Asia Hopefuls Head To Sochi Winter Olympics 2014

The 22^nd Olympic winter games will be held in Sochi, Russia from February 7-23. There will be 98 events for 15 winter sports. 2500 athletes from 85 countries will participate and some 25000 volunteers will assist. This is Russian’s second time to hold the Olympics.

Organizers have published their objectives for the games:

“The games of Sochi are going to be highly innovative Olympic and Paralympic winter games that will express the spirit of modern Russia and bring with them sustainable, positive change for the whole country.” (Sochi 2014 website)

 Asian countries have high hopes for the games. These include:

                                             Japan

Japan will send 100 athletes and hopes to wind its first gold medal in eight years. In Vancouver 2010 Japan took home three silver and two bronze medals.

                                            China

China will send 130 athletes to Sochi to participate in acrobatic events on ice, short track speed skating, freestyle skating and snowboarding. China’s chances at the short track speed skating gold are dim now that star Wang Meng will miss Sochi 2014 with an ankle injury. China won five gold, two silver and four bronze medals at the 2010 Vancouver games.

                                             Republic of Korea

Korea will send 64 athletes and 49 officials to Sochi. This is the highest ever for Korea, which will be represented in every sport but ice hockey. Korea has finished in the top 10 medal winning countries in the past six winter games, and aims for four gold medals this time. 

                                          Chinese Taipei

Chinese Taipei (Taiwan) will be represented by two male athletes, one in short track speed skating and one in speed skating.

                                                   India

 India will be represented three athletes, including Shiva Keshavan in luge. Indian athletes will be entered as independents because of a dispute between the IOA and IOC.

                                               Tajikistan

Tajikistan will enter one athlete in alpine skii

                                              Kazakhstan

 Kazakhstan will be represented by athletes in 10 sports.