The recognition came from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who were represented by several dignitaries at the event.

They were joined by IOC member and President of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) Tsunekazu Takeda, as well as Katsuhiro Akimoto, the Mayor of Sapporo.

Akimoto has headed the Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games Organising Committee, who have looked after preparations for the eighth edition of the event which is ongoing here.

The museum is located at the famous Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and features photos, equipment and other memorabilia from the Sapporo 1972 Winter Olympics.

Sapporo 2017 have urged the public to pay a visit to the museum during the two large hill competitions which are due to be held this week.

The men’s individual large hill will be held tomorrow, with the team event scheduled to take place on Saturday (February 25).

The museum also recognises Sapporo’s Asian Winter Games heritage, with the city hosting the first two editions of the multi-sport event in 1986 and 1990.

Sapporo also staged the International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Ski World Championships in 2007, while the city is reportedly eyeing the chance to stage the Winter Olympic Games again in the future.

Sheikh Ahmad talked up the prospect of a future bid from the Japanese city earlier this week.

"This city is capable of the Olympic Winter Games," he said at the official Welcoming Ceremony.

"This is a cold city - but warm by the heart of the people of Sapporo.

"We feel the warmth of the human feeling between the nations here."

Sapporo will be looking to conclude a successful Asian Winter Games, which will draw to a close on Sunday (February 26).