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 U.S. State Department approved possible military sales to Saudi Arabia and Oman on Friday, with the deals valued at an estimated 5.75 billion U.S. dollars and 188 million U.S. dollars, respectively.

Saudi Arabia has requested a 5 billion U.S. dollars purchase of JDAM-ER (Joint Direct Attack Munitions-Extended Range) guidance kits and related equipment, including 5,004 BLU-111 500-pound and 5,000 BLU-117 2,000-pound general-purpose bombs, the State Department said in a release.

The proposed Saudi purchase also includes AGT-1500 engines and related equipment, valued at 750 million U.S. dollars, according to the release.

In another release, the U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of F-16 Sustainment services and related equipment to Oman.

The administration has now forwarded the foreign military sales notifications to Capitol Hill for congressional review.

U.S. State Department approves nearly 6 bln USD arms sale to Saudi Arabia, Oman