Bach: The Hangzhou Asian Games will set new benchmarks in various aspects
"What impressed me the most was the friendliness of the Chinese people," "China's development is the most admirable success story," and "the Hangzhou Asian Games will set new benchmarks in various aspects." On the 22nd, International Olympic Committee President Bach, who came to attend the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games, commented in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency.
"Hangzhou and China are ready to welcome the gathering of the whole of Asia"
Since 1980, Bach has come to China multiple times. This time, he came to Hangzhou again after a four month hiatus this year. Every time he comes to China, he can feel the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people and the rapid changes in China. He said, "What impressed me the most was the friendliness of the people. When I arrived here on the evening of the 21st, I had already met many volunteers, all of whom were smiling and hospitable. Four months ago, when I came here, the preparatory work that people introduced to me has now borne fruit. The preparations for the Hangzhou Asian Games went very smoothly, and Hangzhou and China are ready to welcome the gathering of the whole of Asia."
Regarding the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, Bach said, "This will be the largest Asian Games in history, with over 12000 athletes participating." He believes that "this event will set a new benchmark for the sustainable development of the Asian Games, including carbon emissions and zero waste discharge policies."
"China holds an extremely important position in the Olympic Games"
Bach couldn't help but praise China's development achievements. He said, "China has lifted everyone out of poverty and towards prosperity in such a short period of time, which is unique in world history."
Bach stated that China holds an extremely important position in the Olympic Games. "China is committed to the development of Olympic sports, and through the 2008 Beijing Olympics, we gained a comprehensive understanding of it for the first time. Since then, we have seen many world championships and other sports competitions come to China, including the highly successful 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. By hosting the unparalleled 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, China has brought 300 million people to become familiar with and participate in ice and snow sports, taking the Winter Olympics to a new height."
Bach told reporters, "In the field of sports, not just in sports, we see that the world's focus is shifting towards Asia." He said that China is a leading country in many aspects and is playing a more important role, which is why the International Olympic Committee highly values the close partnership established with China in the field of sports.
"I am deeply impressed by Xinhua News Agency's report."
In 2019, Xinhua News Agency was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as an international news agency, becoming the first non Western international news agency of the International Olympic Committee. Speaking of Xinhua News Agency's report, Bach said, "As an international news agency recognized by the International Olympic Committee, Xinhua News Agency actively reports on the development and progress of the Olympic movement." "I am deeply impressed by Xinhua News Agency's report, and you have achieved great success. Xinhua News Agency has set a benchmark in this regard, and I congratulate you."
Bach highly praised Xinhua News Agency's reports: "I closely monitor Xinhua News Agency's sports coverage because it provides a wide range and high quality of coverage. Through Xinhua News Agency's reports, we can obtain more than just the results of the events. Xinhua News Agency provides in-depth reports on event organization, impact, successful hosting, and challenges, allowing us to understand everything happening around large-scale events, demonstrating our efforts in promoting the integration of sports into social development, opposing the politicization of sports, and promoting sustainable event preparation." He also believes that Xinhua News Agency's coverage of the international Olympic Games is very in-depth and comprehensive. "Xinhua News Agency provides a comprehensive presentation of all our efforts, especially the contribution of the International Olympic Committee and its partners to achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals."