In an inspiring achievement, three women from Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh have been selected to represent India at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. Tanuja, Sandhya from Palchan, and Aanchal Thakur from Burua, Solang Valley in Kullu district, have earned the honour of competing in the prestigious event, which will be held from February 7 to 14.

The three players have undergone rigorous training in Italy, specifically for the Slalom Skiing competition. The Centre has fully supported their training expenses, which were carried out at an international level, enhancing the athletes’ skills and preparations for the upcoming competition. Aanchal Thakur, who has previously represented India in skiing competitions abroad, has already made a name for herself with her impressive performances, bringing pride to the state.

Additionally, Manjeet, a young athlete from Bharmour, is set to represent India in cross-country skiing at the Asian Winter Games-2025. Manjeet hails from Lahal Khani village in the Bharmour subdivision and currently serves as a soldier in the Army. His impressive track record includes one gold and two silver medals at Khelo India Games-2024, along with a gold and a silver medal in the Junior National Championship-2022, paving the way for his selection.

Asian Winter Games 2025: An Overview

The 2025 Asian Winter Games will be held in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China, marking the second time the city will host the event and the third time China has hosted the Asian Winter Games. The games will feature various winter sports, including skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding, providing a platform for athletes from across Asia to showcase their talent and compete at the highest level.

Emblem of the 2025 Asian Winter Games

The emblem, titled “Breakthrough”, symbolizes the spirit of progress and excellence in winter sports. It consists of:

• Short-track speed skater – Represents the determination and agility of athletes.
• Lilac flower – Harbin’s city flower, symbolizing cultural openness.
• Swirling ribbon – A tribute to past achievements and aspirations for the future.
• Gradient colors (blue & purple) – Depict the beauty of winter sports, mimicking sunlight refracting on ice.
• OCA symbol – Represents the unity and aspirations of Asian nations, in line with the Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger).

Mascots of the 2025 Asian Winter Games

The official mascots, Binbin and Nini, are playful Siberian tiger cubs, symbolizing the energy and charm of winter sports.

• Binbin (Ice Events) – Dressed in a winter outfit with a red scarf and blue gloves, showcasing his enthusiasm for ice dancing.
• Nini (Snow Events) – Wears a traditional red Chinese cotton jacket with a fluffy collar and snowflake patterns, representing the festive spirit and passion for snowboarding.

Their names, inspired by “Welcome to Harbin” in Chinese pronunciation, reflect the city’s warm hospitality for the Games.

Motto

The official motto of the 2025 Asian Winter Games, “Dream of Winter, Love among Asia”, was also announced on 11 January 2024. This motto encapsulates the vision of unity and enthusiasm for winter sports among Asian nations, fostering camaraderie through the love of the sport.

History of the Asian Winter Games

The Asian Winter Games (AWG) is an international multi-sport event held every four years for members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), featuring various winter sports. The idea of the Games was first proposed by the Japanese Olympic Committee in 1982, which led to the inaugural edition being hosted in Sapporo, Japan, in 1986—a city with experience from hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics.

Initially, only seven OCA member nations participated, but the event has grown significantly. In the 2007 Asian Winter Games in Changchun, 27 out of 45 member nations participated, while the 2017 edition in Sapporo saw all 45 National Olympic Committees sending delegations for the first time in AWG history.

Although Lebanon was considered to host the Games in 2009, the event was ultimately canceled. The 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin will be the latest edition, continuing the tradition of promoting winter sports across Asia.

Conclusion

The participation of Kullu’s Tanuja, Sandhya, and Aanchal Thakur, along with Bharmour’s Manjeet, marks a historic moment for Himachal Pradesh in winter sports. With their rigorous training and determination, they are all set to make India proud at the 2025 Asian Winter Games. Meanwhile, the event’s emblem, mascots, and motto reflect the spirit of sportsmanship, cultural unity, and the passion for winter sports in Asia. The Games promise to be a grand celebration of talent, perseverance, and international camaraderie.