The 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin concluded today (Feb. 14), marking a historic milestone for the Hong Kong, China delegation. The team achieved its best-ever results in the competition, capping off a successful run with numerous breakthroughs.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law, took to social media to celebrate the achievements of the men's curling team, who made history by reaching the semi-finals in their debut appearance at the Asian Winter Games. Despite losing to South Korea's curling team and the national curling team in the semi-final and bronze medal matches, the team secured a commendable fourth-place finish.
Law applauded their skills, determination, and sportsmanship, noting that their performance laid a solid foundation for the future of winter sports in HK and called for greater public support.
This year's Asian Winter Games marked the first time HK participated in curling and alpine skiing. The men's curling team impressed by advancing to the bronze medal match, while the mixed doubles team secured a respectable fifth-place finish. In alpine skiing, a HK athlete ranked 10th out of 58 competitors, the best result ever achieved by the city in an international multi-sport event. The men's ice hockey team reached the quarter-finals, setting a new benchmark for HK's ice hockey program. Additionally, short-track speed skaters advanced to the finals, with several short-track and figure skating athletes placing in the top 15.
Kenneth Fok, Vice President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and the head of the Hong Kong, China delegation, highlighted the significance of these achievements. He noted that while winter sports are not yet widely practiced in HK, this year's Asian Winter Games allowed HK athletes to compete against traditional winter sports powerhouses, achieving remarkable breakthroughs. He praised the athletes for showcasing the potential of winter sports in HK, a city often referred to as a "snowless city," and called for more young talents to join the field to ensure sustainable growth and success in the future.
Fok also extended his gratitude to the behind-the-scenes support team, including coaches, medical staff, and technical personnel, for their contributions. He thanked the host city Harbin for its exceptional hospitality and praised the organizing committee and nearly 6,000 volunteers for their efforts, which allowed the Hong Kong, China delegation to fully experience the charm of the "Ice City."
Fok also expressed his appreciation to Chief Executive John Lee, Secretary Rosanna Law, and government officials for attending events in person and supporting the athletes. He noted that the encouragement from cheering HK citizens at the venues boosted the team's morale, making them feel as if they were competing on home ground.
The closing ceremony of the Asian Winter Games will be held tonight at the Harbin International Conference Exhibition and Sports Center, with men's curling athlete Martin Yan serving as the flag bearer for the Hong Kong, China delegation. Fok remarked that although HK's history in curling is short, the team's debut on the international stage and their historic achievements demonstrated the competitiveness of HK athletes. He reaffirmed the commitment of the SF&OC to advancing winter sports development in the city.
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