Harbin Asian Winter Games: Saudi Arabia in Games for first time

This year, several countries are participating in the Asian Winter Games for the first time, including Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Wang Siwen followed Team Saudi Arabia as they experienced the ice and snow in Harbin. 

Saudi Arabia is participating in the Asian Winter Games for the first time, sending a team of seven athletes to Harbin to compete in Skiing and Curling. 

SULEIMAN ALAQEL Curling athlete, Team Saudi Arabia: "It's really feels great to come to your country, also for the first time."

MOHAMMED ALDARAAN Curling athlete, Team Saudi Arabia: "Actually I like cold, but here's really really cold. I also like it."

When it comes to their goals, they're ambitious. 

HUSSEIN HAGAWI, Curling athlete, Team Saudi Arabia "Gold, that's my goal, in four years when it comes to Trojena, it's always my goal."

In 2029, Saudi Arabia will host the next Asian Winter Games. 

MOHAMMED ALDARAAN Curling athlete, Team Saudi Arabia: "Trojena is ready to welcome all the sports and individuals, anyone comes there." 

HUSSEIN HAGAWI Curling athlete, Team Saudi Arabia: "We'll be ready for you guys. Welcome to Saudi Arabia next time after Harbin."

Coming from a hot desert country to the chilly temperatures of Harbin, one thing the Saudi delegation was sure to explore was ice and snow. 

Together with the Saudis' media team, we visited Snowman Wharf, where dozens of snow and ice activities awaited. 

The first thing? Buying more equipment. 

After that, they were ready to tackle the cold. 

The first activity we tried was the "Snow Drift".

It wasn't too bad for the first game, but we needed a break. 

Next up was the "Snowfield Long Dragon." This one took much longer and was something they never imagined. 

FAHAD ALRUBAYSH, Assistant Manager, Team Saudi Arabia: "It's so cold, but it's really good experience for us."

FARAH ALZAHRANI, Media Representative, Team Saudi Arabia: "We are adapting it day by day."

When asked how they would describe this experience once back home. 

FARAH ALZAHRANI, Media Representative, Team Saudi Arabia: "It's amazing, they should come and visit."

As the sun set, the team headed back. Despite the freezing temperatures, the experience gave them new memories they'll be eager to share. 

Wang Siwen, CGTN, Harbin.