With the 9th Asian Winter Games nearing its close, Timothy Fok Tsun-Ting, Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and President of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Olympic Committee, shared his excitement over China’s achievements in hosting the event.
In an exclusive interview at CGTN Sports Scene’s special studio in Harbin on Wednesday, Fok expressed delight at the record-breaking participation, with 34 nations and regions represented this year. “It’s incredible to see such diversity and enthusiasm for snow and ice sports here in China,” he said.
Fok praised China’s remarkable progress in snow and ice sports, highlighting how Harbin 2025 could inspire more people to engage in winter activities. “Harbin has the potential to become a hub for winter sports in Asia, and I hope it encourages future generations to embrace these cold-weather pastimes,” he added.
Looking ahead, Fok discussed the next Asian Winter Games, set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2029. He emphasized the opportunity for snow and ice sports to develop further in West Asia. “It’s exciting to see new regions getting involved; it shows the universal appeal of these sports,” he commented.
As the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of the Hong Kong SAR, Fok also shared his pride in the Hong Kong ice hockey team’s impressive top-eight finish in Harbin. “Our team’s performance is a testament to their hard work and the growing interest in winter sports back home,” he remarked.
Coincidentally, Fok’s 79th birthday falls on the final day of the Asian Winter Games. He shared his birthday wish: “I hope Harbin 2025 leaves a lasting legacy that inspires young people across Asia to take up snow and ice sports.”
