LAUSANNE, March 7 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach highlighted the organization's financial strength, addressed preparations for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, and outlined reforms to secure boxing's Olympic future during an online media roundtable on Friday.

As Bach prepares to step down in June after his 12-year tenure, he confirmed that the IOC's revenue for the 2021-2024 period reached 7.7 billion U.S. dollars. For future cycles, $7.4 billion has been secured for 2025-2028 and $6.5 billion for 2029-2032.

These numbers do not include the new Worldwide Olympic Partnership (TOP) deal with Chinese tech giant TCL. "China is becoming an ever more important partner in the TOP partnerships," Bach said. "This reflects the development of the world economy. We see China arising, becoming ever more important in the world economy with a special focus on technology and green technology."

"This is well reflected in our new TOP partnership with TCL, our long-term partnership with Alibaba, and the partnership with Mengniu," Bach added. With 13 companies currently in the TOP program, China has become the third-largest source of Olympic's top-tier sponsors after the United States (5) and Europe (4).

Bach further mentioned the IOC's strategic media partnership shifts, emphasizing the transition from traditional broadcasters like NBC and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to digital-focused giants such as Comcast, Warner Brothers and Discovery. "What we have seen in Paris, a huge success it was. The Comcast figures were going through the roof," he noted. "The figures speak for themselves."

Sponsorship policies are also evolving. While maintaining a "clean field of play" during competitions, Bach signaled relaxed rules for brand activations in non-competition zones. "We're moving from a clean venue policy to a clean field of play policy," he noted, following recent talks with sponsors in Lausanne.

Regarding boxing's Olympic future, Bach expressed optimism following the IOC Executive Board's provisional recognition of World Boxing in February, a new governing body established in April 2023 after the IOC severed ties with the scandal-plagued International Boxing Association (IBA).

"We are satisfied with World Boxing's development," he said, noting its 78 member federations represent the majority of Tokyo 2020 medalists and Paris 2024 participants. A crucial IOC session vote will determine whether the sport will be reinstated for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

"National (or regional) Olympic Committees must refer to IOC-recognized federations to nominate athletes," Bach stressed. "Otherwise, it would be a pity for boxers." The sport, absent from LA28's initial program, was managed directly by the IOC in Paris and Tokyo after years of governance disputes with IBA.

Addressing concerns from presidential candidates about centralized power within the IOC's executive board, Bach defended the organization's reliance on crisis-era protocols. He explained that during emergencies like the Russia-Ukraine conflict or the pandemic, the IOC could not delay decisions for months awaiting formal sessions.

Instead, the organization relied on weekly Executive Board meetings and informal consultations with 290 athlete representatives as alternatives to standard voting procedures. Bach emphasized that members recognized the urgency of these situations, underscoring the IOC's commitment to engaging stakeholders while balancing swift action.

On the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Bach acknowledged challenges, including its geographically dispersed venues and the controversial sliding center in Cortina d'Ampezzo. "The IOC respects the decisions of sovereign countries. If a country decides that we want to have such a facility and we see a legacy for it, then we have reached the end of our influence and possibilities," he said.

Bach also addressed concerns regarding the logistical and environmental sustainability of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. He emphasized the importance of using existing and temporary facilities to reduce carbon footprints, stating, "this is a kind of balance you have to find."

He highlighted that Italy has "state-of-the-art" existing venues for nearly all winter sports, which are operated by experienced organizers and serve enthusiastic local audiences. While acknowledging that transportation adds to carbon emissions, he concluded that utilizing current facilities is ultimately more sustainable compared to constructing new ones. "The close proximity of venues is key," he added. Enditem

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