His comments come as the Chinese Government face increasing pressure to act on the heavy pollution in Beijing, which was cited as a problem during the 2008 Games due to the harm it could cause to athletes.

"The legacies of the Games for the Chinese people and those living in Beijing are multifaceted," said Shu'an.

"But the first two are an improved transport infrastructure and environment.

"Everybody living in Beijing has realised the unique opportunities created by the Olympics and can see that the overall environment has improved."

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) and Chinese Government promised in 2008 that improved air quality would be a major legacy of the sporting event but in recent months the capital has often been shrouded in a cloud of smog with many blaming the busy roads in Beijing for the problem.

The Government has come under pressure from the capital's residents to change the way it monitors pollution, amid accusations that authorities are underplaying the problem.

The Vice Sports Minister admitted there were "challenges to sustain the Olympic legacies" pointing to environmental protection as one of the issues.


Before the start of Beijing 2008, billions were spent by China in an attempt to reduce pollution in the city.

A host of factories were even shut down in a bid to help the issue but despite criticism from some quarters, the problem did not overshadow the competition which was hailed as "truly exceptional" by IOC President Jacques Rogge.

The highlights of the Olympics saw American swimmer Michael Phelps claim a record-breaking eight gold medals and Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt taking gold medals in the 100 and 200 metres, as well as the 4x100m relay, all three of which came in world record times.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]