Cambodian snowboarders compete in Winter Asian Games for first time

Four Cambodian snowboarders competed in this year's Asian Winter Games, marking the tropical country's first time participating in the international sporting event.

The 9th Asian Winter Games officially opened on Friday in Harbin City in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and runs until Feb 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.

The team includes four snowboarders who made their debut at the Yabuli ski resort in Harbin.

Cambodian competitors, who made their debut at the Yabuli Ski Resort in Harbin, said that they value the chance to learn from athletes from around the continent.

"We'll just go there to share connections with other people from outside countries. I just feel happy that I have the opportunity to come here. I don't have much experience on snowboard, but I would love to try more and more if I have the opportunity to train," said Chantsovanratanak Doung, a Cambodian snowboarder.

He added that he is "really happy" to be in Harbin, despite being unaccustomed to the city's harsh cold temperatures.

Doung's teammate Mengchoing Phin said he is glad to have the opportunity to experience China during the event.

"I am so excited to be here. The winter sports are amazing. Snow, and China, Chinese people are so amazing. I love the culture. I love the food here. Everything is amazing," he said.

Cambodian snowboarders compete in Winter Asian Games for first time

The first widespread heavy rainfall China has experienced this year has triggered emergency responses across the country.

The National Meteorological Center (NMC) said the heavy rain is set to intensify throughout Saturday night to Sunday.

Level-IV flood control emergency responses were activated at 12:00 on Saturday for central China's Hubei Province and the southwestern Chongqing Municipality, while responses at the same level were maintained for the southern province of Guangdong and the southwestern province of Guizhou.

On early Saturday, heavy rain hit Guizhou's Zhenning Bouyei and Miao Autonomous County, with rainfall in some regions in the county exceeding 50 millimeters,

Trees toppled over on some roads in Zhenning, as thunderstorms and high winds swept the city.

Local authorities immediately launched emergency responses including hazard inspections and road obstacle clearance.

Continuing rainfalls in Guigang City in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region caused extensive flooding in major streets.

With the help of traffic control and flood drainage, the situation on the city's roads has returned to normal.

In Chongyi County, in east China's Jiangxi Province, persistent rain has flooded farmlands and triggered landslides on some roads.

Swift responses were launched to clear debris and reopen roads and traffic has started flowing again.

Heavy rains trigger emergency responses across China