The contest to design of China's ­National Speed Skating Oval - the speed skating competitions venue for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing - began Friday, with 12 design agencies qualifying for the contest.

A total of 66 design agencies had applied for the pre-qualification stage as of June 27, contest officials said. The 12 shortlisted agencies include groups from China and others from Germany, France, Britain and Australia.

The 12 agencies that qualified will hand in detailed plans of their ­designs in October, according to Han Zirong, secretary-general of the Beijing ­Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Beijing is yet to have a permanent speed skating competition venue.