China eyes 2022 bid as it prepares for Sochi Games

China expects a strong performance at the Sochi Winter Olympics while also earning support for its bid to host the event in 2022.

China will send a 139-member delegation, including 66 athletes, 24 officials and 49 coaches and staff members, to compete in 49 events in four sports - skating, curling, skiing and biathlon - at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, according to the General Administration of Sport of China. The Games will be held from Feb 7 to 23.

President Xi Jinping is to attend the opening ceremony on Feb 7, making him the first Chinese president to travel overseas for a major sporting event. Xi visited Russia last year after becoming president.