The agreement is set to see the establishment of a World Curling Academy Training Centre within Beijing's National Aquatics Centre, with its owners Assets Management Company also a signatory to the letter.

It offers another boost to the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

"I am delighted to sign this letter of intent which confirms the commitment to the curling legacy of the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games," said World Curling President Kate Caithness.

"We have witnessed our sport played at the highest level in an iconic location and know that this is just a step on the journey in the growth of our sport here in China.

"Beijing State-owned Assets Management have shown their commitment to curling with their new permanent curling facility which will allow many more Chinese people to experience, learn and enjoy the sport of curling.

"China has the potential to be one of the biggest curling nations in the world and the coaches and officials who will be trained at this centre will help build and promote the foundations of that growth."

Training and development of educators will take place as part of the agreement, using World Curling Academy courses and materials.

The deal represents a further boost to the legacy of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games as the organisers aim to ensure that all venues are put to use after the event and not abandoned.

The National Aquatics Centre hosted aquatics competitions at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games and was converted into a curling facility for the recent Winter edition.

Sustainability is a core feature of the Beijing 2022 legacy plan, and this was shown through the use of multiple existing venues, including seven from Beijing 2008.

Following Beijing 2022, the venue will continue to host ice sports, as well as swimming events and large cultural performances, offering both multi-purpose and long-term use.

In addition to the planned continual use of the National Aquatics Centre, the Yanqing National Sliding Centre is to be included on the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup calendar fotr at least five years and Beijing's Big Air Shougang is set to become a permanent fixture on the International Ski Federation (FIS) Freeski World Cup and Snowboard World Cup tours.

Beijing 2022 has outlined ambitions to host other FIS World Cup competitions, Biathlon World Cup legs and the Winter X Games as well.