The inauguration ceremony of the Japanese Winter Olympics delegation was held by 124 athletes with the largest number of participants since 1928

Tokyo, 29 Jan (Xinhua) -- The Japanese delegation to the Beijing Winter Olympics held a ceremony here on 29 January, announcing the official establishment of the largest overseas Winter Olympic delegation in Japan's history.

Japanese Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita handed over a Japanese flag to the head of the delegation, Hidehito Ito, who in turn handed the flag to speed skater Yariza Go, who would serve as a female flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics, symbolizing the founding of the Japanese delegation.

On December 26, 2021, after the all-day figure skating championships, Japanese figure skaters participating in the Beijing Winter Olympics appeared at a press conference. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Yang Ting

A total of 262 Japanese delegations participated in the Beijing Winter Olympics, including 124 athletes, which is the largest number of athletes sent overseas since Japan first participated in the Winter Olympics in 1928. Some members of the Japanese delegation have already arrived in Beijing in advance, and a large force of 83 athletes will depart for Beijing on the 30th.

Commenting on the Japanese delegation's goal in Beijing, Hidehito Ito said: "Due to the impact of the new crown epidemic, athletes have been affected by training and competition abroad, and it is difficult to predict how many medals we will win now, but we hope to have a better performance than we did four years ago." ”

Japanese athletes won 4 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, the most medals they won at the Winter Olympics.

Pyeongchang Winter Olympics speed skating champion Miho Takagi said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted for two years, and the difficulties caused by the epidemic still exist, but with the support of everyone around us and society, we have finally been able to participate in the Winter Olympics. We celebrate this day with gratitude and each of us will do our best to play to the best of our ability. ”

Editors: Ding Wenxian, Wang Hengzhi, Cao Yibo