Olympic cooperation was the key focus as International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Harbin during the Asian Winter Games. The two leaders discussed China’s continued role in global sports and the Olympic Movement.
A Grand Opening in Harbin
Bach arrived in Harbin for the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games, where more than 2,000 athletes from across the region are competing in 11 winter sports. He was welcomed by Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) President Gao Zhidan and accompanied by Chinese IOC members Li Lingwei, Yu Zaiqing, and Hong Zhang.
Before the ceremony, Bach and Xi held a 40-minute meeting, reinforcing China’s strong partnership with the Olympic Movement. They discussed past collaborations and China’s continued support for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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Strengthening Olympic Ties
President Bach expressed gratitude for China’s support, highlighting its role in previous Olympic events like the Youth Olympic Games Nanjing 2014 and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. He also commended China’s 91-medal performance at the Paris Games, including 40 gold medals.
President Xi emphasized the close cooperation between China and the IOC, reaffirming China’s commitment to the Olympic Movement. He assured Bach that he would always be welcome in China.
Investment in Winter Sports
During the meeting, Bach announced that the IOC will contribute an additional $5.9 million to support the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. This funding, drawn from the event’s surplus budget, will go to the Chinese Olympic Committee to further promote winter sports in China. The focus will be on increasing participation, particularly among young athletes.
China has already made significant strides in winter sports engagement, with 346 million people involved in various activities. The IOC hopes to build on this momentum and encourage further growth ahead of Milano Cortina 2026.
Meeting Athletes and Touring Facilities
Before the ceremony, Bach met with athletes competing in the Asian Winter Games, discussing their ambitions and preparation for future Olympic events. He also toured the International Broadcast Centre, where he met with China Media Group (CMG) President Shen Haixiong. They reviewed CMG’s plans for covering the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
China’s Continued Role in Global Sports
The meeting between Bach and Xi reaffirmed China’s growing influence in the Olympic Movement. From hosting major events to supporting international sports development, China remains a key player in shaping the future of the Olympic Games.
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