A special send-off ceremony was held at Almaty International Airport for Kazakhstan’s national alpine skiing team as they departed for the Winter Asian Games in Harbin, China. The event, organized by the Consulate General of China in Almaty in collaboration with the Almaty City Sports Administration, was themed "A Warm Spring Festival Gathering: Celebrating the Chinese New Year Together." It brought together athletes, coaches, and representatives from both countries to mark this significant occasion, DKnews.kz reports.
Kazakhstan’s Ski Team Embarks on a New Challenge
Eight athletes and two coaches from Kazakhstan’s national ski team are heading to China to compete in one of the biggest winter sports events in Asia. Among them is Kseniya Berezhnaya, a seasoned alpine skier, who shared her thoughts on the upcoming competition:
"I’m looking forward to gaining valuable experience and delivering a strong performance for our country. I don’t know much about China’s level in alpine skiing, but I do know they have some strong athletes. It will be interesting to compete against them" Kseniya Berezhnaya
Her words reflect a determined spirit and a desire to showcase Kazakhstan’s talent on the international stage.
Words of Encouragement from China
China’s Consul General in Almaty, Jiang Wei, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of sports in strengthening the bond between Kazakhstan and China. She noted that Harbin is hosting the Winter Asian Games for the third time, while Almaty previously hosted the event in 2011, further highlighting the two cities’ shared passion for winter sports.
"The love for winter sports brings Harbin and Almaty together. But most importantly, it is you – the outstanding athletes – who serve as true ambassadors of friendship between our nations. The motto of these Games, ‘Winter Dreams, Love at the Heart of Asia,’ is something I hope you will bring to life by delivering outstanding performances and strengthening cooperation between our countries. May your achievements contribute to closer ties between our people and support the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’" Jiang Wei, China’s Consul General in Almaty
She expressed confidence that Kazakhstan’s participation in the Games is not only an opportunity for the athletes to advance their careers but also a meaningful step in reinforcing bilateral relations.
Chinese New Year and Cultural Program
The ceremony coincided with the Chinese New Year, recently recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. To honor this festive occasion, the athletes were treated to a cultural program, allowing them to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese celebrations.
Consul General Jiang Wei encouraged the team to explore China beyond the competition:
"This year has been designated as the Year of China Tourism in Kazakhstan, and Harbin is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks. I warmly invite you to take some time outside of your competitions to experience the city, embrace its unique atmosphere, and enjoy its beauty" Jiang Wei, China’s Consul General in Almaty
She also extended heartfelt New Year wishes, hoping for a successful year filled with achievements and happiness for the athletes.
The send-off event at Almaty International Airport was more than just a farewell; it symbolized the growing cultural and sports collaboration between Kazakhstan and China. Held in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, the gathering underscored the strong support for Kazakhstan’s athletes as they embark on their journey to Harbin, ready to represent their country and strive for excellence on the international stage.
