Saudi Arabia and Cambodia Make Historic Debuts at Asian Winter Games 2023
Saudi Arabia and Cambodia made their historic debuts at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, showcasing their enthusiasm for winter sports despite climatic challenges. Saudi Arabia’s curling team competed with older players, while Cambodia’s young athletes, including a record-setting snowboarder, brought attention to winter sports in tropical regions. Both nations marked significant strides in expanding their sporting horizons.
Saudi Arabia and Cambodia made noteworthy debuts at the Asian Winter Games 2023 held in Harbin, China, despite having no natural ice or snow. The two countries showcased their commitment to winter sports, emphasizing that passion transcends geographical barriers. Saudi Arabia’s curling team, with an average age of over 45, ranked fourth among six teams, while Cambodia sent a determined contingent of four athletes, including the young snowboarder Panhasith Pisey, who made history as the youngest competitor in his event.
In the curling matches, the Saudi team faced tough competition from seasoned teams like South Korea, China, and Japan. Veteran curler Hussain Hagawi expressed that the experience was invaluable for their growth in the sport. Coach Alastair Fyfe commended the professionalism of the event, stating, “We’re really happy to be here.” Even without domestic facilities, the Saudi curlers travel to Europe for training, signaling a commitment to advancing their skills.
Saudi Arabia’s future in winter sports looks promising as the nation prepares to host the next Asian Winter Games in 2029. The growing interest in winter sports is evident, as noted by Hagawi, who reported an increase in participants from four to over 300 since his entry into curling in 2017. He aims to transition to coaching, fostering the development of young talent in Saudi Arabia.
Cambodia’s team, although small, exhibited notable determination and ambition. Young snowboarder Panhasith Pisey expressed pride in competing and performing to his capability, finishing 11th in qualifiers. His enthusiasm has resonated back home, igniting interest in winter sports among Cambodians. Fellow competitor Chantsovanratanak Doung echoed his sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to compete against top athletes and the experiences available in China.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia celebrated the historic participation of their athletes, seeing it as a significant milestone for the nation’s sporting aspirations. Secretary General Vath Chamroeun remarked on the pride instilled in the country through their debut, aligning with the International Olympic Committee’s vision to open winter sports to tropical nations. Moreover, the anticipation grows for Saudi athletes to achieve success in other winter sports disciplines, as expressed by Hagawi.
The Asian Winter Games 2023 marked a significant milestone for both Saudi Arabia and Cambodia as they made their debuts despite challenging climatic conditions. Saudi Arabia showed promise in curling, with plans to expand winter sports ahead of hosting the next Games. Meanwhile, Cambodian athletes inspired interest in winter sports back home through their participation. This event reflects a broader trend of inclusivity in sports, encouraging nations with diverse climates to engage in winter competitions.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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