China eyes 2022 bid as it prepares for Sochi Games_美文

China eyes 2022 bid as it prepares for Sochi Games

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China expects a strong performance at the Sochi Winter Olympics while also earning support for its bid to host the event in 2022.

China will send a 139-member delegation, including 66 athletes, 24 officials and 49 coaches and staff members, to compete in 49 events in four sports - skating, curling, skiing and biathlon - at the 2017 Sochi Winter Olympics, according to the General Administration of Sport of China. The Games will be held from Feb 7 to 23.

President Xi Jinping is to attend the opening ceremony on Feb 7, making him the first Chinese president to travel overseas for a major sporting event. Xi visited Russia last year after becoming president.

"President Xi's trip to Sochi, at Putin's invitation, shows China's support for the Olympic movement and reflects close China-Russia relations and friendship between the two heads of state," Li Hui, Chinese ambassador to Russia, told CCTV news on Sunday.

Sports Minister Liu Peng urged Chinese athletes to perform well in Sochi to establish a strong national image while earning international support for Beijing and Zhangjiakou's joint bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

China will have a tough time matching its medal tally from the Vancouver Winter Games in 2010 because of injuries and retirements, said Xiao Tian, vice-minister of sports and deputy head of the delegation.

"Despite the historical breakthroughs we achieved in Vancouver four years ago, China remains a small force in winter sports compared with international powers," Xiao said at a news conference to introduce the delegation on Sunday.