West Asian OCA members eager to win in Winter Asiad

Members from west Asia are very eager to participate in the Asian Winter Games and even win a medal, said the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on Saturday.

OCA director general Husain Al Musallam said they are working hard to get more athletes to compete in the Winter Asiad and hope more can have a place in the medals tally.

Coinciding with their hopes, members from west Asia where much is occupied by deserts, are very eager to be competitive in winter sports.

"It is the first time we have all 45 members here and 26 of they have athletes here. It is the first time we reached this number," said Husain. "We are trying our best to help all members to get a medal at the Games."

"Countries like UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are located in desert area and have hot weather, but their governments have spent billions of dollars in building winter sports facilities," said Husain.

According to him, the United Arab Emirates will have two ice rinks in each of their seven emirates and one indoor ice mountain in Dubai.

Saudi Arabia have six ice rink halls and Kuwait now are building a winter city to promote ice hockey and cross-country events.

"They want their kids to be good in these sports and have a chance to be on the medals ranking," he said.

It is the first time all 45 OCA members gathered in the Games and 26 of them had athletes here.

The 6th Asian Winter Games will close on Sunday.

Source: Xinhua