Chinese President Xi meets IOC chief Bach

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province, Aug 16, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

NANJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday met the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach in Nanjing, the host city of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games.

President Xi said that the Youth Olympics is an initiative which integrates culture and education into sport, and it's not only an arena where young athletes compete but also a platform for communication among them.

Xi lauds junior athletes at Nanjing Games

The Youth Olympics helps promote the Olympic spirit of solidarity, friendship and peace, and it introduces the correct way of life to the young people, President Xi said.

As Beijing and the northern Chinese city of Zhangjiakou are bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics, President Xi said China would like to take this as an opportunity to make more contribution to the Olympic Movement.

President Xi appreciated and supported the IOC's work to enhance the reform and efforts to boost the Olympic Movement.

IOC chief Bach said that the IOC endeavors to promote the Olympic Spirit around the globe and sees sport as a tool to enhance world peace and sustainable development.

Bach thanked the Chinese government for its work to develop the sports industry and hailed China's contribution to the international Olympic Movement.

Bach lauded China's preparation work in hosting the Youth Olympics and felt certain that China has set up a good example in making sport a resort which helps promote economic and social development.

The Nanjing Youth Olympics will be a huge success, and will leave a precious legacy in the Olympic history, Bach added.

Bach wished Beijing and Zhangjiakou good luck in bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics.