China and Canada have similar number of ice hockey fans

‍‍It is reported by China Daily that, a Canadian radio station said on its website that ice hockey is not only popular in Canada, but is also very welcomed among Chinese people—the number of people watching games of China national team was not much fewer than the equivalent number in Canada. 

In China, the popularity of the sport is boosted by fans’ passion for the sport. Thanks to a deal between CCTV and NHL, Chinese audiences are able to watch almost all NHL games in China. 

It is also a hope of the Chinese Government to have larger effects through promotion of the sport. As Beijing is competing for the hosting rights of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, the national TV station, CCTV, needs to transform the sport into a national winter sport. 

The Director of CCTV-5, Jiang Heping, said that, promoting ice hockey is an important element in the strategy of the Winter Olympic Bid. “We hope to promote the sport in the entire country.” 

Source: Handan News