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Beijing capable of hosting successful Winter Games, says IOC chief inspector

Xinhua, March 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) evaluation commission on Saturday wrapped up its five-day visit to assess Beijing's 2022 Olympics bid on a positive note for the Chinese capital city.

Alexander Zhukov, chief of the evaluation commission, told reporters that "our visit confirms that Beijing is capable of hosting a successful Winter Games in 2022."

"It has been an incredible, infomative and productive visit," said the Russian IOC member, adding that he will "leave with much greater underdtanding" of Beijing's bid.

During the past five days, the 19-member IOC evaluation commission visited venues in the Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou clusters that make up the city's bid plan to host the Games, and examined the 14 themes of the IOC's candidature questionnaire, which include topics such as vision, legacy and engagement, transportation, accommodation, finance and sustainability.

"Beijing 2022 presented a clear concept and good use of existing venues," said Zhukov.

Although Beijing's air pollution is widely considered a weak point for its Olympics bid, the IOC chief inspector tried to ease worries.

"China recognizes that air quality is still a problem," said Zhukov, adding that "temporary measures could significantly improve air quality during the games".

Concerns about a lack of snow in the Zhangjiakou mountain cluster that typically experience dry winters were also brushed off by the IOC inspectors.

"Basically it is cold enough and everywhere there is sufficient water," said Zhukov.

Beijing Mayor and President of Beijing 2022 Wang Anshun said, "with regard to planning for the venues, there will be no major adjustments; we are going to make some minor adjustments if necessary."

Beijing is competing against Almaty for the 2022 Winter Games, and if successful it will be become the first city to host both Summer and Winter Olympics.

The IOC evaluation commission will next turn to compiling its report before a final decision is scheduled to be made at the IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur on July 31. Endi