Xinhua becomes host media for 9th Asian Winter Games

HARBIN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Xinhua News Agency on Thursday signed a memorandum of cooperation with the organizing committee of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin.

The 9th Asian Winter Games, scheduled to take place from February 7 to 14, 2025, will be another major international ice and snow competition in China, following the success of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Harbin, known for its rich ice and snow culture, is the birthplace of winter sports in China and has produced numerous Winter Olympic champions. This will mark the city's third time hosting a major international winter sports event, having previously hosted the 1996 Asian Winter Games and the 2009 Winter Universiade.

Xinhua, China's national news agency and a global media organization with an extensive network, is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as an international news agency. It has a longstanding reputation for covering international multi-sport events.

Jing Ruyue, secretary general of Xinhua, highlighted that the news agency will leverage its expertise in sports reporting and event media operations to serve as the host media for the Games.

According to Jing, Xinhua plans to provide comprehensive and authoritative coverage throughout all stages of the event - from pre-event preparations to competition highlights and post-event reporting.

Jing also emphasized Xinhua's goal of using the platform to promote Harbin's unique cultural and winter sports heritage on an international stage, sharing compelling Chinese stories with the world.

Wang Hesheng, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the Asian Winter Games organizing committee, and Deputy Secretary of the Harbin Municipal Committee and Mayor, described the signing of the cooperation agreement as a key milestone in the preparation process. He noted that the partnership would enhance the media outreach strategy, boosting the influence, visibility and cohesion of the Harbin Asian Winter Games. ■