Online torch relay of 9th Asian Winter Games attracts widespread participation

China

Online torch relay of 9th Asian Winter Games attracts widespread participation

2025-02-03 15:28 Last Updated At：16:07

The online torch relay of the 9th Asian Winter Games, set to take place in northeast China's Harbin, has sparked a massive response, attracting over 40 million visits as of 17:00 Saturday since its launch on January 20.

The digital relay features an ice-blue color scheme, accented with lilac purple and firework elements to enhance the festive atmosphere. The Games' tiger mascots, Binbin and Nini, serve as dynamic visual highlights, adding an interactive touch.

Global participants can join the relay at the event's official WeChat account. After completing the relay, they will receive a personalized certificate and stand a chance to win exclusive merchandise of the Games.

"The online torch relay allows broader participation from all walks of life. It also transcends time and space, making everyone a torchbearer online, fostering a strong social atmosphere for the success of the Games," said Tong Xiaoyu, deputy director of the Games' Torch Relay Command Center.

The torch relay for the 9th Asian Winter Games officially commenced on Monday morning in Harbin, with the opening ceremony just days away. Themed with "Dream of Winter, Love among Asians", the torch relay is set to run for one day, featuring launch and closing ceremonies, and public performances along the 11-kilometer-long route through Harbin.

The height of the torch is 735mm, with a top diameter of 115mm and a grip diameter of 50mm. The theme of the design, "Surging", aims to capture the vibrant and dynamic energy of life in nature. It symbolizes that the Games will be filled with vitality and passion.

The design takes the form of a blossoming lilac, integrating colors such as China Red, Lilac Purple, and Snow White, symbolizing the sincerity, warmth, openness, and inclusivity of Heilongjiang Province and the characteristics of the host city, Harbin.

The design of the torch highlights the unique characteristics of China and its northeastern region, as well as the spirit of winter sports, according to Zhang Junhai, the torch designer.

"It's a winter sports event. So the design of its outer layer transitions from the white of snow at the bottom to the crystal-clear texture of ice at the top. Additionally, we have incorporated Harbin's city flower, the lilac, into the design of the top rim, shaping it into a blooming lilac where the flames emerge," said Zhang.

Moreover, we incorporated Harbin’s city flower, the lilac, into the design by fully integrating it into the top ring. The shape represents a blooming lilac, forming the structure of the flame outlet.

The 9th Asian Winter Games will take place in Harbin from Feb 7 to 14. Over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia will participate, making this edition the largest in terms of participating delegations and athletes.

Milano-Cortina Paralympics reveal opening, closing themes as Games draw near

The organizing committee of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has unveiled the titles, creative visions, and first talents of the opening and closing ceremonies, as Thursday marked 50 days before the event officially gets underway.

Scheduled from March 6 to 15 across multiple Italian cities, the Games will bring together 665 athletes from 50 countries and regions to compete for 79 gold medals across six sporting disciplines.

The opening ceremony, titled "Life in Motion," will be staged at the historic Arena di Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, presenting a tribute to change and transformation that seeks to redefine disability through a new harmony between people and the environment.

"I paid close attention to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, which I consider one of the three or four most beautiful in the history of Olympic ceremonies. This time at the ancient Arena di Verona, we will place greater emphasis on showcasing the human element," the ceremonies' artistic director Alfredo Accatino told a Chinese reporter at the event.

The closing ceremony, themed "Italian Souvenir," will be held on March 15 at the Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium, guiding athletes, volunteers, and fans through a journey that captures the emotions and memories of the Games after days of competition and achievement.

Craig Spence, the International Paralympic Committee's Chief Brand and Communications Officer, believes that Italy will deliver "the best Paralympic Games" following the benchmark set by the Beijing Winter Paralympics in 2022.

"I think what China did in Beijing has really set the benchmark for all future teams competing in the Paralympic Winter Games in terms of performance. That's why I think Milano-Cortina will be the best Paralympic Games we've ever seen for sports," he said.