Winning on technicality

As the 9th Asian Winter Games get underway in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, the spotlight will not only shine on the athletes, but also on the groundbreaking technologies that are set to power the event.

From state-of-the-art digital tools to energy-efficient 5G cameras and pollution-blocking sprays, cutting-edge innovations will ensure a smooth and smart Games experience.

The Asian Winter Games command center, housed in the Asian Winter Games tower, acts as the operational heart of the event, providing a real-time overview of all systems. Central to these operations is China Unicom's specialized cloud platform, designed specifically for international winter events.

Wang Chuanbao, director of China Unicom's Asian Winter Games office, revealed that Heilongjiang Unicom is responsible for the communication infrastructure and service support at all competition and non-competition venues. With network construction now complete, China Unicom will provide 12 key communication services across two major categories throughout the Games, he said.

"We are harnessing the latest technological innovations to ensure the Games run seamlessly, enhancing the experience for athletes and audiences alike," said Wang. "Our aim is to deliver a dynamic, smart, and unforgettable event."

At this year's Asian Winter Games, more than a dozen groundbreaking 5G technologies will be fully utilized, including 5G-A high-precision positioning and 5G-integrated sensing technologies, marking a new era of technological integration in sports.

The Harbin Ice Hockey Stadium, one of the Games' central competition venues, is outfitted with an intricate array of 5G-A antennas suspended above the spectator stands. The 5G-A high-precision positioning will play a crucial role in managing venue operations.

This technology allows event staff to track the real-time locations of individuals, optimizing logistical coordination and boosting operational efficiency to ensure the smooth execution of the Games.