Chief Executive John Lee and his wife Janet Lee began a visit to Harbin by attending a welcome banquet hosted by President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for international dignitaries attending the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025 today.

They also attended the opening ceremony of the Games at the Harbin International Conference, Exhibition & Sports Center in the evening.

Mr Lee said that the Hong Kong, China Delegation participating in the Asian Winter Games this year is the largest ever, with 74 Hong Kong athletes taking part in various events including skiing, curling, ice hockey, figure skating, short track speed skating and speed skating.

He hoped the delegation could achieve brilliant results at the Games and that the athletes could perform at their best on the field and enjoy every competition.

“The Asian Winter Games is the largest comprehensive winter sports event in Asia. It is the third time the country has hosted this major sports event, gathering elite athletes from the region to compete with one another. I wish this Asian Winter Games every success,” Mr Lee added.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law and other officials watched the curling and short track speed skating events at the Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena and the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center respectively, showing support for the Hong Kong athletes.