INTERNATIONAL: More than 100 athletes and coaches from the Chinese delegation for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Winter Games held an oath-taking ceremony in Beijing on Tuesday, aiming to strengthen confidence in the upcoming home games.

Athletes and coaches of multiple teams, including the national short track speed skating team, figure skating team, and curling team arrived at the Tian'anmen Square early in the morning. They first watched the national flag raising ceremony and sang the national anthem together.

Following the flag-raising, the delegation held an oath-taking ceremony at Tian'anmen Square. After the ceremony, the athletes will enter the close-loop management zone in groups, and prepare themselves for the upcoming games.

The athletes have said the ceremony has enhanced their sense of belonging and strengthened their determination to make great achievements in the Winter Games.

"Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw the flag raising, and I was deeply moved. I feel that now I have a stronger sense of responsibility, honor and mission, and I will go all out in this Olympics," said Ning Zhongyan, a member of the Chinese speed-skating team.

"First of all, I am excited to have such a ceremony ahead of the event, to watch the flag-raising on this viewing platform. I think as athletes, our goals are clearer, and our confidence is strengthened. We will undoubtedly do our best to achieve good results and fulfill our dreams," said Wu Dajing, the short track speed skating gold medalist at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.