China ready to host 2022 Winter Olympics: Thai IOC member

BANGKOK -- China has been well prepared for hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics, said Patama Leesawattrakul, member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and member of Executive Board of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand.

"The extensive experiences China has gained from the 2008 Summer Olympics could be applied to the organization of the 2022 Winter Olympics, and Beijing will become the first city to host both summer and winter Olympics," Patama said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Speaking highly of China's efforts in preparing for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Patama said construction and renovation of all competition venues have been completed at the end of 2020 and passed the examination.

Patama, who is also the Chair of the IOC's Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission, hailed China's commitment to hosting the Games in a green, sharing, open and clean manner.

"I appreciate China's commitment to hosting the Games with a vision of emphasizing resource conservation, environmental friendliness and ecological balance. The use of clean energy in all competition venues further demonstrates China's commitment to hosting an environmentally-friendly sports event," she said.

China has taken the lead in controlling the pandemic and achieving economic recovery. Despite the COVID-19 disruption, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Winter Olympics has proceeded with preparation work as planned and set up a special task force for COVID-19 prevention. "These have shown China's resolution and confidence to successfully host the Games," she said.

Patama said as a tropical country, Thailand does not have the natural conditions for most ice and snow sports, but the sports have seen rapid development in the country over the past decades.

During the 2022 Winter Olympics, Thai athletes will compete in events including cross-country skiing and Alpine skiing, she said, adding that the athletes plan to arrive in China one month before the competition to get accustomed to local climate and environment.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

The views don't necessarily reflect those of Qiushi Journal.