In February 2025, more than 1,500 athletes from 34 countries attended the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. As with the inaugural Games in 1982, which saw participation from seven nations, athletes competed in a range of winter sporting events. This year’s competition was hosted across two key locations, with ice events from skating to curling unfolding in the ‘ice city’ of Harbin and skiing events in Yabuli’s large ski resort.
Ensuring the Games were a success for both athletes and spectators required the hosts to manage an array of data and video inputs from multiple sources, simultaneously. Timings, event organization and broadcast logistics had to be synchronized across venues situated hundreds of kilometers apart and separated by mountainous terrain. On top of that, the technical hardware used had to function seamlessly, even as temperatures dropped to as low as -40°C (-44°F).
Looking to deliver the first ‘Smart Asian Winter Games’ through the integration of the latest AI technologies without compromising on the reliable IT setup required for a successful event, the team brought Lenovo onboard as an official solutions and services provider.
Lenovo has a longstanding history in supporting tournaments, having provided technical backing and service guarantees to major sports events, including several Olympic Games, worldwide for 19 consecutive years. As one of the official providers of IT solutions and services for the Asian Winter Games, Lenovo has combined its extensive experience and industry knowledge in sports event technology with AI agents and AI-powered devices to deliver the best possible experience for the event organizers, participants, visitors and fans watching from home.
Introducing AI to the Winter Games
In line with the organizers’ aim to bring about the first ‘Smart’ Asian Winter Games, Lenovo put in place advanced AI solutions, including the pioneering use of AI agents at a snow and ice event. More than 2,000 Lenovo AI devices, including ThinkPad laptops, ThinkCentre desktops and Legion gaming devices were deployed. The devices were used at the joint venues to support data collection and transmission, as well as facilitating interactive fan experiences, addressing the technical needs of the events held on the slopes of Yabuli and the ice rinks of Harbin.
Additionally, Lenovo utilized its new Baiying AI Agent. Initially built to help simplify enterprise IT management through AI-powered consultations, it was adapted and successfully deployed at the Games to streamline IT services and facilitate the smooth running of operations. .
Through the application of the Baiying AI Agent and the use of devices with built-in AI capabilities, event management and audience experience were improved, while ensuring the stable operation of over 20 IT systems across competition and non-competition facilities. One example was the commentary system which ran on Lenovo AI-powered PCs to collate and deliver real-time data, providing commentators with historical insight and up-to-the-minute event updates to draw from. Additionally, AI was used in the information distribution system to share the latest updates on event schedules, athlete profiles, medal standings, as well as live feeds covering arrivals and departures across both competitor and spectator zones.
Zhang Qiong, Director of the Information Technology Department of the Asian Winter Games Executive Committee, said, “The innovative technologies from Lenovo elevated this event to a new level of intelligence.”
Linda Yao, VP and GM, Hybrid Cloud & AI Solutions at Lenovo said, “AI has been key to simplifying operations and boosting the audience experience at the 9th Asian Winter Games. From AI agents working behind the scenes, to AI streamlining event management, our full-stack solution has boosted the audience experience at Harbin, enabling everything from TV broadcasts to competition timing.”
A focus on providing reliable IT operations
Due in part to occasions like the Asian Winter Games, the popularity of winter sports is in a period of meteoric growth in China, from around 20,000 visits in 1996 to 313 million last year. Because of this heightened interest, Lenovo worked closely with the organizers to ensure all equipment was as reliable as possible, and that operations were unified.
Lenovo ThinkPad PCs and ThinkCentre terminals were used for everything from slope-side data collection to broadcast transmission, maintained by more than 100 Lenovo engineers and technical experts on site. All equipment went through rigorous testing on everything from integration to coordination before the official competition commenced. Continuous provisioning was provided through a “consulting-operation and maintenance-management” integrated service system, with Lenovo’s on-site team identifying and promptly resolving any technical issues.
A more considered approach to sustainable operations
Reducing environmental impact was a key focus of the 9th Asian Winter Games. From heating and lighting to IT operations, the Games were powered by 56.76 million kWh of renewable electricity across both the venues and operations, and Lenovo supported the implementation of a series of energy-reducing measures including intelligent equipment management systems through its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Solutions.
The delivery of IT services received the same level of precision and care. Through Lenovo TruScale Device as a Service (DaaS), IT assets used during the Games were efficiently deployed and managed under a flexible subscription-based plan. Following the event, all equipment was processed to ensure complete data removal in accordance with strict privacy and security protocols, facilitated by Lenovo’s Managed Services for Lifecycle IT Management. Devices were then responsibly recycled or repurposed in ways that maximized energy efficiency and aided carbon reduction goals.
Zhang Qiong said, “Lenovo’s solutions perfectly align with the sustainability aims of the Asian Winter Games, strongly supporting us in achieving the goal of hosting the Games and demonstrating the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.”
An AI-powered future
With a focus on delivering innovative IT services and the pioneering use of AI, Lenovo helped bring the vision of a ‘Smart Asian Winter Games’ to life, enhancing the overall audience experience. Through its assistance before and during the Games, Lenovo demonstrated a bold vision for the future of winter sports, with its commitment to innovation and strong track record of delivering excellence on the global stage.
Zhang Qiong said, “Lenovo greatly supported the organization, participation, and viewing of the 9th Asian Winter Games.”
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