HARBIN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Asian Skating Union President Chang Myong-hi praised the facilities for the upcoming 2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games, calling them among the best in the world during an exclusive interview with Xinhua on Thursday.
"I was here in 1996 when the Asian Winter Games was held in Harbin, and now it's the second time. Looking at the facilities, I'm sure this is one of the finest in the world," Chang said after visiting the Speed Skating Oval at the Heilongjiang Ice Training Center.
A former speed skating athlete, Chang has been involved in the sport for decades. He joined the technical committee of the International Skating Union in 1992 before being elected president of the Asian Skating Union in 2004.
"I devote more than 60 years to ice skating. I participated in 12 Olympic Winter Games, and also eight Asia Winter Games. I just look at the sport area, for the ice skating facilities, [they are] one of the best in the world, I'm sure," the 93-year-old said.
Chang also visited Beijing and Zhangjiakou, where he shared his experience from the preparations for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. After his visit, he expressed confidence that the Harbin Games would be a success.
"You are very well-prepared for the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games, which is supposed to be very successful, starting from tomorrow's opening ceremony until the closing ceremony on February 14. I know you have many experience for international Games, so thank you very much for everything," he said. ■
