Champion freeskier Xu Mengtao appointed as China's flagbearer at Asian Winter Games closing ceremony

Veteran freeskier Xu Mengtao of China has been selected as the delegation's flagbearer at the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the Chinese delegation announced on Thursday.

"It's a great honor to be chosen as the flagbearer for the Chinese delegation at the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games," Xu posted on a social medal platform. "I feel so proud and excited. The flagbearer must display the best aspects of Chinese athletes. I am filled with a sense of mission and accomplishment."

It will be the second time for Xu to carry the Chinese national flag at the closing ceremony of a major international sports program after doing so at the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022.

Xu has participated in three events in the women's aerials, mixed team and women's synchro at the Asian Winter Games, winning two gold medals and one silver.