A farewell ceremony for the Mongolian athletes who will compete in the 8th Asian Winter Games took place at the Mongolian National Olympic Committee on February 15. State secretary of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports B.Bayarsaikhan, president of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee D.Zagdsuren and other officials attended the farewell ceremony. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports is supporting the Mongolian team financially, and provided uniforms of the team. B.Bayarsaikhan said, “I want all of you to succeed at the 2017 Sapporo and learn from other countries’ experience and technique. Raise the Mongolian flag high at Sapporo. Good luck!” The 8th Asian Winter Games will be held in Sapporo and Obihiro, Japan from February 19 through 26. The Mongolian team, comprised of 42 athletes, will compete in the alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, speed skating, biathlon, ice hockey and short track speed skating competitions of the event. The senior coach of the national winter sports team, People’s Teacher Ch.Nasantogtokh, will head the Mongolian team, and biathlete E.Baatarkhuu will be the flag bearer at the 2017 Sapporo Games. The 2017 Sapporo is expected to the biggest Asian Winter Games compared to previous games as 32 countries will compete in the tournament this year. Mongolia has been participating in the Asian Winter Games since 1986. Mongolian team for 2017 Sapporo[/caption]