KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia’s Aruwin Idami Salehhuddin made a stunning debut at the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, finishing fourth in the women’s slalom event—a historic achievement for the nation.
In a Facebook post, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) said the 21-year-old alpine skier delivered an impressive performance at the Yabuli Cluster in Heilongjiang Province, narrowly missing out on a podium finish by just 1.82 seconds.
She clocked a time of 1:36.74, showcasing grit and determination in a fiercely competitive race.
Japan’s Chisaki Maeda claimed gold with a time of 1:33.50, while South Korea’s Sohui Gim took silver in 1:34.06. Japan’s Eren Watanabe secured bronze with 1:34.96.
Aruwin was one of four Southeast Asian athletes in the event, competing alongside Tallulah Proulx (Philippines), Karyssa Vasavanont (Thailand), and Phichayaporn Thipkesorn (Thailand).
Her fourth-place finish is particularly significant, marking the first time a Malaysian female athlete has competed in alpine skiing at the Asian Winter Games.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria hailed Aruwin’s achievement as a milestone for Malaysian winter sports.
“On behalf of NOC Malaysia, I would like to congratulate Aruwin on her remarkable achievement. Not only was she the first Malaysian female athlete to qualify for alpine skiing at the Olympic Winter Games, but she is now also the first to compete in the same sport at the Asian Winter Games.
“Aruwin has a bright future ahead, as she is only 21 years old. NOC Malaysia will write to the Minister of Youth and Sports to consider providing additional financial support to assist her in qualifying for the next Olympic Winter Games as well as future Asian Winter Games,” he added.
Aruwin previously made history as Malaysia’s first athlete to compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. — February 9, 2025