Chief Executive John Lee today met Director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) Gao Zhidan and cheered on Hong Kong athletes as he took in some of the action at the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025.

In meeting Mr Gao, Mr Lee was accompanied by Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law.

He extended to Mr Gao his warmest congratulations on Harbin's successful hosting of the games and expressed his gratitude to the GASC for supporting sports development in Hong Kong.

Highlighting that the Mainland has rich resources in winter sports, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to promote exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland in winter sports.

He outlined that the Hong Kong SAR Government will draw reference from the Mainland's wide-ranging experience in holding large-scale sports events and will promote sports development under a five-pronged approach. This involves promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, promoting Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism, and developing sports as an industry.

Mr Lee added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will work closely with the Guangdong Provincial Government and the Macau Special Administrative Region Government to stage a safe and successful 15th National Games.

Mr Lee and Miss Law also took the opportunity to cheer for Hong Kong's curlers as they watched a curling event at the games.

Mr Lee remarked that this is the first time the Hong Kong, China Delegation has sent a curling team to compete in an international multi-sport event, marking a milestone for the city's athletes.

He said he believes that Hong Kong athletes can gain valuable experience and enhance their skills through participating in various international competitions and through exchanges with athletes from other countries.

Mr Lee also visited a well-known snow sculpture art exhibition, the Taiyangdao Island International Snow Sculpture Expo, and a famous ice and snow theme park, the Harbin Ice & Snow World.