Given that they are considered the fourth-largest internet company in the world behind Amazon, Google and Ebay - and ahead of fifth-placed Facebook - the presence of Tencent Group, the Shenzhen-based company based known for the their internet chat and instant messenger services, is particularly interesting, demonstrating an attempt to appeal to the Chinese youth.

The other five are the world's best selling beer brand Snow Beer, the world's largest professional service network, PricewaterhouseCoopers, as well as Anta Sports, True Colour Stationary, and Sandaogu Travel Company.

This means that services will be provided across multiple areas, spanning banking, transport, website maintenance, catering, office supplies and sportswear.

The contract-signing Ceremony for the eight corporate sponsors took place in Beijing, where Chinese officials claimed they can "play important roles in supporting Beijing's bid for 2022 Olympics".

Representatives from each of the companies attended the Ceremony ©Beijing 2022



Coming at the end of the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, which has reminded everyone of China's ability to host large-scale sporting events, the announcement is further evidence of the growing Chinese commitment to host the Games. 

It is thought Beijing, which is bidding to host the Games with the nearby city of Zhangjiakou, originally entered the race last November predominantly to gain experience with an eye to mounting a more serious bid for the 2026 edition.

But, with rivals Stockholm, Kraków and Lviv falling by the wayside, and only Almaty and an Oslo bid still lacking Norwegian Government support remaining as fellow candidates, there has been a growing realisation that 2022 offers a good opportunity. 

The presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping here for the Opening Ceremony was a further illustration of Chinese commitment, with the leader meeting IOC chief Thomas Bach and members of the ruling IOC Executive Board during his visit. 

The success of Nanjing 2014 has underlined China's ability to host major sporting events ©Nanjing 2014



Another message of support has been provided here by Kenneth Fok, Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong team, the son of IOC member Timothy Fok and grandson of Henry Fok, the businessman who donated vast sums to support of Beijing 2008 Olympic venues before passing away in 2006 at the age of 83.

The younger Fox suggested he would like to play a similar role this time around.