Speakers:
Mr. Zhou Jinqiang, vice president of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC), vice minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, and vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee
Ms. Zhao Sujing, vice president of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games Organising Committee (HAPGOC), and vice chairperson of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation
Mr. Li Yanyi, vice governor of Zhejiang province
Mr. Yao Gaoyuan, vice president and secretary-general of the HAGOC and the HAPGOC, and mayor of Hangzhou
Mr. Chen Weiqiang, executive secretary-general of the HAGOC and the HAPGOC, and vice mayor of Hangzhou
Chairperson:
Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
June 14, 2023
Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning! Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). The 19th Asian Games and the 4th Asian Para Games will be held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province. Today, we have invited Mr. Zhou Jinqiang, vice president of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC), vice minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Ms. Zhao Sujing, vice president of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games Organising Committee (HAPGOC), vice chairperson of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons' Federation; Mr. Li Yanyi, vice governor of Zhejiang province; Mr. Yao Gaoyuan, vice president and secretary-general of the HAGOC and the HAPGOC, and mayor of Hangzhou; Mr. Chen Weiqiang, executive secretary-general of the HAGOC and the HAPGOC, and vice mayor of Hangzhou. They will introduce preparations for the Games and answer questions you are interested in.
Now, I will give the floor to Mr. Zhou Jinqiang.
Zhou Jinqiang:
Good morning! Friends from the media!
The Hangzhou Asian Games will open on Sept. 23. This event is the largest-scale and highest-level international comprehensive sports event that China has held since the successful convening of the 20th CPC National Congress, drawing wide attention both domestically and internationally.
In August 2015, General Secretary Xi Jinping expressed his sincere expectations for Hangzhou by saying that he believes that the city is capable of hosting a successful Asian Games. Over the past eight years, the HAGOC has fully embraced the concept of hosting a "green, smart, economical, and ethical" Asian Games, along with the requirement of staging a "streamlined, safe, and splendid" event. They have made sound plans and organized meticulously, achieving steady progress in every phase and sector. Tomorrow marks the 100-day countdown to the opening of the Hangzhou Asian Games, and all preparation work has entered its final stretch. All units are advancing their work at a fast pace, and improvements are being made across all sectors. The preparations are generally being carried out in a steady and orderly manner. My introduction will focus on four aspects.
First, Asian countries have actively registered for the Hangzhou Asian Games, demonstrating its strong appeal.
At present, Olympic committees from 45 countries and regions in Asia have registered for the Games, with some sending their largest-ever delegations. This indicates that athletes from Asian countries and regions have high expectations for the Hangzhou Asian Games and are very much looking forward to participating in the grand events in Zhejiang, China. This enthusiastic participation highlights the Hangzhou Asian Games as an important platform for promoting unity and cooperation in Asian sports. It also demonstrates the extraordinary achievements and strong appeal of the high-quality economic and social development since the 18th CPC National Congress. Leveraging sports to facilitate exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations is a tangible embodiment of building an Asian community with a shared future.
Second, the venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games are fully prepared. Projects are being inspected and advanced simultaneously with initiatives that benefit the public.
The Asian Games will be hosted in six competition zones, including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jinhua, Shaoxing, and Huzhou. Currently, all 56 stadiums have passed sport-event functionality inspections and are ready for competition operations. The HAGOC has skillfully balanced preparations for the events with serving the community. Since the Games were postponed due to the pandemic, these stadiums have been made accessible to the public, enhancing community wellness. To date, over 8 million people have participated in fitness activities at these venues. After the Asian Games, the stadiums will continue to be open to the public. Regularly organized sporting events and cultural performances will be held to further satisfy the living needs of the public.
Third, the Games-time operation system has been established, and comprehensive tests have been conducted in all areas.
Aligned with the operational requirement of "unified command, tiered arrangements, and quick response" during the Games, the HAGOC has developed a command and coordination system. This system is designed to ensure effective coordination and emergency-handling capabilities. It is structured around 56 competition venue teams, supported by 17 specialized teams, and guaranteed by city-wide operational support. To date, 42 test contests have been organized, and 13 are planned for the next phase. These contests will serve as full-scale tests of event organization and the functionality of both hardware and software operations to be fully prepared for the Asian Games.
Fourth, the Chinese delegation will spare no effort to compete in the events.
At present, the General Administration of Sport is assembling the Chinese delegation, which will include over 900 top-level athletes. These athletes will compete against their counterparts from various Asian countries and regions. The Hangzhou Asian Games, being held on home soil, will also serve as a significant preparatory phase for Chinese athletes ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. They aim to deliver outstanding performances, demonstrate exemplary spirit, and achieve success in both competition and sportsmanship.
We welcome friends from the media to continue following and supporting the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. Your involvement will contribute to our efforts to host a grand Asian Games that embodies distinct Chinese characteristics, unique Asian elements, and spectacular experiences. Thank you!
