“The strong and effective COVID-19 protocols set a successful example for the hosting of major international events”
Beijing: As the Beijing Winter Olympics came to a conclusion last night, China said this was a success for China, for the Olympic cause and for the world.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach described it as a “truly exceptional Olympic Winter Games” and China said the Winter Olympics was rounded off following six years of preparation and 16 days of exciting competition.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters here today that China has “fulfilled its commitment of delivering a streamlined, safe and splendid” Olympics to the world. A green, inclusive, open and clean approach has been followed throughout the organizing and hosting of the Games,” he added.
Beijing made history as the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Beijing 2022 became an Olympic Winter Games with the most events and gold medals and the biggest viewership, opening up a new era for ice and snow sports globally.
Beijing 2022 Medals Tally
China said the professional and fair competition environment impressed the world. “The strong and effective COVID-19 protocols have set a successful example for the hosting of major international events, and the green, low-carbon and sustainable approach will be cherished as part of the rich legacy of Beijing 2022,” Wenbin said.
Nearly 3,000 winter sports Olympians from 91 countries and regions had striven to excel themselves and go beyond their limits, setting two world records and 17 Olympic records and living up to the Olympic motto of “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”.
“The Olympic spirit has been manifested strongly during the Beijing Winter Olympics. The Games not only bring warmth and hope to people of all countries who are caught in the chilly winter of the pandemic but also inject the strength of peace and unity into this volatile world. Athletes from different countries respect and cheer for each other, wish their competitors the best and send comforting words when the performance is less than ideal. These heartwarming scenes at the Games show us that the force of unity is much stronger than the force of division,” Wenbin said.
Thinking the IOC and “friends from all walks of life” in all countries who have been following and participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics, China said the snowflake-shaped cauldron for the Olympic flame had fulfilled its mission. “But the Olympics has brought the message of spring to the world,” he said adding that China stands ready to continue working hand in hand with the international community to promote the robust development of the Olympic Movement and create a brighter future for mankind together.
– global bihari bureau
