The President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Raja Randhir Singh, welcomed the new year by wishing prosperity for all and reflecting on the achievements of a bustling 2024, which included major events like the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, and the Paris Olympic Games. Looking ahead, Singh emphasized that 2025 will be a pivotal year for the OCA, marked by two key events on its sports calendar.

The first of these milestones will take place in February, when Harbin, China, hosts the 9th Asian Winter Games. Later in the year, Bahrain will stage the 3rd Asian Youth Games, marking its debut as a host of major international events. Both occasions offer not only opportunities for sports development but also a chance to reinforce core values such as unity and fair play, essential pillars of the OCA’s vision.

MAJOR STAGES FOR ASIAN SPORTS

Harbin is gearing up to become the epicenter of winter sports in Asia from February 7 to 14, 2025, as it hosts the 9th Asian Winter Games. With a record participation of 33 National Olympic Committees and over 1,250 athletes, this event surpasses the figures from Sapporo 2017, reflecting growing interest in winter sports across the region, even in non-traditional areas like Southeast Asia. Raja Randhir Singh expressed confidence in the event’s success, supported by China’s expertise in hosting high-level competitions and the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

Toward the end of 2025, Bahrain will make history by hosting the 3rd Asian Youth Games, demonstrating its commitment to sports development and organizational excellence. Despite limited preparation time, the country has worked diligently to provide top-tier facilities for young athletes, solidifying its capacity as a host of international events. For its part, the OCA remains focused on protecting athletes, promoting Olympic values, and ensuring sports integrity, underscoring its commitment to safe, clean, and fair competition.