RIO DE JANEIRO — Vice-Premier Liu Yandong met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach on Aug 8 on the sidelines of the Olympic shooting competitions.

Liu, who attended opening ceremony on the night of August 5 at Maracana Stadium as the special envoy of President Xi Jinping, congratulated Bach on the grand opening of the Rio Games and reiterated China’s commitment to the Olympic Movement.

Liu said that sport can make a contribution to the economic and social development. “The Chinese government has always attached great importance to the role that sport plays,” said Liu. “We will continue to contribute to the Olympic Movement by advancing the Fitness for All campaign in the build-up to the 2022 Winter Olympics.”

Bach spoke highly of China’s active role in the Olympic Movement and the contribution China has made, saying that the IOC is willing to provide necessary assistance for China in the lead-up to the 2022 Winter Games.

Also on August 6, Liu and Bach watched the women’s 10m air rifle competition which produced the first gold medal of the Rio Games. Du Li and Yi Siling, both from China, claimed the silver and bronze medals respectively.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong (L) receives the Olympic torch from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug 6, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong (R) congratulates China’s Du Li (3rd L) and Yi Siling (Front) after they won the silver and bronze medals respectively in the women’s 10m air rifle shooting final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug 6, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]