Mongolian PM Hails Beijing Games as Fabulous Chapter in Olympic History

The Beijing Games will write a fabulous chapter in Olympic history, Mongolian Prime Minister Sanj Bayar said in an interview with Xinhua on Thursday.

"I felt excited when watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and the audience in the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) that night must have been overwhelmed by the strong visual impact of the performance," said Bayar, who will attend the Games' closing ceremony Sunday.

"With advanced modern technology, the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics has successfully displayed China's time-honored history and splendid culture to the world," he said.

Hosting the Olympic Games means shouldering more responsibilities, Bayar said, adding that the Beijing Olympics have proved that China has the capability to bear such responsibilities.

"Chinese athletes have won the most gold medals from the Beijing Olympic Games so far, which has brought international honor to China," he added.

Bayar also spoke highly of the organizational work behind the Beijing Olympic Games.

"The organizational work of the Beijing Olympics is excellent. The advanced sports facilities and stadiums in Beijing have proved to the whole world that the city has the capacity to organize Olympic sports events," he said.

"The Bird's Nest itself is a splendid piece of work which demonstrates the Chinese people's wisdom, power and technology," added Bayar.

Speaking about Mongolia's first gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, Bayar said the country had won 15 Olympic medals in the past but had never wrested gold.

The whole country was excited when N. Tuvshinbaryar won a gold for Mongolia in judo at the Beijing Games, he said.

"The gold medal also shows that Mongolian athletes can compete with those of other countries in the international sports arena and make outstanding achievements," said Bayar.

During his stay in Beijing, Bayar plans to visit the Mongolian athletes in the Olympic village and watch some events such as basketball, volleyball and handball.

The Mongolian prime minister will also meet with Chinese leaders and representatives of Chinese entrepreneurs to discuss bilateral relations as well as economic and trade cooperation.

Mongolian athletes have so far won one gold and one silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.

(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2008)

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