Harbin, China, February 11, 2025: The 9th Asian Winter Games are not only about what happens on the ice of Harbin and the snow of Yabuli.
Other elements contribute to the overall success of the Games, and to the experience of the participants.
Take, for example, the President of Nepal Olympic Committee, Jeevan Ram Shrestha, and Nepal’s Chef de Mission, Rama Bhattarai. They were among the “Ice and Snow Tour” guest programme participants on Tuesday, February 11, starting with a morning trip to the Sun Island Snow Sculpture Art Expo.
“I think the Guest Programme is very important for the participants because the sports is one part of a Games and the Guest Programme is connecting with the sports activities,” said Mr. Shrestha.
“If you only go to the competition venue, you don’t get to know about the country, the city, the geography or about the society, so it’s very important. This is the right time to show all this.”
Chef de Mission Rama added: “The Chinese people are very hard-working and dedicated and have this commitment to sports. They send a big message that nothing is impossible, and the youth are encouraged by this.”
Nepal had four athletes in the 9th Asian Winter Games – two female and two male alpine skiers in the slalom competitions.
“The athletes said they were very happy with the conditions at Yabuli and felt very much empowered. This will help them develop their skills for the next tournament,” said Rama.
“Even in these difficult circumstances, very cold, the facilitates were good. The volunteers were friendly and humble and they were all concerned about their guests.”
Organising committee HAWGOC offered three guest programme activities during the February 7-14 Asian Winter Games, complete with an introductory booklet with details and contact numbers.
The tours were planned for February 9, 11 and 13 and took in all the sights of Harbin, from museums to the Ice and Snow World, the Grand Theatre, Central Street and the magnificent St. Sophia Church.
