In the heart of the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, one athlete from Viet Nam to compete at the game. Despite hailing from a tropical country with minimal access to ice rinks, Truong Lap Duong and his team are determined to break barriers in the world of winter sports. We'll hear their story of dedication and ambition, aiming to inspire not only Viet Nam, but all tropical nations, to rise in winter sports. Wang Siwen has more.
Duong Truong Lap, the sole athlete from Viet Nam, along with his coach and the Chef de Mission, represent three generations of winter sports athletes from Viet Nam. Together, they've made their way to the 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games. Coming from a tropical country like Viet Nam, competing in Short Track Speed Skating is a big challenge.
QUANG VINH NGO, Chef de Mission, Team Viet Nam: "In Viet Nam, we only have two ice rinks, and they're small, so Lap often travels to neighbouring countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines for training camps organised by the International Skating Union(ISU)."
Lap's journey began with Inline Speed Skating, but he quickly fell in love with Short Track Speed Skating.
TRUONG LAP DUONG, Short Track Speed Skating Athlete, Team Viet Nam: "It's like flying on the ice, especially when your hands touch the surface."
Team Viet Nam's message is clear: they're ready to inspire others in tropical countries.
VO HUU VINH NGUYEN, Coach, Team Viet Nam: "We hope that winter sports can develop in Viet Nam, to be faster, stronger, and for Viet Nam to be a member of the winter sport in the world."
Many are here in Harbin for the first time. I took them to Central Street, one of the most famous and popular streets in Harbin. They've been busy taking photos, seeing the crowds, buying equipment, and doing a lot of shopping.
Wang Siwen: "How do you like Central Street?"
"Very much!"
Wang Siwen: "How much have you spent?"
"A lot, but that's good memories for us!"
Despite the chilly -20°C temperatures, Team Viet Nam is determined to give their best on the ice, sharing their passion to other tropical countries, that winter sports can be developed, faster, and stronger. Wang Siwen, CGTN, Harbin.