Countries from across the Asia are competing in the Asian Winter Games. Our reporter Wang Siwen spoke to the Secretary General of Tajikistan's National Olympic Committee about the challenges the country faces competing in winter sports.
WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter: "Tajikistan first participated in the Asian Winter Games in Harbin in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, what does returning to Harbin mean for your country? What goal has the country set for this edition of the Games?"
ABDULLOZODA MUHAMMADSHO, Secretary General, Tajikistan National Olympic Committee: "In Tajikistan, we only have one winter sport. This is Alpine Skiing and there in this regard, we have a small delegation. This is four athletes for Alpine Skiing in Slalom. And the main goal of our participation is the promotion of the Olympic moment. Brotherhood relations between all Asia countries. Another goal is our preparation for the next Winter Olympic Games to be held next year in Milano Cortina. I think the Asian Games in one of the levels or one of the steps of preparation for the Olympic Games."
WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter: "You have served as Secretary General of the Tajikistan NOC since 2017, also hold the role of Secretary General of the National Winter Sports Association. How have these dual roles helped in development efforts for winter sports."
ABDULLOZODA MUHAMMADSHO, Secretary General, Tajikistan National Olympic Committee: "Yes, this is a very good question because I'm working long time for my NOC when I see that for these winter sports, very difficult, no sponsors, no help. I have decided to be a Secretary General as well for this kind of sport to promote. As I mentioned before, we have only one sport, this Alpine Skiing. We don't have good facilities for training, or we don't have sponsors to provide us finance. Through the National Olympic Committee, I am doing all my best to help and because we want to see our athletes and our flag during the Winter Olympic Games as well. So we believe that in future we will have it, and Tajikistan also will have the chance to be the host city for the Asian Games in our country."
WANG SIWEN, CGTN Reporter: "Would you like to share a message of encouragement for Tajik athletes at the Games and future competitions?"
ABDULLOZODA MUHAMMADSHO, Secretary General, Tajikistan National Olympic Committee: "I wish the team of Tajikistan as well, I would like to wish all other teams, the best results. I wish them to have good preparation for the next Olympic Games."