Chinese President Xi Jinping has attended the opening ceremony of the World Athletics Championships at the National Stadium, or Bird's Nest. The biennial championships has gathered around 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries and regions.

Ahead of the event, the Chinese President met with leaders of major international sports organizations. In meeting with the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, Xi expressed his gratitude for the IOC's support in developing sport in China. Xi said that China's passion for the sport has been greatly enhanced after hosting events like the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Bach congratulated Beijing for being awarded the Games, and said the IOC will support China's National Fitness Program and will work with the country to make the Games a success.

Xi Jinping also met with the chief of the Olympic Council of Asia, and the president of the International Amateur Athletics Federation and received an honorary medal from the IAAF, for his contribution to international athletics.