HARBIN, China — Saudi alpine skier Sharifa Al-Sudairi made history with her participation on Saturday in the ninth Asian Winter Games, marking the Kingdom's first-ever appearance in the competition. Although she was unable to qualify for the second round, her presence was a significant milestone for Saudi winter sports. Al-Sudairi competed alongside her teammate Jude Farhoud in representing the Saudi alpine skiing team, while fellow athlete Fayik Abdi is set to take part in his events on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Saudi national curling team continues intensive training in preparation for their upcoming matches on Sunday. The team is scheduled to play two matches—first against Qatar, followed by a game against host nation China. On the first day of the competition, South Korea led the medal tally, securing seven gold medals. South Korean short-track speed skaters dominated the events, winning four out of five gold medals contested at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Hall. The team claimed gold in the 2000-meter mixed relay, with two of its members, Kim Gil-li and Park Ji-won, also winning individual gold medals in the women's and men's 1500-meter races. Another teammate, Choi Min-jeong, spearheaded a South Korean sweep of the podium in the women's 500-meter race, where Kim and Lee So-youn secured silver and bronze, respectively. In the adjacent oval rink, Lee Na-hyun outpaced her compatriot Kim Min-sun to win gold in the first women's 100-meter speed skating event. Sharifa Al-Sudairi developed a passion for skiing at the age of ten during a family trip to the Swiss Alps. She found in the sport a sense of freedom and excitement, which fueled her ambition. Over the years, she honed her skills by competing in alpine skiing races under specialized clubs in Switzerland, ultimately earning her place on the Saudi national winter sports team. Al-Sudairi has expressed her aspiration to represent Saudi Arabia at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, a goal she considers both a personal challenge and a step toward empowering Saudi women in sports. In previous interviews, Al-Sudairi emphasized that sports are not merely a physical activity but a means of building confidence and overcoming barriers. She has encouraged women to challenge conventions and strive for their dreams, seeing her participation in the Asian Winter Games as more than just a personal achievement—it is a message of empowerment and inspiration. With the growing interest of Saudi women in sports, Al-Sudairi hopes her journey will serve as motivation for others to pursue their aspirations and contribute to a more inclusive and supportive sports culture in the Kingdom. Al-Sudairi concluded by reaffirming that her ultimate dream is to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics at her peak performance. However, beyond personal success, she hopes to inspire a new generation of Saudi female skiers, paving the way for future athletes to explore and excel in winter sports.
