In an exclusive interview with China Media Group, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry praised the recently concluded 15th National Games as a "blueprint for integrated sporting excellence" during her conversation with host Zou Yun. The event, jointly hosted by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Macao Special Administrative Region, marked the first multi-city collaboration in the Greater Bay Area's history.
Coventry described the opening ceremony as "a masterclass in cultural storytelling through sport," emphasizing its alignment with Olympic values of unity and innovation. She highlighted China's dual focus on elite athletic development and nationwide fitness initiatives, noting President Xi Jinping's personal commitment to fostering "a new era of sports-powered social development."
The IOC leader revealed ongoing discussions about incorporating Chinese approaches to youth sports programming into global models. When asked about her historic appointment as the first woman and African IOC president, Coventry stated: "Diversity in leadership brings fresh perspectives to universal challenges – from climate-conscious event planning to esports integration."
