International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach made the historic announcement in Kaula lumpur, Malaysia, making Beijing the first city to host both the summer and winter Olympics.
The Chinese capital, which hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics, came in as the favorite. Despite a lack of natural snow and winter conditions, Beijing was seen by the IOC as a reliable and safe choice.
Almaty had hoped that winning the rights would have helped put Kazakhstan on the sporting map of the world but it fell short against the Chinese city.
“Legacy is everything,” former NBA star and Beijing bid team member Yao Ming said.
“Beijing 2008 allowed us to experience the Olympic spirit, and 2022 gives us a chance to carry on the spirit,” he added.
The announcement also sparked wild jubilation on the streets of Beijing.
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