Hearts United, Envisioning the Future: In Hangzhou, Asian Games are unfolding with renewed vigor

By Light Blade

Photo taken on Sept. 23, 2023 shows a view of the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo/Xinhua)

Tonight, the 19th Asian Games officially kick off in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. By the Qiantang River, more than 12,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions in Asia will compete on the same stage, pursuing their dreams in the largest sporting event on the continent. We extend our heartfelt best wishes for the resounding success of this edition of the Asian Games!

The Hangzhou Asian Games, the largest and most advanced international multi-sport event hosted by China after the successful convening of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, have received close attention and strong support from General Secretary Xi Jinping. He has offered his warm regards and provided crucial guidance on multiple occasions. His support has provided the fundamental guidance for the leadup to the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Spanning eight years of meticulous preparation, we now eagerly welcome guests from all corners of Asia. Thanks to nearly 3,000 days and nights of efforts, all arrangements are ready, and we await the arrival of our honored guests. This year’s Asian Games have witnessed the participation of all 45 member nations of the Olympic Council of Asia, a remarkable display of unity within the council. The scale of the event and the number of participants have both reached historic highs. With 56 competition venues fully prepared, tickets for the Asian Games are now available for purchase, and supporting facilities such as airports and subways are now in operation. An enthusiastic group of 50,000 Games volunteers and 1.42 million volunteers in Hangzhou city have dedicated their time and efforts to ensuring the seamless operation of the Asian Games Village and the Media Village.

Always bearing the weighty expectation that "Hangzhou is capable of hosting a successful Asian Games," we have remained steadfast in adhering to the principles that the Asian Games should take place in a green and thrifty manner, honor civility, and be powered by intelligent facilities. We have consistently implemented the requirements that the Games should observe simplicity, ensure safety, and offer a brilliant event. Hangzhou will present the world with a grand event featuring "Chinese characteristics, Asian splendor, and dazzling diversity!"

This is a platform for sports exchange, cultural communication, and emotional connection among Asian athletes. The Hangzhou Asian Games feature a total of 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 481 events, encompassing most Olympic sports. Additionally, it also features sports including martial arts, soft tennis, and Go, which hold distinct cultural significance in Asia, as well as emerging sports such as skateboarding, sport climbing, and breakdancing. It stands as the largest, most diversified, and widely encompassing edition of the Asian Games, exemplifying the diversity and inclusivity of Asian sports culture. It has attracted a greater number of athletes, infusing new vitality into this sports event with over 70 years of history.

We eagerly anticipate athletes from across Asia to chase their dreams through determined efforts, to savor the boundless charm of Hangzhou's ancient heritage and the vitality of its modern urban culture, and to witness the power of solidarity in the family of Asia as they come together in joyous celebration.

This marks yet another significant opportunity for our country to vigorously promote nationwide fitness activities. The Asian Games not only serve as a stage for athletes to compete, but also offer a rare opportunity for the general populace to explore sports, follow their passions for sports, and make full use of their vitality. In a groundbreaking move, all competition and training venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games are open to the public, setting a precedent in China for comprehensive sports event venues to be accessible to the public prior to the competition. This initiative stands as the finest embodiment of the sporting spirit and the Asian Games spirit. Sports constitute an essential component of the people's healthy and happy lives. The fundamental principle of building a sports powerhouse and a healthy China lies in enhancing the physical fitness of the people and safeguarding their health. As nationwide fitness ascends to the status of a national strategy, the realization of the shared benefits of the Asian Games by the entire population has become a reality. Data reveals that more than 400 million people in our country engage in regular physical exercise, with a significant increase in the number of various mass sports events at all levels. This popularization of cultural and sports activities enriches the lives of the vast majority of Chinese people, painting a vibrant picture of widespread participation and shared enjoyment. Our cities, in every corner, exude energy and vitality.

The Hangzhou Asian Games is also a stage that showcases China's remarkable achievements in high-quality economic and social development and its endeavors to build a sporting powerhouse. A strong sports sector makes for a strong China, and the prosperity of our nation is closely tied to the vitality of our sports. Sports represent a significant indicator of social development and human progress, reflecting the comprehensive national strength and societal civilization. A century ago, the "Three Olympic Questions" were raised to urge Chinese people to excel in Olympics; today, China has held both Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics in the same city, Beijing, making it the “Dual Olympics City”. These achievements bear witness to China's transformative century. From the Beijing Asian Games to the Guangzhou Asian Games and now the Hangzhou Asian Games, sports have testified China's journey from prosperity to strength. The world has seen stunning performances emerge from Chinese arenas, observed rapid development, witnessed a harmonious political landscape, and recognized the great historical process of national prosperity, ethnic rejuvenation, and the happiness of Chinese people. The world has also seen the spirit of unity and progress among the Chinese people, revealing the robust spirit of a great nation.

"Hearts united, envisioning the future." In the golden autumn, the Qiantang River surges against the shore. Tonight, the curtain rises on the Asian Games. In the hopes of people from all across Asia, the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou will undoubtedly witness the dreams of athletes from all corners of our continent come to fruition. It will surely demonstrate the spirit of Asian solidarity and progress, and inspire Asian nations to move forward hand in hand in the era of peace, development, cooperation, and mutual benefit!