The 9th Asian Winter Games, which concluded on Friday in the renowned "ice city" of Harbin in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, drew a record-breaking 1,222 athletes from 34 countries and regions, making it the largest edition of the event in history, according to a press conference on Friday.
Members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Harbin Asian Winter Games Organizing Committee held the press conference to recap the overall success of the Games, highlighting key accomplishments and milestones.
With over 180 competitions in 64 ice and snow events, this edition of the Games was the most comprehensive to date. The addition of Saudi Arabia and Cambodia to the roster of participating countries marked a major breakthrough, broadening the Asian Winter Games' scope and reinforcing its position as a premier international sporting event, according to officials.
Meanwhile, a total of 110,000 spectators attended the events during the Games, immersing themselves in the excitement and energy of winter sports.
"We focused on creating a professional and fair competition environment. The venues were fully prepared, material and equipment support was sufficient, and the competition organization was orderly and efficient. This has been widely praised by athletes, technical officials, team officials, and media reporters from various countries and regions. During the Games, athletes from various countries and regions worked hard and aimed for excellence. They not only achieved excellent results, but also embodied the spirit of fair competition and aimed for new heights. They gained friendship and cultural resonance, demonstrating the Olympic motto of 'Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together,'" said Zhang Haihua, deputy secretary-general of the organizing committee and vice mayor of Harbin.
Officials from the OCA reiterated that the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games have set a high standard in terms of preparation, medical services, and volunteer engagement. "Everybody, not only Asia, everywhere, will see the athletes in participation, but also see a beautiful city of Harbin. I'm sure that Harbin has already set the standard, a template, what successful Games [are] about," said Timothy Tsun Ting Fok, first vice president of the OCA.
Harbin Asian Winter Games draw record-breaking 1,222 athletes: officials
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
