International Olympic Committee

23 Sep 2023 – IOC President Thomas Bach was welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping on the eve of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Bach was accompanied by the IOC Members in China, Yu Zaiqing, Li Lingwei and Zhang Hong.

The IOC President thanked the Chinese President again for the organisation of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 under his leadership amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. “Now, the Chinese people can benefit from the great legacy of these Games,” he said. Some 346 million Chinese people engaged in winter sports through the Games and gave a huge boost to international winter sport. Following this great success, the IOC decided to contribute its share of the surplus of USD 10.4 million from the organisational budget of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 to support the legacy of these Games and the development of sport in China, in particular the continued engagement of 346 million Chinese people in winter sports, with a special focus on young people.

President Xi explained how the memories of the Olympic Winter Games are still fresh in the minds of the Chinese people, and how China is nurturing the legacy of the Games with the venues being in good use. “China will make full use of the legacy of the Beijing Winter Olympics,” President Xi emphasised, and explained that the surplus of these Games will be used to support winter sport in China.

The IOC President thanked President Xi for China’s support for the latest G20 Leaders’ declaration, which said: “We also look forward to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2024 as a symbol of peace, dialogue amongst nations and inclusivity, with participation of all.” Bach said the IOC is committed to safeguarding the non-politicisation of sport, which is broadly supported by the world community, as he could learn from his many meetings with political leaders during the UN General Assembly in New York, which the IOC President attended before going to China. President Xi declared that China would fully support this position and the IOC’s initiatives. He further expressed his appreciation for the contribution of sport to peace and to the promotion of common understanding in the world.

President Bach also stressed the excellent cooperation with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) under the leadership of its President, Gao Zhidan, who also took part in the meeting alongside other Chinese officials. Amongst them were Cai Qi, the former President of the Organising Committee Beijing 2022, who is a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and President Xi’s Chief of Staff; Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier; Wang Yi, Foreign Minister; and Shen Yiqin, State Councillor. Thomas Bach said that collaboration with the COC has even strengthened further since the truly exceptional Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.

Looking ahead to the opening ceremony of the Asian Games this Saturday, President Bach said: “I believe they will be successful and wonderful Asian Games that will promote the unity and friendship of Asia.”