Asian Winter Games Begin in Harbin Ahead of 2026 Olympics
China is set to host the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, with athletes from across the continent competing in a range of winter sports.
The event, which begins on Friday, marks the ninth edition since its inception in 1986 and comes as preparations intensify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
Harbin, located in China’s northeastern region near Russia and North Korea, is experiencing harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as minus 24 degrees Celsius. A total of 1,275 athletes from 34 countries and territories have registered to compete across 11 disciplines.
The week-long competition will feature popular Winter Olympic events such as speed skating, figure skating, alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, and curling.
While there are no direct qualification slots for the Winter Olympics, the Games serve as a crucial testing ground for athletes ahead of 2026.
Zhang Jing, head coach of China's short track speed skating team, emphasized the importance of the event, stating that it provides a valuable opportunity for athletes to fine-tune their performance before the global stage.
Asian Winter Games: A Platform for Top Contenders
Traditionally, China, Japan, and South Korea have dominated the medal standings, with Olympic and world championship medalists leading their delegations.
Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto, a three-time world champion in figure skating, and Yuma Kagiyama, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, are among the top names competing. South Korea’s strong short track speed skating team is also targeting multiple gold medals.
China’s short track squad will be led by Lin Xiaojun, a former Olympic champion who previously represented South Korea before becoming a naturalized Chinese citizen.
He will be joined by Liu Shaolin and Liu Shaoang, two Hungarian-born brothers who have also switched nationalities to compete for China.
However, China will be without freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu, the face of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, after she withdrew due to injury.
Newcomers from Warm-Weather Nations
Beyond the powerhouse nations, the Games will also feature competitors from countries with little history in winter sports.
Saudi Arabia, set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, has sent three alpine skiers. Cambodia will have four snowboarders in competition, while the Philippines' men’s curling team includes four Swiss-born athletes, one of whom took up the sport just last year.
North Korea will also make an appearance with three figure skaters competing in the event.
The first medals will be awarded on Saturday in events such as speed skating, short track, curling, skiing, and snowboarding.
Competitions on ice will take place in Harbin, while ski and snowboard events will be hosted in Yabuli, approximately 200 kilometers southeast of the city.
