Chinese President Xi Jinping gave the official start to the IX Asian Winter Games in Harbin. The opening ceremony culminated with the lighting of a bowl of fire in the shape of a lilac flower by four torchbearers along with children at the Big World of Ice and Snow Park, Xinhua reported.

The large-scale sporting event, held under the motto “Winter Dream, Love in Asia,” brought together more than 1,200 athletes from 34 countries. During the week from February 7 to 14, athletes will compete for medals in various winter disciplines.

The strongest representatives of winter sports arrived as part of national delegations. Thus, the national team of Turkmenistan is represented by a delegation of 37 people, including 25 athletes who will perform in three sports - hockey, short track and figure skating.