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The much-delayed hosting of the 19th Asian Games in the Chinese city of Hangzhou is counting down to its opening in September.

Having been postponed from last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, the XIX Asian Games are being held from 23rd September to 8th October this year, with a record number of more than 12,500 athletes from 45 Asian countries and regions now due to be involved.

A recent Technical Delegates Conference for the Games has advised delegates that all core preparations for the multi-sport event have been completed with all 56 competition venues having passed functional acceptance after demonstrating their qualifications to host relevant Games events.

In addition, the Asian Games Village and Sub-Villages are fully prepared to accommodate athletes, team officials, technical officials, and media professionals and provide them with comprehensive accommodation, catering and other necessary services.

Speaking after the Technical Delegates Conference, Haider Farman, Director of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Asian Games Department, advised “as the first Asian Games after the COVID-19 health crisis, the Hangzhou Asian Games plays a unique, inspiring and significant role for people in Asia.

"The OCA will, as always, support (Hangzhou) in its Games preparations, maintain close ties and provide assistance with hosting the event.

"Together, we will make all the necessary efforts to deliver a successful, unique and unforgettable sports and cultural event, and leave a lasting memory of the Hangzhou Asian Games for the Olympic Movement in Asia."

Chen Weiqiang, the Executive Secretary General of Hangzhou 2022 and the city's Deputy Mayor, told the technical delegates that 52 test events had been conducted, with the final one set for this weekend.

He advised "in addition, we have constantly reviewed and improved several important areas such as arrival and departure, transportation and medical services (and) we are working hard to deliver a safe, orderly, wonderful and successful Asian Games."

All the 4,575 international and domestic technical officials have been appointed and are available and the general competition schedule of the Games has almost been completed.

The Main Media Centre (MMC) has completed its basic setup as the main base for accredited media and broadcasters to work and live in during the Games time.

Russian and Belarus athletes to be involved

In a move to help them qualify for next year's Olympics in Paris, up to 500 athletes from Russia and Belarus will be allowed to compete at the Games.

The athletes will compete at the Games under a neutral flag with no national symbols be permitted.

The prospect of Russian and Belarussian athletes competing at the Asian Games, first emerged in December after the International Olympic Committee revealed that it wanted them to be allowed to compete at Paris 2024.

Images: The main stadium for the 19th Asian Games in the city of Hangzhou (top) officials attending the Technical Delegates Conference last week (below). Credit: Hangzhou 2022.

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