The safe and successful staging of Beijing 2022 amid the COVID-19 pandemic marked a new chapter in Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games history. That's according to International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.

"The successful organization of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics reflected the fact that with meticulous planning, unity and solidarity, we could make what seemed to be impossible possible," Leeswadtrakul, who is vice-president of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Although the world is still grappling with the challenges presented by the pandemic, "the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics underpinned the important fact that sports can bring not only fun but also hope and inspiration to all of us," Leeswadtrakul said.

She added that the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics also provided encouragement and inspiration for young people and persons with disabilities.

Leeswadtrakul said Beijing 2022 raised the bar for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics because the Games were held safely and successfully amid the pandemic.

"A great combination of innovation, modern technology, new and exciting sports, and gender-mixed events helped make Beijing 2022 a very unique edition of the Games," she said.

Praising China's efforts in staging "a green and high-tech Games", Leeswadtrakul said that "the perfect combination of traditional Eastern culture and modern technology "was impressive.

"During Beijing 2022, we witnessed the development of cutting-edge technology in China. There was a great combination of innovation, modern technology, green power and sustainability. Once again, China has set a new benchmark for future host cities," said the Thai IOC member.

Leeswadtrakul added that the country achieved its goal of delivering a streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world.

Xinhua