Harbin, China – His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the 3rd Asian Youth Games (Bahrain 2025), attended the opening ceremony of the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games, alongside His Excellency Mr Faris Al Kooheji, Secretary-General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

The prestigious event was graced by His Excellency President Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, Mr Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and senior officials from the Olympic Council of Asia and National Olympic Committees.

A Grand Celebration of Asian Culture and Sport

The opening ceremony commenced with the raising of the flag of the People's Republic of China, this edition's host nation. This was followed by the parade of delegations, in which Bahrain’s delegation entered second place in alphabetical order.

The ceremony continued with a spectacular showcase of Chinese cultural heritage, focusing on the host city Harbin, renowned for its winter landscapes and ice festivals. A standout segment highlighted the cultural diversity of Asia as participating nations presented their national costumes and traditions in a captivating display of unity and solidarity.

The evening concluded with the lighting of the tournament torch in a uniquely innovative spectacle at the Harbin World Ice Festival, marking the official start of the Asian Winter Games and reinforcing the power of sport in bringing nations together.