On the occasion of the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai from May 16-19, IOC President Thomas Bach visited China. Throughout his visit he was accompanied by IOC Members in China, Yu Zaiqing, Li Lingwei and Zhang Hong. Also present was IOC Vice President Ng Ser Miang of Singapore.
President Bach was welcomed to China by the President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Gao Zhidan. Before witnessing the Chinese podium sweep in the women’s event of the BMX freestyle park competition at the Olympic Qualifier Series, the IOC President and the COC President discussed a wide range of Olympic matters including the impact of geopolitical tensions on sport, preparations for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, activities concerning esports and the Olympic Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agenda.
Also, with regard to AI, both leaders highlighted the importance of giving equal access to everybody in the Olympic Movement in order to narrow the gap between athletes from privileged and less privileged National Olympic Committees.
This is in line with the Olympic Movement’s principle of non-discrimination and solidarity, which ensures that every NOC, which respects the Olympic Charter, can participate and fully benefit. The COC welcomed the initiatives of the IOC in the field of esports and the need to ensure respect for the Olympic Values. The IOC President invited the COC to participate in the IOC esports commission.
“Shanghai has given the Olympic Qualifier Series a fantastic start. I can only thank and congratulate Shanghai and the Chinese Olympic Committee on this electrifying event. It went far beyond our expectations. Shanghai has demonstrated once again its reputation as a city of innovation, also with regard to global sport events,” said the IOC President.
In a meeting with the Party Secretary of Shanghai, Chen Jining, President Bach congratulated him on the success of the Olympic Qualifier Series, which welcomed 45,000 spectators. He thanked him for the efforts of Shanghai to organise the event.
During his stay in Shanghai, the IOC President received an Honorary Professorship from the Shanghai University of Sport.
In his acceptance speech President Bach said: “It is this Olympic mission that connects the Olympic community with the Shanghai University of Sport. With your educational mission and holistic approach – the integration of Mind and Body – you are bringing the Olympic values of excellence, respect, peace and solidarity to the next generation of athletes, coaches, sport educators and professionals. Through your work, you are promoting these ideals of sport in society and bringing them to life.”
by Asia Hockey
