Saudi Arabia and Cambodia Mark Historic Debut at Winter Asiad
The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, have seen two unlikely nations, Saudi Arabia and Cambodia, break new ground by making their debut in winter sports. Despite facing challenges like extreme heat and a lack of natural snow, both countries have embraced the Games, contributing to the expansion of winter sports in regions far from cold climates.
Saudi Arabia’s Curling Journey
Saudi Arabia’s participation is highlighted by their entry into the curling competition, a sport that the nation is still learning to master. The Saudi curling team, consisting of five male players, has an average age of over 45. Despite a lack of home-based facilities, they have shown resilience. The team trains overseas and occasionally uses ice hockey rinks in Riyadh to practice.
Hussain Hagawi, a veteran curler and one of the key players, shared his thoughts on the competition. “The games were quite hard for us, but it’s really important when we play with top teams like South Korea, China, and Japan. We will start growing,” said the 46-year-old athlete. The team is currently ranked fourth out of six in the curling competition, marking a significant achievement for a first-time participant.
Saudi Arabia’s future in winter sports looks promising, especially with the country preparing to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, the first edition to be held in West Asia. With new facilities under construction, interest in winter sports is steadily increasing, and Hagawi has noticed a growing enthusiasm for curling. “When I first picked up the sport in 2017, we had only a handful of players. Now we have over 300, including children,” he proudly mentioned.
The coach of the Saudi team, Alastair Fyfe, also expressed his appreciation for the high standards at the Games. “The quality of the ice, the organization, and the volunteers – everything is top class and professional,” he remarked, emphasizing the team’s excitement at being part of such a prestigious event.
Hagawi’s personal goal is to shift from being a competitor to a coach, with the aim of nurturing the next generation of Saudi curlers. “This sport doesn’t have an age limit. You can continue playing until you’re 75,” he noted optimistically.
Cambodia’s Trailblazing Snowboarders
Cambodia, another tropical nation, also made history with its debut at the Winter Asiad, sending a small yet determined delegation of four athletes. Among them is 14-year-old Panhasith Pisey, who made history as the youngest snowboarder in the slopestyle event. Pisey finished 11th in his qualifying run, falling short of advancing to the finals but leaving a lasting impression with his performance.
“I’m happy to be here and to have performed to my level,” said Pisey, who remains optimistic about improving in future competitions. His participation has sparked significant interest in snowboarding back home, with many Cambodians now looking into winter sports.
Fellow snowboarder Chantsovanratanak Doung, who is competing for the first time in China, echoed similar sentiments. “In Cambodia, we have no snow, and there are very few opportunities to train. So, I really value this experience. Competing against top athletes helps me improve,” Doung explained, highlighting the challenges of training in a country without winter sports infrastructure.
The Cambodia National Olympic Committee (NOCC) views the participation of their athletes in the Winter Asiad as an important step in broadening the nation’s sporting scope. “It’s a proud moment for Cambodia,” said Vath Chamroeun, the NOCC Secretary General. “Sending a team to the Asian Winter Games aligns with the vision of the International Olympic Committee, encouraging tropical nations to participate in winter sports.”
The Road Ahead for Both Nations
The debut of Saudi Arabia and Cambodia at the Winter Asiad is a testament to the growing global appeal of winter sports, even in regions far from the traditional cold-weather countries. Both nations are embracing the challenges of winter sports and have shown that determination can break geographical and climatic barriers.
Looking ahead, both Saudi Arabia and Cambodia aim to build on their newfound experiences and inspire future generations. For Saudi Arabia, the hosting of the 2029 Winter Games will likely fuel further growth in winter sports participation, while Cambodia’s young athletes are expected to be part of a rising wave of interest in winter sports in Southeast Asia.
For now, the journey of these trailblazing athletes will serve as an inspiration to others from similar climates, proving that passion and dedication can thrive, no matter the surroundings.
The historic participation of Saudi Arabia and Cambodia is not just about sports; it’s about expanding the horizon for winter athletics in countries where snow and ice are rare. This marks a significant moment in the history of the Winter Asiad, as more nations join the global winter sports community.
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