In a move to ensure top-notch organization for the upcoming Asian Winter Games, Harbin, located in China's Heilongjiang Province, is set to conduct two pivotal test events.

This initiative marks a significant phase of preparation as the city gears up to host the Games, which are slated to commence on February 7.

The renowned Yabuli ski resort will hold cross-country skiing competitions, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, showcasing 28 athletes hailing from the local Heilongjiang team.

An official from the local organizing committee shared with the Global Times that, 'These test events serve as a crucial rehearsal for the Games, covering aspects like competition management, medical support, and media operations.

Executing these events successfully will lay a robust groundwork for the forthcoming Asian Winter Games.'

Adding to the preparations, the Heilongjiang Ice Events Training Centre Speed Skating Oval in downtown Harbin is set to host a speed skating test event on January 12-13. This event will witness the participation of over 65 athletes competing across seven disciplines.

Harbin's commitment is underscored by the scheduling of 14 test events in total from October 2024 to January 2025, a testament to meticulous planning and organization.

Already, seven events have been completed, covering sports such as figure skating and ice hockey.

This will not be the first time Harbin has showcased its ability to host the Asian Winter Games; it previously hosted the event in 1996. Harbin, the sole candidate city, secured the hosting rights in 2023. These Games mark a significant occasion in the world of winter sports, following the last event held in Sapporo, Japan, in 2017.

The competition schedule, as released by the organizers, reveals that the Chinese team will debut in the mixed doubles' curling round-robin on the morning of February 4, prior to the opening ceremony on February 7. That same night, a men's ice hockey match will take place between China and South Korea.

Highlighting the competitive spirit, the first gold medal will be awarded on the morning of February 8, with the eagerly awaited short track speed skating events granting medals on February 8 and 9. Short track speed skating remains a premier event, bearing considerable significance for China, which has clinched 12 gold medals in this discipline over seven Winter Olympics.

The Chinese team will vie against the formidable South Korean team, renowned for securing 26 gold medals in the sport.

Harbin continues to uphold its storied legacy in ice and snow sports.

The city benefits from naturally snowy winters, reinforcing its position as a fitting host for this prestigious sporting event.