Today, 53 years ago, on February 3, 1972 (December 19, 1971), the 11th Winter Olympics opened in Sapporo, Japan. On February 3, 1972, the 11th Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo, Japan, to host the first Winter Olympics in Asia. The 11th Winter Olympics, the first in Asia, were held at the Sapporo City Modern Stadium in Japan. More than 1,600 athletes from 35 countries and regions participated in the Olympics.