The 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin served as a remarkable platform for the Philippines, a tropical nation, to elevate its presence in winter sports. Represented by 19 athletes competing across five sports, including curling, figure skating, and alpine skiing, the Filipino team made significant strides on the ice.
One of the standout performances came from the men's curling team, which secured at least a silver medal after a thrilling semifinal victory against Team China. This achievement marks the best performance by the Philippines in curling at the Asian Winter Games, highlighting the country's growing talent in winter disciplines.
Richard Bachmann, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, praised China's world-class facilities and impeccable organization, noting that they set a high benchmark for international events. "The facilities here are top-notch and have greatly enhanced our athletes' performances," Bachmann remarked.
For the Philippines, participating in the Games is more than just competition; it's an opportunity to raise public awareness and foster interest in ice sports back home. Nikki Cheng, president of the Philippine Skating Union, emphasized the importance of cultural exchange facilitated by the event. "Activities like pin trading help our athletes connect and build friendships across borders, sparking conversations even among the more introverted members of our team," Cheng explained.
Beyond the medals and competition, the Asian Winter Games in Harbin have played a crucial role in promoting winter sports in the Philippines, inspiring a new generation of athletes to take up ice sports and pursue excellence on the international stage.
Reference(s):
Filipino delegates: Asian Winter Games boost winter sports awareness
cgtn.com
