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Read in Chinese
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!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Now, I'll give the floor to Ms. Zhao for her introduction.
Zhao Sujing:
Good morning, friends from the media! I am here to provide an update on the preparation of Chinese athletes for the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
The CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has paid particular attention to the cause of people with disabilities. As the authority responsible for parasports, the China Disabled Persons' Federation has, since the 18th CPC National Congress, diligently followed the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on programs and sports development for people with disabilities, implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, conducted extensive rehabilitation and fitness activities for disabled people, and made every effort to prepare for the Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
Our goals for participating in the Hangzhou Para Asian Games are clear. The size of our delegation will be commensurate with the status of being the host country. We aim to maintain a leading position, and achieve success in both sports competition and sportsmanship. We will make smooth organization for the Games and achieve the best possible athletic results at the event.
We are now actively preparing for intensive training and participation in various international sporting events, making good preparations for setting up the national team of parasports athletes. We have organized a total of over 600 people in 17 teams of track and field, swimming, etc., to receive intensive training in provinces and municipalities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Fujian, Jiangsu, Shanxi, Guangdong, and Hebei. As of the end of May, we have dispatched 16 delegations to compete in international sporting events. A total of 128 gold medals, 115 silver medals, and 95 bronze medals have been obtained. The national training teams will receive intensive training at training bases in localities including Beijing and Zhejiang in July this year, and the delegation will be established in October.
Currently, the preparation for the Hangzhou Para Asian Games has entered the homestretch. In the next stage, we will focus on the following aspects of the work.
First, we will obtain more quotas for the Asian Games. We will strive for more quotas for the Games by participating in international sporting events and gaining points and international classification.
Second, we will focus on preparation for key events, such as track and field, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing, weightlifting, badminton, cycling, and judo for people with visual impairments. These events are all crucial for the Chinese sports delegation to compete for gold medals at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games. We will channel more resources, including personnel, funding, competition arrangements, and equipment, towards these key events.
Third, we will spare no effort in providing services and support for the national team. Given that parasports athletes are all part-time athletes, we will coordinate resources from disabled persons' federations at all levels and strive to support the national training teams, freeing them from worries and helping them fully prepare for the competition.
Fourth, we will focus on improving conduct to demonstrate sportsmanship. We will strengthen communication with the national teams of parasports athletes on theoretical and political issues, carry forward the spirit of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, and demonstrate the ethos of people with disabilities in China in the new era through participation in the Games. This will also present the achievements of China's work in supporting people with disabilities. Thank you!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Next, I'll give the floor to Mr. Li Yanyi.
Li Yanyi:
Good morning, friends from the media! First, on behalf of the People's Government of Zhejiang Province, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks for your long-term attention, support, and assistance towards the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Asian Para Games! General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to and placed high hopes on the Hangzhou Asian Games and the Asian Para Games. He pointed out that he believes Hangzhou is capable of hosting a successful Asian Games. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the direct command of the leading group for the Asian Games, Zhejiang has mobilized the resources of the entire province and actively prepared for the Games. At present, all preparations for the games are almost complete.
First, a coordinated and efficient command system has been established. We have set up the event headquarters of the Hangzhou Asian Games and the sub-headquarters in five co-host cities, namely Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing, and Jinhua. We have also cooperated closely with the General Administration of Sport of China, China Disabled Persons' Federation, the Olympic Council of Asia and the Asian Paralympic Committee, advancing the effective implementation of all tasks.
Second, a high-quality competition environment has been created. All 56 competition venues, 31 training venues, and the Asian Games village are ready for use. We have conducted 42 all-factor, full-process, and full-load test drills. Simultaneously, we have launched campaigns to improve urban environment, governance, and level of civility across the Zhejiang province.
Third, meticulous and professional services and support have been strengthened. We have built a service and support system covering all sectors and the full cycle, including protocol arrangements, arrivals and departures, transportation, food and accommodation, and healthcare. We have established the country's first digital service platform for spectators, providing one-stop services in areas such as ticket purchasing, transportation, game-watching, and tourism. We have recruited and trained 50,000 volunteers for the Games and 1.42 million urban volunteers, making efforts to ensure all guests feel as cozy and warm as if they were at home.
Fourth, a strong and warm atmosphere for the Asian Games has been fostered. We have organized thematic serial activities, including promotional events in 10 different cities, fun runs, and activities to help make dreams come true. Additionally, we have opened event venues to the public before the Games, an unprecedented move in China, fostering a strong atmosphere of public participation and sharing of benefits. Tomorrow marks the 100-day countdown to the opening of the Hangzhou Asian Games. We will hold an Asian Games flame lighting ceremony at the ancient city of Liangzhu, a world cultural heritage site. We will also reveal the Asian Games medals and theme song at the 100-day countdown. We will always bear in mind the great trust of General Secretary Xi Jinping, seize the day, and make all-out efforts to complete all the test events in July, comprehensive rehearsals in August, and all the relevant work in September, welcoming guests from all around the world.
We firmly believe that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and with the great support of national ministries and commissions, and other provinces and cities, we will successfully fulfill all preparation tasks for the Games and deliver to the world a spectacular sports and cultural event that is distinctly Chinese and uniquely Asian. We welcome friends from the media to continue following and participating in the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games. Thank you!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Next, I'll give the floor to Mr. Yao Gaoyuan.
Yao Gaoyuan:
Hello, friends from the media! With 100 days to go, the grand opening of the 19th Asian Games will be held in Hangzhou, the third Chinese city to host the Asian Games, following Beijing and Guangzhou. Since its successful bid for the Asian Games, Hangzhou and the five co-host cities have always kept in mind the great trust of General Secretary Xi Jinping, who believes Hangzhou is capable of hosting a successful Asian Games. They have fully implemented the requirement of hosting a "streamlined, safe, and splendid" event, pursued excellence through constant improvement, and made every effort to carry out the preparation work.
First, overall improvements have taken place in the city in preparation for the Asian Games. The construction of Asian Games venues adhered to the principle that new venues would not be built if existing venues could be renovated. Only 12 of the 56 competition venues were newly built, while others were renovated or temporary buildings. All 31 training venues, which were renovated, have passed inspections for sports events functionality and barrier-free facilities. A rail transit network of 516 kilometers has been built in Hangzhou, and an expressway network has been developed to cover 480 kilometers. We have made improvements to 39 city entrances and 215 commute roads for the Asian Games and beautified every corner of the city to welcome friends from all over the world with the unique charm of "a paradise on earth."
Second, intelligent technologies have been applied throughout the entire preparation process for the Asian Games. We have upgraded "Asian Games Online," a digital platform for hosting the event, and established the "Smart Hangzhou 2022," which is a digital service platform for watching games. We introduced the first digital torch bearer in the history of the Asian Games, launched the Asian Games Pass, and adopted applications, including autonomous driving and intelligent buses. These digital technologies enhance the efficiency of preparations and the efficacy of services and support, fully demonstrating the achievements made in the development of a digital China.
Third, we have made coordinated efforts to support the Asian Games. We have established "1+4" entry and exit ports and selected 85 official hotels. We have carried out integrated planning and construction of the Athletes' Village, Media Village, and Technical Officials' Village. Additionally, we have completed the upgrading and renovation of 727 barrier-free guest rooms and 15 major categories of barrier-free facilities. We will welcome "villagers" from all Asian countries and regions to move into the village, offering the best environment and conditions. At present, venue operation teams from host and co-host cities are already in place. They have acted upon the principle of "one plan for one venue," strengthened all-factor rehearsals, and made great efforts to offer meticulous, thoughtful, professional, and considerate services.
Fourth, everyone participates in and shares the Asian Games. We have upheld our original commitment of hosting an "Asian Games for all with joint construction and shared benefits," setting a precedent by opening competition venues to the public before the Games. Over 8 million people have exercised in these venues. We have launched three campaigns to improve urban development, governance, and civilization in celebration of the Asian Games. Over 10,000 activities have been organized to promote the Asian Games in government departments, enterprises, schools, communities, and social organizations. We have developed four tour routes: "beautiful homeland," "streets and alleys with Hangzhou charm," "smooth transportation," and "a city full of flowers." Additionally, 130,000 barrier-free facilities and sites in Hangzhou have been upgraded. Online information and navigation are accessible for 297 subway entrances and exits, 28 pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, and 1,573 public restrooms. We also provide 24-hour free digital sign language services.
A trip to Hangzhou has always been memorable. We sincerely invite friends worldwide to gather in picturesque and dynamic Zhejiang, enjoy splendid games, explore the charm of Song dynasty culture while touring the city, and create unforgettable memories. Hangzhou awaits your visit. Thank you!
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Shou Xiaoli:
Thanks to all the speakers for the introduction. Now, you're welcome to raise questions. Please identify your media outlet before raising your questions. Now, the floor is open for questions.
CCTV:
My question is for Mr. Zhou. The setup of the Asian Games events also has many characteristics and features. Compared with previous Asian Games, what are the considerations of Hangzhou as the host city for the design? What are the highlights? Thank you.
Zhou Jinqiang:
Thank you for your questions. According to the requirements of the Olympic Council of Asia, we have also jointly consulted with Asian federations. Considering the characteristics of economic, social, and cultural development in Zhejiang, we have set 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 483 events for the Hangzhou Asian Games. These include most of the Olympic events, such as track and field, swimming, and other major events, and feature events including martial arts, sepak takraw, cricket, kurash, and jujitsu, which represent the sports culture of East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia. There are also emerging events such as skateboarding, sport climbing, and esports , which are popular among teenagers. These events both demonstrate Olympic elements and offer an opportunity for Asian countries and regions to present their own features of sports culture, fully illustrating the diversity and inclusiveness of Asian sports culture. Thank you!
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People.cn:
What are the difficulties in preparing for the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games? How have you overcome them? Additionally, given that the transition time between the Asian Games and Asian Para Games isn't very long, how will you ensure a smooth transition? Thank you.
Chen Weiqiang:
Okay, I'll answer this question. Indeed, there are many difficulties in preparing and organizing a major sports event. People have high expectations for the Hangzhou Asian Games, and it is the largest Asian Games ever. Therefore, we have faced some challenges in the preparation. Take the equestrian events as an example: not only did we have to build the venues, but we also had to establish an equine disease-free zone, create safe passages, and acquire certifications from the World Organization for Animal Health and the European Union, making the situation very complicated. This is regarding the preparation of the venues.
Besides, honestly speaking, we lack experience in organizing sports events. Hangzhou hasn't hosted a major sports event before, and relevant talents are scarce. The three-year COVID-19 epidemic has also caused great difficulties in the construction and delivery of venues. Initially, as the 72 technical officials selected by the Olympic Council of Asia were all foreigners and they couldn't come to China, the sports venue design and technical standards couldn't be settled. These problems were then solved via video links; however, difficulties still existed in on-site deliveries, as they still couldn't come to China. All these increased our perplexity to some extent. And after the Asian Games was postponed, we also faced risks, including those with our contracts. During our preparation for the Asian Games, we signed about 3,200 contracts, and 888 of them needed to be amended by supplemental agreements. Before April this year, we had signed all of these supplemental agreements, without creating any undesired consequences. We have taken active steps to address these difficulties. The HAGOC sent batches of people to observe and learn from the Beijing Winter Olympic Games for half a year. We've also learned from the Military World Games held in Wuhan and sports events hosted by other cities. Meanwhile, as mentioned earlier, we have actively diffused risks, mainly the risks brought by the delay of the Games and those concerning contracts. In terms of bringing in talent, we've gained great support from the General Administration of Sport of China and the China Disabled Persons' Federation, which have selected and dispatched talent nationwide for us. The Hong Kong Jockey Club also sent people to help us organize the equestrian events. We've also hired many professionals as experts and consultants to shore up our weak links.
In addition, we have identified loopholes and strengthened our teams through tests and exercises, including carrying out pressure tests. To date, we have held over 40 test events, including more than 20 last year and over 20 since the beginning of this year. Problems have continuously been discovered, examined, and resolved during these tests.
The transition between the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games is indeed also a test for us. We maintain that both Games should be equally splendid, so we operate as a team with two brands. That is, the organizing committees of the Asian Games and the Asian Para Games consist of the same group of people. First, there is no transition in essence. We view them as two stages of one continuous competition, so they are consistent in essence.
Second, concerning facilities for the Asian Para Games, we planned in advance, such as the construction of barrier-free passages and rooms for athletes of the Asian Para Games. Considering there will be about 3,900 athletes for the Asian Para Games, with 1,100 athletes using wheelchairs, their rooms needed modifications, including larger elevators and restrooms. We have completed these transformations in advance, so no transition is needed for that. These rooms can be put into use as soon as the athletes arrive.
Third, in our planning, we have endeavored to create connections between the Asian Para Games and the Asian Games. For example, we have adopted the same information systems in venues, so the system used in the Asian Games can also be utilized in the Asian Para Games. We have used the same color schemes in venues, so we don't need to make large adjustments when setting up the venues; we can simply change the emblem and slogan. By doing this, we have significantly shortened the transition time. We have made detailed plans and carried out meticulous exercises. During the half-month transition period, we can swiftly switch to the Asian Para Games scenario.
That's all for my introduction. Thank you!
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Xinhua News Agency:
My question is for Ms. Zhao. This year, we will host the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, and next year, there will be the Paris Paralympic Games. How will the China Disabled Persons' Federation prepare for these two events? Thank you.
Zhao Sujing:
Thank you for your question. Your issue is a key focus for our consideration and arrangement at the China Disabled Persons' Federation. Among the 22 sports in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, 19 are qualifying events for the Paris Paralympic Games. Therefore, we are simultaneously preparing for both Games. Firstly, the China Disabled Persons' Federation has established leading groups for both the Hangzhou Asian Para Games and the Paris Paralympic Games, coordinating the preparation work for both events. Second, we are also considering these two Games in organizing training and participation in international sports events. For example, some international sports events are qualifying games to earn points for both Games, and these events are given priority in our planning. At the same time, we are also conducting intensive training for common events of the two Games concurrently. Third, through our preparation and participation in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, we will further select talented and excellent athletes to actively prepare for the Paris Paralympic Games next year. We believe that the Chinese sports delegation will achieve success in both sports competition and sportsmanship not only in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games but also in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Thank you!
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Zhejiang Daily:
At present, the Asian Games-themed subway train has successfully started operation in Hangzhou. Can you talk about its features and highlights? Will there be any new highlights and measures in transport construction in the other five co-host cities to satisfy the needs of the Games?
Li Yanyi:
Thank you for your question. I'll answer it. Your question covers two aspects. The first one is about the Asian Games-themed subway train. This is the 19th Asian Games. In the Asian Games Village, there is a street named "Shijiu Street," which means No. 19 Street. There is a new subway line in Hangzhou, Hangzhou Metro Line 19, which was put into operation on May 16 this year. And the Asian Games-themed subway train you just mentioned operates on Line 19. The Asian Games train has three characteristics.
First, it is tailored for the Asian Games. The head of the special train is adorned with the emblem of the Hangzhou Asian Games, and the body of the train and the armrests are colored with Rainbow Purple, the main color of the Hangzhou Asian Games emblem. The interior and exterior of the train are adorned with core elements such as the slogan, vision, and emblem of the Hangzhou Asian Games. It can be said that the Asian Games-themed subway train is a movable piece of scenery at the Asian Games.
Second, Line 19, where the Asian Games train operates, runs through Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Hangzhou East Railway Station, and Hangzhou West Railway Station, which are major transportation hubs in Hangzhou. This line is the backbone of the Hangzhou metro network. During the Asian Games, the Asian Games-themed train will become the most frequent transport line for greeting guests from home and abroad.
Third, by taking the Asian Games-themed train and transferring to other metro lines, passengers can easily access 22 Asian Games venues, including the Hangzhou Esports Center and Huanglong Sports Center. This ensures that people only need to transfer once to reach the venues. During the Asian Games, Hangzhou will provide translation services for minor languages on subway lines along the venues, including navigation for taking subways.
Regarding the question about city transport, Zhejiang has upheld the concept of "boosting the development of a city through hosting the Asian Games." Zhejiang will use the opportunity of hosting the Hangzhou Asian Games to advance high-quality transport development in the province, especially in host city Hangzhou and the five co-host cities, including Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing, and Jinhua, bringing major opportunities for transport development in the "1+5 " host and co-host cities. Concerning the expressway, a series of expressways have been opened to traffic, including the elevation project of the Shanghai-Hangzhou-Ningbo Expressway, the improvement project of the Ningbo section of Shenyang-Haikou Expressway, and the improvement project of the Wenzhou Oujiang Grand Bridge. The Hangzhou Metro Phase III Project has been fully completed. The length of in-service subway lines has reached 516 kilometers, growing 10 times since the preparation and organization of the Asian Games and ranking sixth in China. The Hangzhou-Huzhou Railway and Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou Railway have been completed and put into operation. The Fuxing Intelligent High-speed EMU Asian Games Special Train will also be put into operation and will efficiently connect Hangzhou and the five co-host cities. Therefore, transport construction will provide better service and support for the Asian Games and will also strongly advance the high-quality and integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta region. Thank you!
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Red Star News:
We understand that Zhejiang is working on building a Digital Zhejiang, and Hangzhou is establishing itself as a leading city in China's digital economy. The Hangzhou Asian Games will embody the "smart" Asian Games in all aspects. The "One Stop Platform for Smart Asian Games," a one-stop digital service platform for watching the Games, was launched in 2021. Can you talk about how this platform will provide services to enhance the spectator experience? Thank you.
Yao Gaoyuan:
I'll answer this question. Leading up to the Asian Games, many viewers have been paying attention to how the spectator experience can be improved through digital technologies. As is well known, 20 years ago, when General Secretary Xi Jinping worked in Zhejiang, he proactively proposed a major strategic plan for building a digital Zhejiang. After years of development, the digital economy has become Zhejiang's primary development initiative, and digital transformation has become a major systemic reform. Digital technologies have empowered hundreds of industries and sectors, delivering significant benefits.
Against this backdrop, in our preparation for the Asian Games, we introduced a concept centered on leveraging digital technologies to enhance the Games, intending to create a "smart" Asian Games as a standout feature. The "One Stop Platform for Smart Asian Games," which the reporter just mentioned, is a typical application scenario in our empowerment of the Asian Games with digital technologies. It could be said that this one-stop digital service platform for watching games is the first such platform for an international multi-sport event. This platform was launched in 2021, and since then, it has attracted over 3.3 billion visits and over 50 million registered users. There are many functions, and I would like to briefly describe some of them.
First, it offers a service for watching the Games. The "One Stop Platform" provides a daily competition schedule during the Asian Games, which can be detailed down to every hour. The platform also offers daily cultural information, as there are many cultural activities. It provides ticket information for sports events and a series of supporting services. The integration of sports events with artificial intelligence offers services and creates a personalized spectator experience. That is the service for watching the Games.
Second, it provides travel services. If you want to go to a specific venue, the platform can help you arrive at the venue more conveniently, quickly and in the shortest time. Our travel service, leveraging artificial intelligence, offers customized itineraries to Asian Games venues. It formulates plans through various modes of travel, such as buses, subways and bicycles. Through the intelligent arrangement of such a "One Stop Platform," people can reach the competition venue they want to go to in the shortest time and in the most convenient way.
Third, it offers a food service. China has an enduring food culture. Zhejiang, in particular, has many specialties, allowing people to fully enjoy delicious food. Being able to enjoy food is also an important experience during the Games. Utilizing big data algorithms, we have curated a list of delicious foods, enabling you to conveniently search for restaurants with local specialties in Zhejiang and Hangzhou city. You can also use navigation to search for global cuisines nearby. We have athletes, cheerleaders, and spectators from all over the world. For example, if you want to enjoy Japanese cuisine, you can easily access the nearest specialty restaurants on the "One Stop Platform." Additionally, you can browse through tourist attractions.
Fourth, it offers multi-language services. Many spectators may not understand Chinese, so we have included six languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Arabic. It has a great translation function. Even if you don't understand Chinese, you can travel smoothly to all places during the Asian Games.
In addition to these four major functions, we have utilized this platform to introduce the digital torchbearer and digital torch, which are also firsts in history. We have torchbearers, but for the Asian Games, we introduced the digital torchbearer. We have a torch, but it is digital. Any of our 50 million registered users worldwide can participate in this online activity on the "One Stop Platform." That is to say, you can become a digital torchbearer for the Asian Games. Next, there will be a torch relay. You can engage in the online torch relay, which is a great feature. We hope that through the "One Stop Platform for Smart Asian Games," a digital service platform for watching the Games, we can provide a more comfortable and convenient spectator experience for people who come to Zhejiang and Hangzhou to watch the Games.
Thank you!
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China News Service:
The Hangzhou Asian Para Games is the fourth Asian Para Games. The first Asian Para Games was also held in China. What's the influence of organizing the Asian Para Games on promoting the development of programs for people with disabilities? Thank you.
Zhao Sujing:
Thank you. I'll answer this question. The Hangzhou Asian Para Games, as you mentioned, is the fourth Asian Para Games. The first Asian Para Games was held in China's Guangzhou in 2010, setting a new example for developing parasports in Asia. The preparation and organization of this Asian Para Games is an important opportunity for promoting the development of China's programs for people with disabilities.
First, it's conducive to mobilizing more people with disabilities to engage in sports. As you all know, para-athletes from Asian countries are representatives of excellent individuals with disabilities. Their fighting spirit will motivate and inspire more people with disabilities to participate in sports, rehabilitation, and fitness activities. When talking with our athletes, many have mentioned that when they watched the Paralympic Games in 2008 as spectators, they were inspired by the fighting spirit of para-athletes in competitions and felt that they could also win glory for the country. That's the reason for their participation in parasports. Therefore, for people with disabilities, this session of the Asian Para Games is also a major event that we believe could inspire, motivate, and lead more people with disabilities to engage in sports, rehabilitation, and fitness and be better involved in society.
Second, it's conducive to improving the competitive level of parasports in China. Through participation in the Asian Para Games, our athletes and excellent para-athletes from other Asian countries can learn from and exchange with each other in competitions. The Games provide an opportunity to select more excellent athletes and reserve talents for future parasports events.
Third, it's conducive to advancing China's programs for people with disabilities. The preparation and organization of the Asian Para Games is a major opportunity for advancing China's programs for people with disabilities. It plays an important role in promoting the progress, not only in constructing barrier-free facilities but also in illustrating China's advances in civilization and its support and assistance for people with disabilities.
Fourth, it's conducive to demonstrating the achievements in developing China's programs for people with disabilities and building an important platform for achievements in protecting and safeguarding human rights. The Hangzhou Asian Para Games is not just a sports event; it also establishes an exchange platform for disabled people. In the past decade of the new era, China has made major progress in rehabilitation, education, employment, social environment, culture, and sports for people with disabilities. We're looking forward to exchanging with disabled friends from other Asian countries and regions, learning from each other, and making contributions together to promote the development of the programs for people with disabilities worldwide and the building of a global community of shared future. Thank you!
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China Daily:
We have learned that Hangzhou aims to make the Hangzhou Asian Games the first zero-waste large comprehensive sports event in the world, and it has also upheld the concept of a "zero-waste city" throughout the Games. How can we ensure in our planning and implementation the reduction and reuse of solid wastes as much as possible and realize 100% safe disposal? Thank you.
Li Yanyi:
Thank you for your question. In preparing and organizing the Asian Games, Zhejiang has adhered to hosting a "green, smart, economical, and ethical" Asian Games. We have launched the "zero-waste Asian Games" action plan, released 10 proposals for a "zero-waste Asian Games," and advanced the development of 16 demonstration sites of "zero-waste Asian Games cells," sparing no effort to create the first large zero-waste sports event in the world. Here, I will use the construction of our venue as an example to give a brief introduction.
In the venue layout and planning phase, we followed the principle of "renovating instead of building, repairing instead of replacing, renting instead of buying" to make full use of existing venues and facilities. Initially, Mr. Yao mentioned in his introduction that among the 56 Asian Games venues, 44 were renovated or temporarily built. That means there are only 12 newly built venues. Among the 19 Asian Para Games venues, 17 are shared with the Asian Games, and the other two venues have also been renovated. In the design phase, we formulated guidelines for Green and Healthy Architecture Design for the 19th Asian Games to maximize the utilization of clean and renewable energy by optimizing the design of architectural structures. For example, many venues use natural lighting to save energy and recycle rainwater and thermal energy through circulation systems. In the construction phase, we focused on reducing solid waste at the source and recycling it, prioritizing the use of green construction materials, recycling construction waste, and adopting BIM technologies to save construction materials and energy consumption. At the same time, we advanced waste reduction at the source in all areas, including green accommodation, frugal catering, paperless events, and promoting renewable materials, integrating the concept, behavior, and model of zero waste into the entire process, all areas, and all sectors from the preparation and organization to the future use after the Asian Games. Thank you!
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MASTV:
The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games were a great success. The anti-doping work of the Games has been highly spoken of by the International Olympic Committee and the International Testing Agency (ITA). Can you talk about the anti-doping work of the Hangzhou Asian Games? Thank you.
Zhou Jinqiang:
Thank you for your question. I'll answer this question. Anti-doping work has become a crucial aspect of major international comprehensive sporting events. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) oversees the anti-doping work at the Hangzhou Asian Games. The OCA has authorized the ITA to take charge of anti-doping education before the Games, the formulation of testing plans, exemption reviews for therapeutic medications, results management, and intelligence sharing. At the same time, the OCA has authorized the China Anti-Doping Agency to collect samples, the Beijing Anti-Doping Laboratory to conduct tests, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport to deal with anti-doping hearings and appeals.
The anti-doping program of the Hangzhou Asian Games will strictly comply with the World Anti-Doping Code and relevant international standards. It will be carried out in accordance with the OCA Anti-Doping Rules and Doping Control Guidelines for the Hangzhou Asian Games. During the Hangzhou Asian Games, there will be 58 doping test stations in competition venues and the athletes' village, conducting doping tests of athletes' urine samples, blood samples, and dried blood spots. The Hangzhou Asian Games will, for the first time, adopt the China Anti-doping Smart Management Platform, independently developed by China, to carry out paperless doping tests, and to use dried blood spot testing equipment made in China. Meanwhile, during the Games, multiple anti-doping education activities will be organized in the athletes' village.
To create a pure and clean environment for competition, the General Administration of Sport of China has worked with relevant ministries and departments to carry out comprehensive management of doping and has guided the HAGOC to strictly guard against the risks of stimulants in food, medicine, and medical treatment for athletes. Meanwhile, the OCA, the ITA, the General Administration of Sport, the Ministry of Public Security, the General Administration of Customs, the China Anti-Doping Agency, and the HAGOC will sign the Cooperation MOU on Anti-Doping Intelligence and jointly crack down on illegal and criminal activities concerning doping through the sharing of intelligence, so as to achieve the goal of making the Games streamlined, safe and splendid. Thank you!
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The Beijing News:
The number of venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games totals 56, which surpasses that of the Olympic Games. Does this conform to the concept of hosting an economical Asian Games? Thank you.
Yao Gaoyuan:
In our preparation for the Asian Games, there is a very important requirement that the Games be streamlined, safe, and splendid. Hosting a streamlined event is given top priority and is one of the very important requirements for organizing the Asian Games. In terms of major sporting events at home and abroad, hosting an economical event has become a trend, a consensus, and an action. Regarding the question just mentioned concerning the venues' cost-effectiveness, we have consistently adhered to three dimensions and concepts throughout.
First, we have adhered to the economical concept of " if it can be renovated, don't build it" in venue construction. As Mr. Zhou mentioned earlier, most of the competition and training venues have been renovated or repurposed, using existing buildings. As long as they meet the requirements of the games, we generally follow the principle. This reflects a commitment to hosting an economical Games. As you mentioned, with 56 venues, we have for the Hangzhou Asian Games fewer venues than previous Asian Games. However, we have more venues than the Olympic Games or the Winter Olympic Games. This is because the Asian Games have many competition events, more than the Olympic Games and the Winter Olympic Games, with 40 major events and 483 sub-events. This means that every venue is fully scheduled. To ensure the smooth progress of the Games, some competitions have even been scheduled before the opening ceremony to reduce the number of venues needed. Therefore, the preparation of the venues was done according to actual needs.
Second, since the completion of the venues, we have adhered to the economical principle of "if market entities can support their development, don't use government funding" on facilities and equipment. If we can rent facilities and equipment, we will not buy new ones, and if we can borrow, we will not rent. For example, we will not spend fiscal funds if market entities can develop facilities and equipment. If fiscal funds are necessary, we will consider the actual conditions. If the venue's function remains unchanged and sustainable use is achievable, we will purchase the necessary equipment and facilities. However, if the venue's function will change in the future, for example, if a sports stadium being converted to a convention center, we prefer to rent or borrow equipment to reduce financial expenditure and waste.
Third, the most crucial aspect of the economical concept is to ensure the sustainable use of the venues as a lasting legacy of the Asian Games. After completing the venues, it would be a waste if they were left idle. Therefore, since we started building the 56 venues, we have been planning their use after the Games. Satisfying the needs of the competition is the first half of the work, and ensuring the sustainable use of the venues after the Games is the second half, which I believe is more important. At present, 51 of the venues have already developed specific plans for their future use. Although the Asian Games have not started yet, the proportion of venues with plans for post-Games use has reached 91%.
Therefore, throughout the entire process of organizing the Games, we have always kept frugality in mind. Hosting an economical Asian Games is our guideline and the principle we uphold. We have fully acted upon this principle in our practice. Thank you.
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Shou Xiaoli:
Due to time constraints, we will have one last question.
Nanfang Daily, Nanfang Plus:
We've learned that since the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games, all of the competition and training venues have been opened to the public, setting a precedent for opening comprehensive sports event venues for public fitness and recreational sports before the Games. Can you tell us how these venues will be utilized after the Games? Thank you.
Chen Weiqiang:
As Mr. Yao mentioned earlier, the utilization of venues after the Games is a major concern for everyone. The venues for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games mainly fall into two categories. The first category is the venues for public use, which can be used by the general public. The second category is more professional venues. The first category of venues is an important base for public fitness. The general guiding principle is to open them to the public for their benefit. Some are free, such as athletics and football stadiums, while others are charged at low prices to cover costs. The key is that we need to specify the operation entity. Our distinctive feature is that we have introduced third-party management for these venues. As Mr. Yao mentioned, the third party is very experienced and can bring in information about other events. This is the first category, the venues for public sports. For professional venues, we have professional teams using them as intensive training bases. For example, the Shaoxing baseball and softball sports center has become the training base for national teams. The shooting range hall has become the training base for the Hangzhou shooting team. The strengths of professional venues have been fully leveraged. Of course, whether it is mass-oriented venues or professional venues, we aim to host as many sports events as possible. We are striving to provide support for sports events and tournaments. Meanwhile, we will also organize some cultural activities and exhibitions, maximizing the role of these venues. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thanks to all the speakers and friends from the media. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. See you.
Translated and edited by Wang Qian, Zhang Junmian, Liu Sitong, He Shan, Wang Wei, Wang Yanfang, Ma Yujia, Zhou Jing, Huang Shan, Li Huiru, Xu Kailin, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
