Farewell to Ice and Snow in Spring" highlighted the feeling of farewell. Ballet dancers and children holding ice lanterns danced gracefully in the main venue, while the main torch tower "Snow Charm Lilac" of Harbin Ice and Snow World, a sub venue, slowly extinguished.

The program 'Spring Warmth in Asia' presents a lively 'Asian Carnival', tracing the history of previous Asian Winter Games. The scene is filled with songs and laughter, sending warm blessings of spring to Asia. With the ending song 'On Sun Island', the atmosphere reached its climax.

International dignitaries attending the closing ceremony include Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun Erdene, Cook Islands Prime Minister Brown, and his wife Daphne Hoskin Brown.

Wu Zhenglong and Chen Yiqin attended the closing ceremony.

Officials from the Olympic Council of Asia attended the closing ceremony.