Asian Winter Games 2025, Harbin is underway even as races are heating up for the ultimate gold.
One of the most anticipated events at the Harbin Games is the figure skating which will be staged on 11 to13 February. Some of the world’s top figure skaters will take part in the continental competition.
Olympic medallists Sakamoto Kaori and Kagiyama Yuma will look to take advantage of the competition to find themselves in next month’s ISU World Figure Skating Championships.
The Japanese skaters will aim to win the World Championship from 25-30 March in Boston after winning the continental crown in the People’s Republic of China.
Both Sakamoto and Kagiyama are entering the Asian Winter Games 2025 on the back of wins at the Japan nationals in December in Osaka. While Sakamoto won her fourth consecutive title Kagiyama finally clinched his first crown several near-misses.
Other Japanese skaters to watch out for are Sato Shun in the men’s, Yoshida Hana in the women’s.
Posing a threat to Japanese skaters would be the contingent from the Republic of Korea. Former world silver medallist and Four Continents champion Cha Junhwan and Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games gold medallist Kim Hyungyeom pose the biggest threat to Kagiyama.
However, three-time world champion Sakamoto will hope to finish on the top of the podium without much threat. 2024 world bronze medallist Kim Chaeyeon and Kim Seoyoung will have to perform exceptionally well to pull off an upset.
The Asian Winter Games 2025 in Harbin will be a good opportunity for the figure skaters to build momentum ahead of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Both Sakamoto and Kagiyama are two medal bets for Japan in Milano Cortina next year.
Also Read: Asian Winter Games 2025: Sports Events, Schedule, Venues, Featuring Nations
Figure skating at Asian Winter Games 2025, Harbin: Schedule
All times local.
Tuesday, 11 February
- 14:00 – Ice dance rhythm dance
- 15:30 – Pairs skating short program
- 17:00 – Men’s singles short program
Wednesday, 12 February
- 13:30 – Women’s singles short program
- 18:00 – Ice dance free dance
- 19:30 – Pairs skating free skating
Thursday, 13 February
- 13:00 – Women’s singles free skating
- 17:30 – Men’s singles free skating
