Athletes of Turkmenistan are preparing for the 9th Asian Winter Games, which will be held from February 7 to 14 in the Chinese city of Harbin. Representatives of figure skating and short track speed skating are training at the ice palace of the Ashgabat sports complex, "MIR 24" reports.

Short track racing has been developing in Turkmenistan for almost five years and during this time it has gained popularity in the country. However, the country's speed skaters will compete at the Asian Games for the first time.

Aikhanum Gulamalyeva, senior coach of the Turkmenistan short track team, noted that, despite the youth of this sport in the country, the athletes have already proven themselves. In 2023, they participated in the Children of Asia competition and tournaments in Korea. Gulamalyeva emphasized that short track speed skating attracts many children, as it is not only challenging, but also an interesting sport.

More than 1200 athletes from 34 countries and regions will take part in the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin.