Shou Xiaoli:

Next, we will move on to questions. Please state the name of your news organization before asking questions. Feel free to now raise your hands.

National Business Daily:

We know that just over three months remain before the 9th Asian Winter Games take place. Could you please inform us about the organization process for the competitions and registration statistics of the Games? Additionally, what new changes can be expected in comparison to previous games? Thank you.

Zhang Haihua:

Thank you for your questions. The organization for the competitions of the Games is progressing smoothly and is in line with expectations. The competition schedule has been preliminarily set and 14 individual test events under the theme "Igniting Harbin" are underway. Two test events for men's and women's ice hockey have already concluded. Compared with previous games, the 2025 AWG feature the following three new changes:

First, the newly added sporting events get the most attention. Among the events planned for this Asian Winter Games, 31% of the sub-items are making debuts, including two speed skating events, one short track speed skating event, one curling event, three ski mountaineering events, nine freestyle skiing events and four snowboarding events. Notably, the three ski mountaineering events not only are new to the Asian Winter Games but have also been confirmed for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, making this Asian Winter Games a crucial testing ground for athletes who will compete in the Milan Winter Olympics.

Second, the participating countries are something to look forward to. China, Japan and South Korea will participate in all events. Cambodia and Saudi Arabia are making their debuts, competing in alpine skiing, snowboarding, speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating and curling. Their participation will undoubtedly promote the development of winter sports worldwide and foster cultural exchange and integration among Asian civilizations.

Third, the enthusiasm for certain events has reached unprecedented levels. Curling has garnered the most entries, setting a new record for the Asian Winter Games. The number of participating countries has increased from six during the previous games to 16 in 2025. As a newly introduced event, ski mountaineering has already received registration from 10 countries and regions, which will promote the popularity and development of this sport. The event for alpine skiing has seen the most enthusiastic response, with 25 countries signing up, including many tropical countries from South Asia, Southeast Asia and even West Asia, like Nepal, Bhutan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. This demonstrates the rapid development in recent years of winter sports in Asia, especially since the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Based on the registration for the competition, we have reason to believe that the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 will further expand the reach and influence of winter sports in Asia, transforming "cold ice and snow" into Asia's "hot sports." Thank you.