Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli has warned against overspending when Beijing stage the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, insisting it is essential money is used “properly” when the event comes to the Chinese capital.
According to state television in China, Zhang called on stakeholders to control costs when it comes to the infrastructure which will be used during the Games in six years’ time.
He reiterated the view of Chinese President Xi Jinping, claiming “innovation, coordination, green development, opening-up and sharing should be implemented” to promote humanity in the region.
Zhang hopes the Central Government, the local Government and host cities will cooperate closely ahead of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in 2022, where events will also be held in Zhangjiakou, located nearly three hours fro Beijing.
“Most certainly do not engage in ostentation, waste or luxury,” Zhang said.
Beijing are vowing to use the Games to inspire millions of new athletes to take up winter sport but concerns have been expressed, particularly over the lack of natural snow at the venues.
The news follows President Xi claiming that in order to “host an Olympics as pure and clean as snow”, according to the official Chinese news agency Xinhua, the budget should be more carefully analysed and reviewed on a regular basis.
It follows a clampdown on corruption across China, with sporting officials having been among those implicated.
Xi also urged officials to use the Games as an opportunity to boost cities surrounding the capital city, including Zhangjiakou.
Since taking over from Hu Jintao as China’s President in 2013, Xi has attempted to root out any corruption within Government officials and has tried to impose punishments on lavish spending.
Beijing was awarded the Games by a far closer-than-expected margin of just four votes over Kazakhstan rival Almaty during last year’s International Olympic Committee Session in Kuala Lumpur.
President Xi did not appear in person in the Malaysian capital, the Chinese delegation being headed by Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun and Vice-Premier Liu Yandong, a member of the ruling Politburo.
- By Liam Morgan
- Republished with permission insidethegame.biz