10/02/2025
10/02/2025
![](https://www.arabtimesonline.com/arabtimes/uploads/images/2025/02/10/52268.jpg)
HARBIN Feb 10, (Xinhua): Finishing 19th in the women's slalom during her debut at the ongoing Harbin Asian Winter Games on Saturday, alpine skier Joud Farhoud of Saudi Arabia expressed disappointment with her result.
At the Harbin Games, several Alpine skiers from the Middle East told Xinhua that winter sports are flourishing in their countries.
Faris Alobaid, 37, marked Kuwait's Asian Winter Games debut in alpine skiing on Sunday. An investor by profession, he set aside his busy schedule to focus on preparing for the event.
"Sport is the best way to bring people together, fostering friendship and showcasing different talents," said Alobaid.
"This is an excellent opportunity to showcase our country to the world, demonstrating our friendliness and openness for business," the Kuwaiti added.
Kuwait has recently established several ice hockey clubs and constructed a high-level rink for hosting international ice hockey events.
Since 2023, skiing has been actively promoted in the country. Alobaid, who learned to ski at the age of eight in the French Alps, has become a pioneering figure in his country's skiing scene. Six months ago, he hired a coach for the newly established Kuwait national team.
"We understand the theory of turning and not missing gates, we also have our equipment ready," said Alobaid.
Though he ranked last out of 35 finishers in the men's slalom event, the 37-year-old was pleased that his expectations were met. "China and Kuwait share a strong connection. We appreciate the partnership we have with China and we look forward to building more collaborations in winter sports." In Lebanon, two main ski resorts have been established - one in the country's north, and the other in the center.
"On average, we can now train in our country around 60 days a year, with around 50 skiers spread across Lebanon," skier Anthony Mrad explained.
In addition to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon, other Middle Eastern nations such as Jordan and Iran have seen their alpine skiers compete at Harbin, all expressing their ambition to improve.
Saudi Arabia is set to host the 10th Asian Winter Games in 2029, and Farhoud expressed her excitement, stating, "I was fortunate to learn this sport as a child, and our country is remarkable for hosting the Asian Winter Games in the Middle East." "The organization of this event has been incredible, and there's always something to learn as we take our next steps in hosting the Asian Winter Games," she added.