Beijing: In the shadow of the COVID induced restrictions, the Winter Olympics has begun in Beijing on Friday. The Winter Olympic Opening Ceremony took place at the National Stadium in Beijing. The games will take place till 20 February 2022.  Beijing becomes the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games. 

Viewers saw the phrase 'One World, One Family', before a countdown from 24, to represent the 24 solar terms of the Chinese Year, namely, Start of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects, Vernal Equinox, Clear and Bright, Grain Rain, Start of Summer, Small Full Grain, Grain In Ear, Summer Solstice, Minor Heat, Major Heat, Start of Autumn, Limit of Heat, White Dew, Autumnal Equinox, Cold Dew, Frost Descent, Start of Winter Minor Snow, Major Snow, Winter Solstice, Minor Cold and Major Cold.

Almost 3,000 athletes from 90 countries are taking part in 109 different events in the Winter Olympics. However, No international fans are allowed at the Games.

Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States are in a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics over China’s human rights record. Athletes from those four countries are taking part but government representatives will not be in Beijing. 

New Zealand officials and athletes will not be attending for “a range of factors” but primarily due to COVID-19 concerns.

Also, the Indian did not attend the opening or closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. Because Beijing has picked a Chinese soldier involved in the Galwan clashes with the Indian Army as an Olympic torchbearer in the Olympics.   

India called the Chinese move 'regrettable'.  New Delhi will boycott the Olympics at the diplomatic level however, it will send an athlete for the event.

Lone Indian athlete, Arif Khan, carried the national flag as he represented the country at the Parade of Nations at the Beijing Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

Completely obsessed with these Rings. ❄️ pic.twitter.com/maxuQDF4LQ

— Olympics (@Olympics) February 4, 2022