President Xi Jinping Meets IOC President Thomas Bach

On January 25, President Xi Jinping met with President Thomas Bach of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. President Xi noted that in hosting the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, China has received support from not only the Chinese people but also the international community. By putting the athletes front and center, China is making every effort to ensure sound facilities and services for the Games.

President Xi stressed that he had identified, early in the bidding stage, the primary purpose of hosting the Games was to engage 300 million people in winter sports. Thanks to continuous efforts, this vision has become a reality. By hosting the Olympic Summer Games Beijing 2008, the Youth Olympic Games Nanjing 2014, and the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, China has awakened the passion for the Olympic Movement in the Chinese people, boosted the development of sports in China, and played an important role in promoting the Olympic spirit around the globe. The notion of “Together” championed by the Olympic Movement is needed now more than ever.

President Bach commended the joint efforts by relevant Chinese authorities and the Chinese people which ensured excellent and smooth preparations for the Games. China’s goal to involve more than 300 million people in winter sports has been realized. This is an unprecedented, immense achievement and will become an important legacy of Beijing 2022 for the Chinese people and for the Olympic Movement.