Olympics: The 2022 Beijing Winter Games Open

By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw

The 24^th Winter Olympic Games, which are being held in Beijing from 4 – 20 February, have been officially opened by the Chinese President Xi Jinping in a spectacular ceremony at the national stadium, better known as ‘the Bird’s Nest’.

Almost 3,000 athletes from 91 countries will take part in the Games, despite the continuing Covid-19 Pandemic, but the 109 events in 7 Olympic winter sports will take place without any fans.

The IOC President, Dr Thomas Bach, himself an Olympian, stated in his opening address that the mission of the Games was to “unite humankind in all our diversity.”

And added:

“I ask all political authorities across the globe to give peace a chance. In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, we show the world: yes, it is possible to be fierce rivals, while at the same time living peacefully and respectfully together.”  

In the audience was President Vladimir Putin, who had earlier met with his Chinese counterpart, who had expressed support for Russia’s stand-off with NATO regarding Ukraine.

Hopefully, Bach’s words urging peaceful co-existence will not fall on deaf ears!

In any case, who said that sport and politics do not mix?!

Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’