Saudi flagbearer Fayik Abdi praises 9th Asian Winter Games in China

Fayik Abdi, Saudi Arabia's first Winter Olympian, made his Asian Winter Games debut in Yabuli, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. He joined CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi in the front-line studio and talked about his pleasant experience at the program.

It wasn't the first time for Abdi to compete in China as he did so at the Winter Olympics in Beijing three years ago. It took him some time to get used to Yabuli, but he soon found it very enjoyable. Most importantly, he had his teammates there with him. Another two alpine skiers, Sharifa Al-Sudairi and Farhoud Joud, participated in the women's slalom event. Their country also sent a whole team of male curlers to compete in Harbin.

Saudi Arabia will host the next Asian Winter Games in 2029. As one of the pioneers of his country in winter sports, Abdi hopes that his career can inspire more people to join him, which will further promote the development of winter sports in Saudi Arabia.

Abdi finished in 44th place in the men's giant slalom event at the Winter Olympics in 2022. He didn't finish the men's slalom competitions in Yabuli. Despite the setbacks, he is determined to do his best to earn his spot at next year's Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.