Abdullozoda Muhammadsho, Secretary General of the Tajikistan National Olympic Committee (NOC), expressed his ambition to develop winter sports in the Central Asian country, viewing the Harbin Games as valuable preparation for next year's Winter Olympics.
The 9th Asian Winter Games officially opened on Friday in Harbin City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province.
With the slogan "Dream of Winter, Love among Asia," the Harbin Games run from February 7 to 14.
This year's Games have drawn more than 1,200 athletes from 34 countries and regions across Asia, making it the largest edition in terms of participation, according to organizers.
Tajikistan first participated in the Asian Winter Games in Harbin in 1996. This year, the country has sent a delegation of four athletes, all competing in alpine skiing.
"In Tajikistan, we have only one winter sport. This is alpine skiing, and 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 movement and, of course, brotherhood relations between all Asian 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 is one of the levels or one of the steps of preparation for the Olympic Games," said the Secretary General in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Muhammadsho has served as Secretary General of the Tajikistan National Olympic Committee (NOC) since 2017 and also holds the same position at the National Winter Sports Association in Tajikistan.
He said his dual roles have helped promote winter sports in the country, despite challenges such as a lack of facilities and sponsors.
"I'm working a long time for my NOC, and when I see that for these winter sports, (it is) very difficult, no sponsors, no help, I have decided to be a Secretary General as well for this kind of sport to promote (it). Through the National Olympic Committee, I am doing all my best to help, because we want to see our athletes and our flag during the Winter Olympic Games as well. So we believe that in the future we will have it, and Tajikistan also will have the chance to be the host city for the Asian Games in our country," he said.
The Secretary General also shared a message of encouragement+ for Tajik athletes competing at the Harbin Games.
"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," he said.
Tajikistan's Olympic committee leader sees Harbin Games as great opportunity to develop winter sports at home
