#China #Guangzhou #Yuan Xikun #Thomas Bach #Heung Kong

Thomas Bach's Inspiring Journey in Guangzhou

On November 10, 2025, Thomas Bach, the Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), made a notable visit to Guangzhou, China, where he celebrated the intersection of sports and art. During his stay, he attended the 10th China Sports Art Exhibition and the China Sports Culture Exhibition, reflecting on his enriching experiences from past National Games.

At this gathering, he was graciously presented with a unique piece of art from the China Sports Museum. Following this, Bach explored the One Heung Kong art square, where he viewed an exhibition by the renowned sculptor Yuan Xikun.

Bach participated in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the art exhibition, immersing himself in Yuan's impressive works. One sculpture in particular—a meticulously crafted portrait of Bach himself—captured a significant moment, leading to a delightful photo opportunity that he affectionately dubbed, "Bach meets Bach." He praised Yuan's artistry, stating that it beautifully encapsulated the spirit and essence of sporting personalities, merging athleticism with humanistic art.

Yuan Xikun, a globally acclaimed artist, holds the title of Master Artist for the United Nations Environment. He has gained recognition for his lifelike sculptures of pivotal Olympic figures, including Pierre de Coubertin, former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, and of course, Thomas Bach. These artworks do not just capture the charisma of Olympic leadership; they also serve as treasured vessels of sports and human memories.

In an interview with the Guangzhou Daily, Bach expressed his joy every time he visits China. He cherishes meeting outstanding athletes and believes that the upcoming 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China will be a remarkable success for both competitors and organizers alike.

At One Heung Kong, Bach also engaged in heartfelt conversations with several sports champions. This included discussions with Tang Jiuhong, a world badminton champion, Wu Dajing, an Olympic champion and world record holder in speed skating, Zhang Yanquan, a synchronized diving gold medalist from the London 2012 Olympics, and Zhong Ni, a former member of the Chinese national synchronized swimming team and a world champion. Together, they witnessed the launch of a platform that combines the spirit of sports with an artistic atmosphere, marking an appealing feature of the National Games.

Bach's visit exemplified not only the rich cultural fabric of Guangzhou but also an acknowledgment of the invaluable link between sports and the arts, fostering a deeper appreciation among the public for both domains. His presence underscored a commitment to promoting this synergy on a global scale.

With such moments of warmth and collaboration, Bach's visit to Guangzhou reiterated the transformative power of art in celebrating athletic achievement, paving the way for future endeavors in bridging these two influential spheres of human expression. The ongoing partnership between sports and art exemplified by the initiatives in Guangzhou serves as a model for creating engaging experiences that resonate across communities.