China hosted the 3rd Asian Winter Games in 1996 after North Korea and South Korea each withdrew or stepped aside as potential hosts.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 3rd Asian Winter Games
- Dates
- February 4–11, 1996
- Host city
- Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Original host
- Samjiyon, North Korea (withdrew August 1992)
- Host decision date
- December 2, 1993
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
North Korea's Samjiyon was originally selected to host the 1995 Asian Winter Games but withdrew in August 1992. South Korea and then China submitted bids, prompting the Olympic Council of Asia to simultaneously elect hosts for both the 3rd and 4th editions at a single session.
The 3rd Asian Winter Games were held in Harbin, Heilongjiang, China from February 4 to 11, 1996. Also known as Harbin 1996, the multi-sport winter event brought together Asian athletes competing across winter disciplines under the auspices of the Olympic Council of Asia.
On December 2, 1993, the OCA announced that China would host the 3rd Games in 1996 and South Korea would host the 4th Games in 1999, establishing a clear succession plan after the instability caused by North Korea's withdrawal and resolving the hosting uncertainty through a dual-election process.
Result
at Harbin, Heilongjiang, China