Feature: Lebanon's winter athletes excited to compete at 2025 Asian Winter Games

BEIRUT, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's winter sports athletes expressed their great excitement about competing in the 2025 Asian Winter Games from February 7 to 14 in Harbin, China.

"I have a feeling it will be exciting and an awesome experience," said cross-country skier Karen Succar, 17.

"I'm eager to explore the country, see the ski tracks, and see how they organize competitions. I also look forward to immersing myself in a new culture, meeting people, and experiencing the vibrant atmosphere. From the images I've seen, China looks breathtaking."

Paul Keyrouz, 36, who will take part in cross-country skiing and biathlon, was equally enthused about competing in Harbin.

"This is my first time in China, a vast and highly developed country known for its rich history, breathtaking mountains, and snowy landscapes. I'm thrilled to explore and experience its culture," he said.

"I have great confidence in the Chinese people-their intelligence, innovation, and technological advancements are remarkable. It will be fascinating to witness these firsthand, especially aspects we don't often see in Lebanon. China excels in many fields, particularly sports, making this an entirely new and enriching experience."

Raymond Succar, head of Lebanon's delegation, praised China's excellence in organizing international events. "China is renowned for its flawless organization of major events, and I am eager to witness this again. With vast financial and human resources, precision and efficiency are always remarkable."

He added, "What draws me to China is its relentless pursuit of excellence on the global stage. The country is constantly evolving, never settling until its goals are achieved. What impresses me most is sports' significant role in Chinese society, reflecting their commitment to discipline, progress, and national pride."

A record 17 athletes will represent Lebanon across five disciplines - Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, and ski mountaineering.

Karen Succar expressed her pride in representing her country and emphasized the friendship among Lebanese skiers. "The Lebanon ski community is so special. All the athletes are very supportive of each other. We all want the best for our teammates," she said.

For his part, Keyrouz said: "We have to do our best despite the tough situation this year, both financially and in terms of snow. Our morale is not too high, but we must push forward."

Meanwhile, Raymond Succar highlighted the significance of this year's participation. "This is the biggest Lebanese delegation in international games. Competing in five disciplines is a milestone for Lebanon, especially given the difficult circumstances in the country," he said.

For years, Lebanon was primarily represented in Alpine skiing. However, with the rise of athletes like Samer Tawk, the country has expanded its presence in cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Cross-country skiing remains underdeveloped in Lebanon compared to Alpine skiing. "Very few people do cross-country skiing here, and the infrastructure is limited. We need specialized snow tracks and more professional training schools," Keyrouz said, noting the challenges facing professional skiers in Lebanon, such as limited financial capabilities and a lack of snow.

"We trained in Croatia and Bulgaria in the summer through the federation, but much of the preparation was done individually due to financial constraints," he explained.

Karen said that Lebanon's lack of snow pushed athletes to adapt their training routines by relying on roller skiing, cycling, and running. She added that the conflict in Lebanon has taken a toll on skiers both mentally and physically.

According to Raymond Succar, funding remains one of the biggest obstacles for Lebanese athletes. "To compete internationally, athletes must travel extensively, but our federation has limited resources. The government does not provide financial support, so we rely on personal efforts and the Lebanese Olympic Committee," he explained.

Despite financial struggles, the Lebanese Ski Federation continues to train and support athletes, working alongside ski schools, the Lebanese Army, and dedicated parents, he said. ■