Yin Yong, Mayor of Beijing, met with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on the morning of February 20.

Yin said that, with strong support of the IOC and President Bach, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics was successfully held three years ago, making Beijing the world’s first “dual Olympic city”. After the Winter Games, Beijing has continued to utilize the Olympic venues and legacy, accelerating its development into a city renowned for international sports events. The city has established the “Dual Olympic 100” premium event system, under which a series of domestic and international competitions and activities have been hosted. Public enthusiasm for winter sports continues to rise, resulting in sustained achievements and the extensive promotion of a sound and healthy lifestyle. These efforts are conducive to both Olympic sports and urban development. He hoped that Beijing and the IOC will deepen exchanges and cooperation, and attract more international sporting events and emerging sports to the city, so as to improve the utilization of Olympic venues and facilities. By preserving and developing both tangible and intangible Olympic legacies, the “dual Olympic city” will continue to enhance its global influence.

Bach emphasized that the IOC is willing to strengthen cooperation with Beijing, exemplified by fully supporting the city in hosting more international events and emerging sports activities, as well as promoting the sustainable post-Games use of Olympic venues. The goal is to meet the public’s growing demand for sports participation, further promote the Olympic spirit and advance the sustainable development of the Olympic cause.

Beijing municipal leaders Sima Hong and Han Zirong, as well as Zeng Jin, Secretary-General of the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, attended the meeting.

(Written by Yang Qi)