Beijing, China, January 16, 2025: Li-Ning has replaced Anta as the official sports apparel partner of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and the Chinese sports delegation from 2025 to 2028, according to a statement from the Shanghai United Assets and Equity Exchange.
Founded in 1990 by Chinese gymnastics legend Li Ning, Li-Ning (China) Sports Goods Co., Ltd. is one of China's leading sportswear companies and previously served as the COC's official sports apparel partner from 1992 to 2004, Xinhua News reports.
"After many years, Li-Ning has once again become the partner of the COC and the Chinese sports delegation, which demonstrates the trust and responsibility given to the Li-Ning brand by the General Administration of Sport of China and the COC," said Li Ning, chairman of the group.
He added that the brand would continue to uphold its core value of serving the public with the sports spirit, carry forward both sports and Olympic ideals, and serve and contribute to the development of Chinese sports.
In 2008, the Olympic cauldron was lit by Li, whose run along the roof of the National Stadium - known as the "Bird's Nest" - slowly revealed a scroll showing the Olympic torch's journey across the world.
Prior to this new agreement with Li-Ning, the COC signed a 16-year contract with another major Chinese sportswear company, Anta, from 2009 to 2024. Anta also served as the official sports apparel partner of the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee.
(Xinhua News)