The excitement is building up for the ninth Asian Winter Games, set to take place in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, from February 7 to 14. 🏔️ Sarah Lewis, former FIS Secretary General and the first woman to hold the position, shared her insights on CGTN Sports Scene's Talk Sports series with Greg Laffradi.
Lewis emphasized the unique charm of the Asian Winter Games, stating, \"The Asian Winter Games are a special opportunity and a fantastic showcase of winter sport talents from all across Asia.\" She highlighted the diverse participation, from established nations like China, Japan, and Korea to emerging countries in Central and South Asia. This diversity not only elevates the competition but also provides a crucial platform for athletes to develop and gain valuable experience in a multi-sport event setting.
Reflecting on China's impressive strides in winter sports, Lewis pointed out the remarkable impact of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and Zhangjiakou. She noted that China successfully engaged over 346 million people in winter sports since 2015, surpassing their ambitious goal of 300 million participants. \"China's efforts across winter sports development have been absolutely remarkable,\" Lewis praised.
As Harbin prepares to host the upcoming Games, the legacy of increased participation and enthusiasm for winter sports continues to thrive. The Asian Winter Games not only celebrate athletic excellence but also inspire a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts across the continent. 🌟❄️
Reference(s):
Talk Sports: Former FIS chief on significance of Asian Winter Games
cgtn.com