Beijing's officials are looking forward to the hosting of the 2022 Winter Olympics. (Photo : Reuters)
A few days shy of the July 31 announcement of the host city for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, delegates from Beijing have arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday afternoon.
Upon arrival, the Beijing delegation has commenced their preparations for the final vote.
The announcement of the bid's winner will coincide the first day of the 128th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is from July 31 to Aug. 3.
According to Wang Anshun, Beijing 2022 Bid Committee head and the mayor of the Chinese capital, the representatives will once again show the city's desire and capacity to host such a phenomenal event.
The city, which vies against Kazakhstan's Almaty, hosted the Games' summer edition back in 2008.
On the day of election, both competitors will deliver their final presentation before the IOC.
After the presentation, a report will be given by the Evaluation Commission Chair. The members of the committee will then vote and select the host city.
The winning bidder will be announced by the IOC president, Thomas Bach.
In preparation for the possible hosting of the much-anticipated sport event, Beijing has been working hand in hand with its co-bidder, Zhangjiakou. Parts of their plans are measures combatting air pollution and endeavors improving the public transportation services of the involved areas.
Beijing, which is optimistic of its advantage in the competition, especially with the legacy of the 2008 Summer Olympics, has continuously earned negative comments about the city's pollution concerns and lack of snow.
However, officials and Chinese athletes alike claim that the city could address these issues and successfully stage the much-anticipated event.
Should the Chinese capital win the bid, it will be the first city to host both the Olympic Games' summer and winter editions.
