The Chinese government hopes to improve the health of its people by promoting sports, including boosting the sports industry and hosting sporting events, Premier Li Keqiang said during a meeting in Beijing with Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on Aug 21.

Bach came to Beijing for the 15th World Athletics Championships, which began on Aug 22.

China’s reform and opening-up drive has promoted economic and social development as well as sports, the Premier said. The Chinese people are increasingly demanding a healthier lifestyle, he said.

Premier Li stressed that China will commit to its promises for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. The country will present a frugal and sustainable winter games with full support from the Chinese people and close cooperation with IOC.

Premier Li Keqiang (2nd R) meets with President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach (2nd L) in Beijing, Aug 21, 2015.

Bach congratulated China on winning the right to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. He expressed his confidence that China will honor its promises in the bidding for the Games, and will deliver a successful and splendid event.

Bach said he expected to work closely with China in the next seven years to jointly contribute to the success of the Beijing Winter Olympic Games and the sustainable development of the international Olympic games.