8th Asian Winter Games open in Sapporo

The 8th Asian Winter Games opened here at the Sapporo Dome Sunday afternoon. Japan Crown Prince Naruhito inaugurated the Games after Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah delivered his address. The OCA President hailed Japan's partnership, saying Sapporo – and Japan – has played a big part in the development of winter sports throughout Asia. It is the third time Sapporo hosts the Asian Winter Games. The speed skating events of this edition will be held in Obihiro.

The 8th Asian Winter Games feature five sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events, and are expected to be the largest-ever of its kind, attracting around 1,500 participants from 30 countries and regions. Australia and New Zealand are making their first appearance at the Games after accepting an invitation from the OCA. Since Oceania does not have regional Winter Games, this is also first time the two countries are competing on snow and ice at a continental event. Japan has sent 146 athletes to compete in the Games and no doubt aim for the top finish, as in the past seven editions of the Asian Winter Games the host country has topped the final medal table six times. The first gold medal of the Games was won by the host country earlier on Sunday.