(NEOM): The Kingdom receives the flag of hosting the 10th Asian Winter Games

The Kingdom officially received the flag of the Olympic Council of Asia today, Friday, marking its hosting of the 10th Asian Winter Games (NEOM 2029), as the first country in West Asia to host the continental sports event.

This came during the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games, which was held today at the Harbin International Convention, Exhibition and Sports Center, in the presence of Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, officials and representatives from 45 Asian countries, and many international sports figures.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and head of the Saudi delegation to the Games, received the Asian flag from the Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, Timothy Fok.

During the ceremony, the official logo of the NEOM Games was announced, inspired by the NEOM mountains that symbolize strength and ambition, while the dynamic shapes formed by the bodies on the snow express the energy and vitality of winter sports. The letter (A) is distinctively connected to the Asian Winter Games and the mountainous environment, reflecting the spirit of progress and innovation in NEOM’s “Future Rings”. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki welcomed all Asian countries that will be present in the Asian Winter Games, promising everyone to provide an exceptional tournament that everyone will enjoy in NEOM. He said: “The Kingdom is witnessing a major transitional phase in the sports sector, through the directives and support the sector receives from the wise leadership, which has resulted in making the Kingdom a preferred destination and an ideal home for major global and continental sporting events and activities.” He renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Olympic Council of Asia, headed by Raja Binder Singh, and to all Asian countries, for the confidence of the Asian sports community in the Kingdom, to enhance the proof of its capabilities and position, as a preferred global and continental destination, for athletes and fans alike. Winter sports and games are new to the Kingdom, as the Saudi Winter Sports Federation was established in 2019, before the decision to separate the Federation into two independent entities was approved, under the name of the Saudi Ice Sports Federation and the Saudi Snow Sports Federation in 2022.