ISU president visits CGTN studio covering Asian Winter Games in Harbin

President of the International Skating Union (ISU) Kim Jae-youl visited the studio of China Global Television Network (CGTN) in the Harbin Ice and Snow World and joined a live broadcast on Sunday to share his views on skating sports, the ongoing 9th Asian Winter Games, and the cooperation between the ISU and China.

Running from Feb 7 to 14 in Harbin, capital city of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the Games marks China's first major international ice and snow event since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and the third time for China to host the Asian Winter Games, and the second time for Harbin.

"China has been utilizing the legacy of Beijing 2022 in terms of hosting events and also helping skaters from different countries coming to train in China," Kim said.

Kim wrote a heartfelt message to CGTN on visitors' book, expressing his appreciation for the partnership between CGTN and the ISU in advancing the development of skating sports.

Director General Colin Smith, another key figure from the ISU, also shared his impressions of both the Harbin Asian Winter Games and the city itself.

"It's been amazing. It's my first time to Harbin. I've been to China quite a few times, but never to Harbin. Since joining skating just over a year ago, I've heard about this location which has produced so many champions. So it's great to actually come here and see it in person. So far, I'm very impressed with the Asian Winter Games and with Harbin. I've looked at the ice structures today and it's phenomenal what's going on here in Harbin, in general, and also for the Asian Winter Games," Smith said.

From March 14 to 16, Beijing will host the 2024-2025 ISU World Short Track Speed Skating Championships. Kim expressed confidence that Beijing will once again deliver a spectacular top-level short track speed skating event.

ISU president visits CGTN studio covering Asian Winter Games in Harbin

The death toll from a crane collapse that derailed a passenger train in northeastern Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima Province has risen to 32, with the number of injured now standing at 67, authorities said on Wednesday.

The accident occurred on Wednesday morning when the construction crane used for a high-speed rail bridge collapsed onto the train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Speaking at a press briefing, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Chaiwat Chuenkosum said the State Railway of Thailand expects to take approximately seven days to clear the wreckage and restore the track to normal operation while a full investigation into the cause of the accident is underway.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn earlier told reporters that he has instructed agencies to conduct a transparent, comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and prevent recurrence.

According to Thai media reports, the main contractor for the involved railway section is Italian-Thai Development PLC, which has issued a statement on the accident, saying that the company will fully assume responsibilities related to compensation and medical treatment.

Songrit Yoonsoongnern, a rescuer, said that rescue teams are waiting for some parts of the wrecked train to be moved before continuing operations.

"Right now, we are waiting for the cranes to secure the carriage and the crane above, and to remove some debris that is on the bodies. For safety reasons, we must wait until Italian-Thai Development’s cranes complete the operation and safety is 100-percent assured, before ordering rescue personnel to enter and recover the bodies," he said.

32 killed after crane collapse derails train in Thailand