BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- International Skating Union (ISU) Vice President Alexender Lakernik spoke highly of the organization of the 2021 Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy, also a test event for Beijing 2022.
From October 13 to 24, the 53-year-old Capital Gymnasium, the venue of figure skating and short-track speed skating at Beijing 2022, features two test events. The figure skating campaign ended on Saturday, and the Beijing leg of the ISU Short Track Speed Skating World Cup will run from October 21-24.
Lakernik, who is on a visit to Beijing, told media at the Capital Gymnasium after the figure skating test that everything works well here.
"In general, I think the best thing at the moment is the arena, its readiness, Lakernik said. "For the test event, everything was fine, so we'll see how it will be at the Olympics."
"I've been to this venue many times. Now it looks new. It was a good idea not to start building everything from the beginning but using this building. It looks much better than what it was before," he noted.
"China has a big [and] good organizing committee. There are many volunteers, many staff. Everybody works and knows what to do. So in general, the impression is good."
On the COVID-19 prevention, Lakernik said, "We have to follow the measures because we don't want any cases. China is very experienced with this. Everything was strict but it was necessary and we fully understand. That's the reality, now at least."
As the test events in the Capital Gymnasium are without spectators, the vice president expressed the hope to see as more spectators as possible at Beijing 2022.
"How many spectators will be allowed? The more the better, because this is the excitement. I would like to see as many people as possible," he said.
Lakernik's hope has been echoed by almost all the 31 figure skaters from nine countries and regions competing in the Asian Open.
After the renovation, the Capital Gymnasium now has a seat capacity of 15,000.
Talking more about the Olympic preparations, Lakernik said, "There are small problems but in general the preparation is visible and everything works. So we are satisfied with the visit."
"And we hope the joint work from both sides - the Chinese side and the ISU side - will bring a great result to the Olympics," he added. Enditem
微信扫描下方的二维码阅读本文
