The 9th Asian Winter Games commenced on February 7, 2025, in Harbin, China’s renowned “Ice City.” This marks the second occasion Harbin has hosted the event, with the games scheduled to conclude on February 14. The competition features 64 events across 11 winter sports disciplines, including the debut of ski mountaineering.

Highlights and Victories at the Games

On the first day of medal events, Team China achieved significant success, securing eight gold, eight silver, and four bronze medals. Notably, Li Fanghui clinched China’s first gold in the women’s freeski halfpipe. South Korea’s short-track speed skating team, led by Olympic champion Choi Min-jeong, also showcased exceptional performances by securing six out of nine titles. Choi clinched gold in both the 500m and 1000m individual events, as well as the 2000m mixed team relay. However, the South Korean women’s team was unable to defend their 3000m relay title due to a collision involving Kim Gil-li and China’s Gong Li, which allowed China to claim victory in that event.

The Games have also seen moments of controversy. Hong Kong’s Sports Association and Olympic Committee called for disciplinary action following an incident where Turkmenistan players allegedly attacked Hong Kong ice hockey players after a match, resulting in injuries.

The Absence of Australia and New Zealand

A notable absence from this year’s Asian Winter Games was Australia and New Zealand, who had participated as guest nations in the 2017 Games in Sapporo, Japan. While the official reasons for their exclusion have not been explicitly stated by the organizers, several geopolitical factors may have contributed to this decision:

  1. Geopolitical Tensions: Australia and New Zealand have had increasingly complex relationships with China, the host nation of the 2025 Games. Political tensions, particularly surrounding alliances with the United States, have strained diplomatic ties and could have played a role in their exclusion.
  2. Strategic Alliances: Both countries have strengthened their security collaborations with Western nations, which may not align with China’s strategic interests.
  3. Organizational Decisions: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) may have chosen to limit participation strictly to its member nations, rather than extending invitations to non-Asian countries as guests, a practice that has been inconsistent in the past.

The Olympic Double Standards and Controversies

In contrast to the sporting unity seen at the Asian Winter Games, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced criticism for its perceived double standards. The IOC has been accused of selective morality for banning Russian and Belarusian athletes due to geopolitical conflicts, while allowing Israeli athletes to participate despite ongoing military actions in Gaza. Critics argue that this inconsistent application of policies undermines the IOC’s commitment to neutrality and fairness.

Additionally, the IOC is under scrutiny for its stance on transgender athletes in women’s sports. Following an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump banning transgender women from women’s sports, the IOC faces legal challenges and pressure to establish uniform policies. Candidates for the upcoming IOC presidency have expressed varying views on this issue, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of gender inclusion in sports.

Conclusion

The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin have thus far been characterized by competitive excellence and sportsmanship, with a focus on athletic achievements rather than political disputes. In contrast, the broader Olympic movement is grappling with complex ethical and political challenges, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining consistent policies in a diverse and dynamic global sports environment. While Harbin celebrates the unity of Asian sports, the IOC continues to navigate controversy, raising questions about the future direction of international sporting governance.