HARBIN, China, Feb 15 : The 9th Asian Winter Games (Harbin 2025) concluded on Friday evening at the Harbin Convention Center in the Chinese city of Harbin. The event witnessed the participation of athletes from 34 countries, including Kuwait, with China securing first place, South Korea second, and Japan third. During the week-long tournament, Asian athletes competed in 11 individual and team sports across numerous competitions. Some events were held indoors in the city, while others took place in snowy mountain regions outside Harbin, creating a competitive atmosphere marked by high sportsmanship.

The closing ceremony began with the entry of delegations from the participating countries, including Kuwait, which received warm applause from the Chinese audience. A representative of the Chinese Organizing Committee delivered a speech thanking all participating countries, followed by a speech from a representative of the Olympic Council of Asia. Fahad Al-Ajmi, director of the Kuwaiti mission, expressed his pride in an official statement to the Kuwaiti media delegation. He highlighted the significance of raising the Kuwaiti flag at such a prominent continental sporting event, stating that it fosters pride and honor among Kuwaiti youth involved in winter sports. Al-Ajmi expressed gratitude for the support of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Sabah, as well as the Kuwaiti government’s dedication to winter sports. He emphasized that this support has contributed to the steady progress of Kuwait’s athletes across various disciplines. He praised the successful participation of the Kuwaiti delegation, noting that many players achieved remarkable results despite this being their first tournament.

Al-Ajmi also commended the efforts of the Chinese Organizing Committee for their exceptional arrangements, which culminated in a “wonderful” closing ceremony. Furthermore, Al-Ajmi congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on receiving the tournament flag, as it prepares to host the 10th edition in 2029 in the Trojena region. This marks the first time the event will be held in the Arab region. He expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s ability to organize an exceptional tournament, given its distinguished administrative capabilities. China dominated the medal tally, finishing with 85 medals (32 gold, 27 silver, and 26 bronze). South Korea came in second with 45 medals (16 gold, 15 silver, and 14 bronze), followed by Japan in third with 37 medals (10 gold, 12 silver, and 15 bronze). Kazakhstan secured fourth place with 20 medals (4 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze). Uzbekistan and the Philippines shared fifth place, each winning one gold medal. North Korea ranked seventh with one silver medal, while Chinese Taipei and Thailand shared eighth place with one bronze medal each. The remaining 25 participating countries did not win any medals during the tournament.  (KUNA)