In the evening of August 5, 2008, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan went to the residence of Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, President of Indian Olympic Association to see off the Indian Olympic Contingent. On the occasion he extended his very best wishes of success to all the Indian athletes in Beijing.

Mr. Kalmadi thanked Ambassador Zhang Yan for his kind remarks and spoke highly of the excellent preparations of China for the Games. He said, he believes China is ready and will definitely hold a great and safe Olympic Games. Mr. Kalmadi told the Chinese ambassador that India is expecting to win medals in shooting, boxing and badminton, etc. He also expressed the hope that China and India could strengthen ties in the field of sports, keeping in mind that India will host the grand event of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. The Chinese Ambassador assured the IOA President that the Embassy would do all it can to enhance the exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the field of sports.