Sheikh Ahmad officiates at opening of Asian Winter Games in China
28-01-2007

 

CHANGCHUN, China, Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday opened the Sixth Asian Winter Games, featuring all 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for the first time in its 21-year-old history. Up to 816 athletes are taking part in these games, which are expected to go on till February 4.

 

These are the last games to be hosted by China before it hosts the 2008 Summer Games. Up to 15,000 spectators turned up at the opening ceremony, where more than 3,000 students took part in the ceremony, which was attended by foreign dignitaries, including the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who met with the Chinese President and discussed with him the latest developments in the worlds of politics and sports.

 

The Chinese president pledged to provide plenty of support to the Kuwait-led OCA.

 

Sheikh Ahmad said the OCA will continue its mission and he praised the preparations made for the game in China.

 

China's contingent to the games includes 160 athletes, while one Palestinian athlete takes part in an ice skating contest and a Kuwaiti contingent takes part in the Ice Hockey competition.

 

Sheikh Ahmad decorated the winners of Sunday's contests, including the Chinese winner of the 3,000 meter race, who set a new record for the race.