Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, the first vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), officially declared the 9th Asian Winter Games closed at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition and Sports Center last Friday night.
Fok expressed his admiration for Harbin, stating, \"This is truly a unique and charming part of China and the world – not only for the beauty of the city and the landscape but also for the warmth and friendliness of the local people.\"
The Games, which kicked off on February 7, featured over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions, marking this edition as the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.
On the final day, the Philippines made history by earning their first-ever gold medal in Asian Winter Games by defeating South Korea 5-3 in the men's curling final. Meanwhile, China secured the bronze by besting Hong Kong 10-3. In the women's curling final, South Korea triumphed over China 7-2, with Japan taking the bronze.
In ice hockey, Kazakhstan and Japan successfully defended their men's and women's titles, respectively.
China topped the medal tally with 32 gold, 27 silver, and 26 bronze medals, followed by South Korea with 16 gold, 15 silver, and 14 bronze, and Japan with 10 gold, 12 silver, and 15 bronze medals. China tied the record for the most gold medals set by Kazakhstan at the 7th Asian Winter Games in Astana-Almaty in 2011.
Harbin has proudly hosted the Asian Winter Games for the second time, with its first being 29 years ago. Looking ahead, the 2029 Asian Winter Games are set to take place in Trojena, Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the event is hosted in West Asia.
Reference(s):
OCA first vice president declares Harbin Asian Winter Games closed
cgtn.com
