BEIJING, Aug 31: Chinese officials have promised there will be no extravagant, Beijing-like splurging of finances when Nanjing hosts the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, local media reported on Friday.

Rather than spending a fortune on producing the Games, as Beijing did for the 2008 Olympics, Nanjing is set to follow the frugal lead of London.

The eastern Chinese city will emulate London’s use of temporary buildings, Nanjing Party chief and Games organising committee president Yang Weize told the China Daily.

He also insisted the city would keep a close eye on spending when it constructs new competition and training venues.

“No new venues will be built if old ones can be renovated,” said Yang, facing criticism from city residents complaining that costs are already spiralling. “No new facilities will be purchased if old ones can be repaired, no equipment will be bought if [it] can be rented, and they won’t be rented if they can be borrowed.”—Reuters

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