At the opening of the IIHF World Women Championship, I would like, on behalf of the State Sport General Administration of China, Chinese Olympic Committee£¬ to extend my warm welcome to the IIHF officials, referees, coaches, players and guests from various countries in the world.

In year of IIHF’s 100 Anniversary, China was secondly authorized to hold IIHF World Women Championship shortly after 2003,which not only shows the trust and support from IIHF to China ,but also will definitely give an great impetus to the development of Chinese ice hockey sports and the exchange of ice hockey sport between china and the other country.

I wish every team a fantastic performance and 2008 IIHF World Women Championship and IIHF’s 100 Anniversary Celebration a complete success.

Xiao Tian

The Chinese Olympic Committee

Vice President

The General Administration of Sport of China

Vice Minister