Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong met with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach here on Saturday on the sidelines of the Olympic shooting competitions.

Liu, who attended Friday night's opening ceremony at Maracana Stadium as the special envoy of Chinese 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 governament 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 Wintre 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 Saturday, 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.

Source : XINHUA