Beijing to introduce NHL games

The Chinese capital, Beijing, held a press conference yesterday (7th  March) and announced a masterplan to develop a snow and ice sports industry.

Beijing is now expected to introduce National Hockey League (NHL) games to the city. The municipal government has already held talks with NHL clubs last week, according to various Chinese media reports. There are also plans to set up several local professional hockey teams in the near future. Furthermore, Beijing will try to introduce talents in short-track speed skating, speed skating and snowboarding.

Sun Xuecai, director of the Beijing Sports Bureau, stated “Beijing will integrate a snow and ice sports industry with culture, tourism, technology and exhibitions in the future.”

The Beijing government will also take steps to encourage social capital to invest in snow and ice sports, aiming at a RMB40 billion industry in 2022 when the Winter Games will be held in the city.

Source: Ifeng

Proofread by John Devlin.