Cambodia, Saudi Arabia join the competition for the first time;
HARBIN (Heilongjiang, China): The 2025 Asian Winter Games, under the theme “Dream of Winter, Love Among Asia,” draws to close on February 14th in Harbin, China.
It’s a big deal, not just for the sports, but for the region’s growing enthusiasm for winter athletics. Since 1986, this event has evolved into Asia’s largest winter sports gathering, drawing 34 countries and 1,275 athletes—both record-breaking numbers for the Games.
The introduction of ski mountaineering and new freestyle skiing events brought a fresh energy.
With the three ski mountaineering races confirmed for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, the Asian Winter Games has turned into a vital testing ground for Olympians looking to make their mark.
In fact, the Games featured a mix of debut sports, including curling, with a massive increase in participation—16 countries compared to just 6 in the last edition.
That’s proof of winter sports’ growing popularity across the continent, a direct result of the Beijing Winter Olympics’ success.
Incredible numbers aside, the diversity of nations represented at the Games is another highlight.
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This is the first time we’ve seen countries like Cambodia and Saudi Arabia join the competition, putting themselves to the test in alpine skiing, snowboarding, and figure skating. Watching athletes from both snow- covered regions like China, Japan, and South Korea, and warmer countries like India and Malaysia, makes the Games feel like a true pan-Asian gathering. When we talk competition—it’s been fierce!
South Korea dominated the short track speed skating event, securing 6 golds and proving their winter sports prowess.
Japan, always a powerhouse, showed strong performances in figure skating and skiing, while Kazakhstan scored a historic first-ever gold in freestyle skiing’s men’s aerial synchro.
But beyond the victories, the real magic is the fusion of cultures and experiences from countries as diverse as the frigid Northeast to the tropical Southeast.
The Asian Winter Games isn’t just about sport—it’s a stage for shared commitment to sustainability. This year’s Games have been impressively green. The venues have embraced eco-friendly innovations like methanol-powered hybrid vehicles, reducing carbon emissions by 42%. Even the ice resurfacing machines are electric, which not only cuts down on pollution but also contributes to overall energy savings.
