Fayik Abdi, Saudi Arabia’s first Winter Olympian, is set to make his debut at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, on Sunday. The 27-year-old alpine skier is poised to showcase his talents on the continental stage, marking another milestone in his groundbreaking career.
Abdi made history when he represented Saudi Arabia at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, competing in the men’s alpine skiing giant slalom event. His participation signaled a new era for winter sports in a nation better known for its desert landscapes and scorching temperatures.
“Skiing is magic,” Abdi said in a recent interview. “There’s no way to replicate the feeling it gives you.” His passion for the sport has made him a central figure in promoting snow and ice sports in Saudi Arabia.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has ramped up its investment in developing winter sports. The kingdom is set to host the next edition of the Asian Winter Games in Trojena in 2029, a testament to its commitment to embracing new athletic endeavors. Abdi played a key role in the country’s successful bid for the event.
“We can learn a lot from China in promoting winter sports,” Abdi noted, expressing admiration for how the Chinese mainland has cultivated enthusiasm and infrastructure for these disciplines. He hopes to inspire a new generation of Saudi athletes to explore the wonders of winter sports.
