Harbin is heating up (even in winter)! 🥶🔥 On Monday, the torch relay for the much-anticipated ninth Asian Winter Games lit up the streets, signaling the countdown to the official start on Friday, February 7.
A squad of 120 torchbearers, ranging from spirited 16-year-olds to seasoned 83-year-olds, carried the flame through iconic landmarks of the city. Leading the relay was none other than Shen Xue, the pairs figure skating gold medalist from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, who, alongside her partner Zhao Hongbo, holds a record with four consecutive golds in the Asian Winter Games! 🥇⛸️
Joining the fiery procession were legends like China's first speed skating world champion Luo Zhihuan and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics pairs figure skating gold medalist Sui Wenjing. Talk about a legendary lineup! ⭐
Meanwhile, the Games have already kicked off with ice hockey making the first splash on the same day as the torch relay. China's athletes are set to sweep the ice in the mixed doubles curling event starting Tuesday. 🥌🏒
Mark your calendars! 📆 The Opening Ceremony is set for Friday, with competitions running until February 14. With over 1,270 athletes from 34 nations and regions gearing up to compete, this edition is breaking records as the largest ever in terms of participation. It's going to be epic! 🌟
Reference(s):
Torch relay for ninth edition of Asian Winter Games wraps up in Harbin
cgtn.com
