Meeting between FIL President Einars Fogelis and high-ranking Chinese delegation in Riga

Riga (FIL/10 Dec 2024) On Monday, December 9, 2024, an important meeting took place in Riga between the President of the International Luge Federation (FIL), Einars Fogelis, and a high-ranking delegation from China. The talks focused on the future development and cooperation in the sport of luge, particularly with regard to the regular use of the Olympic track in Yanqing. The meeting was attended by Mr. Gao Zhidan, the President of the China Olympic Committee (COC) and Minister General Administration of Sport of China, Mr. Wu Jian, Secretary General COC, and Mr. Wang Lei, General Director Chinese Winter Sports Center, among others.

The meeting served as a platform for exchanging views on key topics such as:

• The organization of the World Cup in Yanqing and possible further World Cups and championships until 2029.
• The long-term development plan for the Yanqing Sliding Center as a legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympics and its use for both international competitions and public sledding (alpine luge).
• Promoting the popularity of luge in China and worldwide, including new sponsorship opportunities.
• Team development to further increase the competitiveness of Chinese athletes at the international level.

President Fogelis emphasized the importance of Yanqing as one of the most modern centers of luge: “The track in Yanqing is a legacy of the Winter Olympics and a key location for the future of our sport. Close cooperation between the FIL and our Chinese partners will be crucial to making this location accessible to athletes and fans alike.”

The talks in Riga lay the foundation for a strategic partnership that will preserve and develop the Olympic legacy of Yanqing. The aim is to strengthen the sport of luge in the region and in Asia and to sustainably promote the international luge community.