Xiao Tian investigation not to impact Beijing's bid for 2022 Winter Olympics, says official

A probe into Xiao Tian, deputy director of China's General Administration of Sport, will not reduce Beijing's confidence in bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics, an official said here Tuesday.

Xiao Tian was put into investigation last week for "serious breaches of discipline and law".

Wang Hui, deputy secretary general of Beijing's bid committee, told a media salon, "I think the investigation is a proof of China's resolution to fight against corruption."

"Our bidding slogan is 'Joyful Rendezvous upon Pure Ice and Snow', and the word 'Pure' includes our pursuit for honesty," Wang noted.

"Xiao Tian did have a history with China Olympic Committee, but I don't think the affair will cause any problem to our bid," Wang added.

"I know nothing about who else were investigated," Wang said. "Xiao works for General Administration of Sport and I'm a member of Beijing's bidding team, two different organizations."

Wang also took the 2022 bidding against Almaty as a "friendly competition".

Wang emphasised China's passion and ability to host a Winter Games. "Kazakhstan is always our good neighbor, good brother and good friend." Song Andong, a teenager born in Beijing, became the first Chinese-born player to be drafted into the National Hockey League last week.

"I believe, more and more Song Andong will come into our eyes," said Wang.

The IOC will decide the host for the 2022 Games during its 128th session in Kuala Lumpur on July 31, and Beijing could become the first city ever to host both the summer and winter Olympic Games. Endite