Li Fanghui will win China’s first gold in Harbin Asia’s winter match on February 8, 2025 in the women’s free ski halfpipe. Photo: Xinhua
Team China secured eight gold, eight silver and four gold medals on the first gold medal day of the 9th Asian Winter Games held in Harbin, Haylon Jian, northeastern China on Saturday, He has passed both gold and medal rankings. Korea ranked second with seven gold, five silver and seven bronze medals, while Japan ranked third.
Two Asian records were broken by Chinese athletes on the same day. In the men’s 1500m speed skate final, Ning Zhongyan clinched gold while setting a new Asian record at 1:45.85. Gao Tingyu won gold by setting new game records and Asian records at the men’s 100m speed skating event in 9.35 seconds.
On Saturday, China’s first medal took place at a mixed double scaring event in which Hanyu and Wang Ziyu beat the Philippines to win the bronze. Later, in the women’s free ski half-pipe final, Li Fanghui won China’s first event medal on Saturday with a score of 95.25 points.
In Li’s first run, she performed six high-quality moves and led the field with a score of 93.00 points. She made a mistake and fell for the second run, but quickly regained her composure. On her third run, she performed perfectly, impressed by the judges, and ultimately scored the highest score for the competition of 95.25 points.
A few days before the women’s freeski halfpipe, Beijing Winter Olympic champion Eileen Gu retreated due to injury. According to Xinhua news agency, Li was called quickly to replace her, and had limited time to prepare.
“We received an invitation to compete in the Asian winter match on February 4th,” Li said. “I’ve trained as an alternative, but staying calm was important for major events like this.” “After the competition ended, I was able to win the first gold medal in the game in China. He was told he got it.”
South Korea claimed opening gold at Harbin Asia’s winter match on Saturday with a short track speed skate mixed with a 2,000m relay here. The Chinese skater once led the race, but finally dropped to fourth place as Lin Xiaojun escaped from the track. Later, in the men’s 500m short track A group final, Lin won gold and secured China’s first gold in short track speed skating in the game.
“Today’s competition highlights the impact not only on the fight for medals between countries, but also on the promotion of winter sports in Asia,” said Zhao, professor and expert in winter sports at the University of Sports in Tianjin. Jing told The Global Times. “This is a classic example of how events can drive the development of the winter sports industry.”
“Choosing large-scale winter sports exchange activities will attract more enthusiasts and allow you to focus on winter sports.
Winter Asian Games Harbin 2025 is the largest edition of the event so far, with over 1,200 athletes registered from 34 countries and regions, further expanding the Asian winter sports landscape. According to the Xinhua News Agency, the edition is packed with highlights as about 31% of 64 events in six sports and 11 areas debut in the game.
