Beijing 2022 Winter Games closes its curtains

After all 109 medal events had been decided, the closing ceremony was held on February 20 at the National Stadium in Beijing

The Olympic flame was extinguished on February 20, closing the curtain on the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, but the passion still lingers from the sports gala that has enlivened and inspired the world amid the pandemic.

After all 109 medal events had been decided, the closing ceremony was held on Sunday at the National Stadium in Beijing, the first-ever city to have hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The Olympic baton now has been passed to the Italian cities Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, which will host the 2026 Winter Games.

The 2022 Winter Olympics stands out as it both provided a stage for the world's top winter sports athletes and also highlighted China's efforts to host a safe and sustainable global-scale event. Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), lauded the Beijing Winter Olympics as "truly exceptional" when addressing it at the closing ceremony Sunday night.

Fireworks illuminate the night sky during the closing ceremony of the 24th Olympic Winter Games.

Athletes of the Olympic delegation of the People's Republic of China parade during the closing ceremony.

Flag bearers parade during the closing ceremony.

Italian artists perform during the closing ceremony.

Volunteer representatives during the closing ceremony.

Source: Xinhua News Agency