Govt extends financial support for Athletes of 9th Asian Winter Games

For the first time, the government of India has extended full financial support to the Indian contingent participating in an Asian Winter Games under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme. 

The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the inclusion of the Indian contingent participating in the 9th Winter Asian Games to be held in Harbin, China under its ANSF scheme.

The Chinese city of Harbin is hosting the  9th Asian Winter Games from 7-14 February 2025.

Harbin is hosting the Winter Asian Games for the second time having hosted it in 1994.

Under the ANSF scheme, the government of India provides financial assistance to National Sports Federations for the training of athletes, hiring of foreign coaches, support staff, etc for participation in International and national events.

Sporting Events to be supported under the ANSF Scheme 

The government will provide full financial support to the athletes participating in the Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track) events at the 9th Asian Winter Games.

India is sending an 88-member contingent to the Harbin Winter Games, including 59 athletes and 29 officials.

About the 9th Asian Winter Games 2025

The Olympic Council of Asia is organising the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, from 7 -14 February 2025.

Harbin is hosting the Winter Asian Games second time having hosted it in 1996.

Athletes from 45 countries are expected to compete in 11 disciplines and 64 events of six sports. It will include both Ice Sports and Snow sports.

Six sports -biathlon, curling, ice hockey, skating, skiing, and ski mountaineering. There will be men’s and women’s events across all six sports as well as mixed events in certain disciplines.

Mascot and  Slogan of the 9th Asian Winter Games

Mascot - Binbin and Nini. Both are tigers found in the Northeastern region of China. Binbin represents ice sports and Nini represents snow sports.

Slogan of the Games- Dream of Winter, Love among Asia

Emblem of the Games- Breakthrough.

About the Asian Winter Games 

The Asian Winter Games is organised by the Olympic Council of Asia and hosted by a member of the National Olympic Committee.

The Winter Games is modelled on the Winter Olympic Games and is held every four years.

The first Asian Winter Games was held in Sapporo, Japan in 1986.

Japan is the most successful team in the Winter Asian Games having won 397 medals- 138 gold,144 silvers, and 114 bronze medals.

India has not won any medals in the Winter Asian Games.

List of the Winter Asian Games 

Olympic Council of Asia 

The Olympic Council of Asia is the sports apex governing body in Asia. It is affiliated with the International Olympic Committee.

It organises Asian level continental games - Summer Asian Games, Winter Asian Games in Asia 

Founded in 1949 as the Asian Games Federation and changed to its present name in 1981.

Headquarters: Kuwait

Members: 45 Asian Countries

President: Raja Randhir Singh 

Also Read: Raja Randhir Singh elected President of OCA