LONDON, July 31 -- The British Olympic Association (BOA) on Friday congratulated Beijing on winning the bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympic Games and believed the Chinese capital will host a "great" Winter Olympics.

Bill Sweeney, the BOA Chief Executive, told Xinhua: "Congratulations to the city and people of Beijing on winning the bid for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games. Team GB has fond memories of the impressive stadia, friendly people and exceptional Games having competed in Beijing at the 2008 Olympics. I am sure that Beijing will host a great Winter Olympics for the athletes of the world.

"We wish Beijing the best of luck in their preparations and look forward to Team GB competing in Beijing once again in 2022," he said.

Beijing beat Kazakhsatan city Almaty, the only other contender, in the IOC vote held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, earlier on Friday to become the first city to host a summer and winter Games.