Preparations for Beijing Games continuing apace as two-year countdown begins

Lasting legacy

Beyond achieving full participation and its best ever result at Beijing 2022, China is also focused on ensuring a lasting post-Games winter sports legacy.

According to Ni, China's Winter Sports Management Center is considering establishing a second-string national team, aiming to maintain the development of Chinese winter sports after Beijing 2022.

Around 300 athletes are expected to be recruited onto the team, which will have specific training bases, staff members and plans.

Another anticipated benefit is the increase in expertise, thanks to China's work with foreign experts.

"This is an important target that China's Winter Sports Management Center is focusing on during the Beijing 2022 preparations," said Ni.

With the country also endeavoring to involve 300 million people in winter sports in the build-up to the Games, the Winter Sports Management Center is encouraging stronger mass participation on the ice and snow through a multitude of promotional activities.