Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli urged organizers of the 2022 Winter Olympics to not show extravagance, state television reported. 

"Most certainly do not engage in ostentation, waste, or luxury," Zhang told senior officials in charge of the Games without elaborating. He added that the budget for the event should be used "properly" and "sparingly."

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He also called on stakeholders to keep the infrastructure costs at a minimum. 

Last year, China won the bid to host the Winter Games in 2022 against Almaty, Kazakhstan. The event will be held in Beijing and neighboring city Zhangjiakou.

Zhang's statement follows President Xi Jinping's instructions earlier this month to keep the budget "clean as the snow." 

The government is fighting for the most corruption-free spending for the Winter Olympics as its bidding duration last year was mired with graft. 

Xiao Tian, deputy head of the General Administration of Sport, was prosecuted and relieved of his position after it was revealed that he accepted bribes, spent government money on lavish parties, and other special arrangements.  

But other issues are shadowing the event. Many are questioning the country's ability to host the Olympics, especially because of Beijing's infamous air quality and lack of snow in Beijing and Zhangjiakou. 

Despite these, China is marching on with the event to use it to inspire millions of fresh athletes to pursue winter sports. 

Tags2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing, Zhangjiakou, Xi Jinping, Vice PM, Zhang Gaoli, China's anti-corruption fight, Xiao Tian, corruption in sports, snow in China, winter sports, winter sports in China