Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Huang Xing) news: On February 6, 2025, Buluer from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, along with the Chinese skiing and mountaineering team, arrived at the training base in Yabuli Town, Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. On the same day, the last batch of athletes, media reporters, and referees for the 9th Asian Winter Games in 2025 also arrived in Harbin.

Photo shows media reporters check in at the training base in Yabuli Town, Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Huang Xing)

It is the second time for Harbin to become the host city for Asian Winter Games(AWG) after 1996, and the third time for China to hold this winter multi-sports event. This edition will feature over 1,270 athletes from 34 countries and regions, setting a new record for the number of participating teams and athletes in the event's history. From a competitive perspective, the Games continue to highlight the rivalry among China, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan.

The Chinese delegation will send 170 athletes, which include eight athletes from Xinjiang, including Wang Ziyang (registered in Beijing), Buluer, Tian Ruining, Dinigeer Yilamujiang, Bayani Jialin, Saimuhaer Sailike, Hanahati Muhamaiti, and Ahenaer Adake (registered in Tianjin).

Photo shows visitors gather for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Huang Xing)

Speed skater Liu Yanfei made history as the first athlete from Xinjiang to participate in the Asian Winter Games. He represented the Chinese team in both the second and third Asian Winter Games, achieving a commendable fourth place in the 1500 meters event. In the 8th Asian Winter Games in 2017, Xinjiang speed skaters Zhu Jiafan and Rehanbai Talabuhan also represented the Chinese team and secured fourth place in the men's team pursuit. This fourth-place marks the best result for Xinjiang athletes in the history of the Asian Winter Games.

Photo shows the visitors gather for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Huang Xing)

“This year, the Asian Winter Games witnessed the largest delegation of athletes and activities from Xinjiang compared to all previous editions. We hope they can embody the fighting spirit of Chinese ice and snow athletes, win glory for the country, and establish a new legacy for ice and snow sports in Xinjiang,” said Kang Yongxin, the Party Secretary of the Winter Sports Training Center of the Sports Bureau of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

On the morning of February 8, 2025, cross-country skier Dinigeer Yilamujiang and speed skater Tian Ruining will compete in their respective events.

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