蜜芽传媒

The run-up to the Winter Olympics have been marred with protests and diplomatic boycotts over China's alleged human rights abuses, while the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have an impact. The Games have now got underway with a trademark spectacular opening ceremony, albeit much shorter than the one in 2008, as Beijing celebrates becoming the only city to host both the summer and now the winter Games.

Jonathan White, a freelance sports journalist based in Hong Kong, says that the lack of spectators have made for a muted atmosphere at the events, and Covid restrictions are hampering the usual interaction between athletes from different nations. He says that although the boycotts have dominated the run-up, he believes that the Games will be remembered for Covid and the sport.

Photo: The Olympic torch is lit during the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games at the Beijing National Stadium in China Credit: REUTERS/Marko Djurica