Chinese Premier meets Olympic head

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach here on Friday.

Li told the Olympic chief that China's policy of opening-up and reform has accelerated economic and sports growth, raising the Chinese people's enthusiasm for sports and healthy lifestyle at the same time.

The Chinese government hopes to raise health and fitness standards of the nation through the development of sports industry and the hosting of various sports competitions, Li said.

The Chinese Premier said the Chinese government will fulfil all the promises made during Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics and host an economical and sustainable Winter Games with close cooperation with the IOC.

Bach, who is attending the world athletics championships in Beijing, congratulated China on the winning bid, saying the IOC will cooperate with the Chinese side to ensure a successful 2022 Games.