Stones help form basis for stronger family foundations

It was a family affair at the Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena, as many teams featured players related by blood.

Hu Pianpian and Chan Ka, players from Hong Kong, China, are mother and daughter. The Qatar women's team included two pairs of sisters, while brothers Marc and Enrico Pfister represented the Philippines in the men's curling competition.

In daily life, these family members are closely connected, but on the curling rink, they are teammates, striving for sporting success.

"In life, I take care of her as a mother. On the rink, we are teammates fighting side by side," said Hu, embracing Chan in her arms.

According to Hu, any disagreements they might have are quickly forgotten once they step onto the ice.

"All we think about is how to play each stone well," she explained. Curling, she added, has given her and her daughter more shared interests, deepening their mutual understanding.

"Growing up in a curling family, how could I not fall in love with it?" said Amna Homoud Al-Qaet, a player from Qatar's women's curling team.

"My mother, my little sister, and other relatives, all play. This sport is highly inclusive, regardless of age, body shape or gender. Everyone can get involved."

At 20 years old, Amna is the oldest player in the Qatar team.

She is full of passion on the rink and cheers loudly to inspire her teammates. "I'm very happy to compete alongside my sister. We've also learned a lot from other teams," Amna said.

Qatar's Fatima Ahmed Al-Fahad and Aldana Ahmed Al-Fahad are also sisters, with their father, Ahmed Saad Al-Fahad, playing for Qatar's men's team.

"I am very glad to participate in the Asian Winter Games with my daughters, and they are performing better than ever. We love this 'gentle sport'," said Ahmed.

He started curling in 2017 and often trains with his daughters, offering them tips.

Making their Asian Winter Games debut, the two sisters admitted to feeling a bit nervous. "Our father is also here, and he keeps encouraging us, so we are not afraid of challenges," said Fatima.

On Wednesday, the men's and women's teams from Hong Kong, China, won their respective matches.

Jason Chang, the captain of the men's team, is married to Shang Wing In Ada, who plays third in the women's team. "It feels very special and enjoyable to compete and win at the same time as my wife," said Chang.

Hong Kong coach Nathan Edward Small began curling with his father at a young age. "I always wanted to perform as well as my father, and that continues to drive me," he said.

From individuals to entire families, curling is drawing more people into winter sports and strengthening connections among them through the shared hobby.

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