Alexander Zhukov, head of the 2022 Evaluation Commission for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), speaks to media after their inspection tour of Beijing and Zhangjiakou, March 28, 2015. (Photo : REUTERS/China Daily)
At the end of a five-day visit by the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission to inspect the readiness of facilities in Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, China is being tipped as favorite to win the rights to host the upcoming international competition.
Besides Beijing, the only other city vying for the rights to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games is Almaty, Kazakhstan. While experts say Kazakhstan has perfect weather for winter games, Beijing has proven to have the facilities and experience to host a world-class competition.
If the right to host the competition is awarded to Beijing, the city would make history by being the first to host both the summer and winter Olympic Games.
The head of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games Evaluation Commission Alexander Zhukov has commended the city's preparation for the competition.
"It is clear that you embraced the spirit and goals of Olympic Agenda 2020. Our visit confirms that Beijing is capable of hosting a successful 2022 Olympic Winter Games," Zhukov said.
He also praised the "great passion" for the Olympic Games in Beijing, saying, "I am sure that--regardless of the outcome in July--your ambitious plans for the future of Beijing and the development of winter sports in your country will be realized."
Last week, former international British footballer David Beckham expressed similar sentiments when he said that if Beijing is awarded the right to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, it would be "something incredible."
Members of the International Olympic Committee will meet in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia, on July 31 to pick the host of the competition between Beijing and Almaty.
Experts say the fact that Beijing successfully hosted the Olympic Games in 2008 gives the city a lot of advantage. At least five stadiums that were built for the 2008 Olympics are expected to be used in 2022--if Beijing wins the right to host the competition. One of these stadiums is the captivating Bird's Nest, which is being tipped to be the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies.
In Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, the Great Wall is expected to provide a backdrop for the games. Reports indicate that local authorities are constructing a railway line between Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, which will reduce the time it takes to travel between these cities to only 50 minutes.
Meanwhile, members of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games Bidding Committee have assured the press that foreigners will be granted Internet freedom and that measures are being put in place to improve the quality of air in Beijing before 2022.
