BEIJING: China’s Hangzhou is fully prepared to host the 19th Asian Games, as all facilities and venues were constructed in April.
The two-week sporting event, postponed last year because of Covid-19, will be held from Sept 23 to Oct 8 this year.
All the venues for the games have passed their acceptance inspection. Also, over 30 test events and rehearsals have been completed, and a group of international media was briefed during a press tour organized by Xinhua.
The media member visited Swimming Center, Hangzhou E-sports Center, Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, LGD Club, and Tennis Center.
According to the organizers, the Asian Games will focus on sustainable and green principles supported by high-tech in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China’s seven ancient capitals.
Green energy sources, such as wind and solar power, have been widely implemented in all the Games venues. Furthermore, online services, digital products, and state-of-the-art facilities have been put in place, eagerly anticipating the arrival of participants from across Asia in approximately 100 days.
Hangzhou metro line 19, adorned with the emblem and slogan of the 19th Asian Games, connects the city’s railway stations and international airport, providing significant convenience for residents since its launch last year.
The venues for the games are spread across six zones in the cities of Shaoxing, Huzhou, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, and Jinhua. More than 8 million people have already visited the training and competition venues.
A senior official noted, “The venues have become popular destinations for the public to get involved in sports activities. A series of rehearsals have been done to enhance operations, transportation, catering, and medical services. Currently, all the venues are fully prepared for the Games.”
Hangzhou has completed a 516-kilometer rail transit and a 480-kilometer expressway network, ensuring smooth transportation during the Games and establishing a solid foundation for the long-term integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta.
The Asiad flame was lit at the historical city ruins of Liangzhu in Zhejiang to commemorate the 100-day countdown to the Hangzhou Asian Games, and the medal designs were revealed.
All 45 national and regional Olympic Committees in Asia have registered for the Hangzhou Asiad, demonstrating immense enthusiasm for the event. More than 900 Chinese athletes will pursue their dreams at the Hangzhou Asiad.
Hangzhou will become the third city in China to host Asia’s premier sports event, after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou, the capital of South China’s Guangdong Province, in 2010. —APP
