Xinhua News Agency, Harbin, February 14th, Title: "I hope to learn from China's experience and promote the development of Saudi ice and snow sports" - Interview with the head of the Saudi delegation Ahmed bin Duwahi

Xinhua News Agency reporter Deng Yushan, Dong Yare, Du Baiyu

The 9th Asian Winter Games (Asian Winter Games) closed successfully in Harbin on the 14th. Ahmed bin Duwahi, head of the Saudi Arabian delegation, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters that China has presented an extremely exciting and wonderful winter sports event to Asian countries. As the host of the next Asian Winter Games, Saudi Arabia hopes to learn from China's experience and promote the better development of ice and snow sports in Saudi Arabia.

"Before I came to Harbin, I was full of expectations." Duwahi said that he has visited China many times to attend events, and China's organizational level is excellent and impressive. "There is no doubt that the Harbin Asian Winter Games will be one of the top events."

This Asian Winter Games, more than 1,200 athletes from 34 Asian countries and regions signed up to participate, setting the highest in the history of the competition in terms of participating countries and regions and athletes. Among them, Saudi Arabia sent a team to participate for the first time. Duwahi is very proud of his eight athletes from the Saudi delegation who participated in curling and alpine skiing.

On February 7, the head of the Saudi delegation, Ahmed bin Duwahi, accepted an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency reporters in Harbin (mobile photo). Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Dong Yalei

He said that starting with only one Saudi athlete participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, "Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop winter sports are gradually showing results." There are more than 140 winter sports athletes in Saudi Arabia, and more and more Saudis will like ice and snow sports in the future.

Duwahi said that China is a major ice and snow sports country with rich experience in organizing competitions and superb organizational level. He said: "China and Saudi Arabia have close cooperation in various fields such as economy, culture, and sports. We hope to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in winter sports, learn from China's experience, and promote the continued development and growth of ice and snow sports in Saudi Arabia."

Duwahi said that every sports event plays an important role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations. "I will take the initiative to say 'hello' when I see Chinese people. I can express my gratitude in Chinese. These are the important significance of holding sports events."

On February 14, the flag of the People's Republic of China and the Saudi Arabia flag were raised at the closing ceremony. On the same day, the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games was held in Harbin. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Wang Jianwei

On October 4, 2022, the Asian Olympic Council announced that Saudi Arabia has been qualified to hold the 2029 Asian Winter Conference. This is the first time that the Asian Winter Games have entered a West Asian country. Many people are concerned about this question: As a country dominated by tropical desert climate, how can Saudi Arabia host the Winter Games?

Duwahi told reporters: "In Saudi Arabia, the terrain and climate are different in different places. Just a few days ago, it had just snowed in the north."

Trugina, the 2029 Asian Winter Conference, is located in New Future City in northwest Saudi Arabia. It covers an area of ​​nearly 60 square kilometers and has an altitude of between 1,500 and 2,600 meters. The winter temperature can drop below zero degrees Celsius. There is a three-month winter skiing period. The relevant winter sports facilities are expected to be completed in 2026. Duwahi said that Trugina has a suitable climate and preparations are currently being carried out in an orderly manner, which will bring you great surprises.