Hangzhou, China, September 8, 2023: Olympic Council of Asia Vice President Song Luzeng believes the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou this month will be “the most monumental” in history.
Representing the OCA at the Torch Relay Launch Ceremony in Hangzhou on Friday, September 8, Mr. Song said the 19th Asian Games would feature the largest number of participants and sports, with over 12,000 athletes and 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 481 events.
“On behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia I would like to extend my warmest congratulations on the successful launch of the Torch Relay,” Mr. Song said in his official address.
“I also express my sincere gratitude to all involved parties for their outstanding work in preparing for the Games.
“Furthermore, I would like to pay tribute to the people of China, all other Asian countries and regions and especially Hangzhou for their long-standing support towards the development of sports throughout Asia.”
The OCA Vice President said the Hangzhou Asian Games torch would be passed on by 2,022 torchbearers from different Asian regions and countries in 11 cities throughout Zhejiang province.
“The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou will fully showcase the courage and perseverance of the athletes and demonstrate the goodwill of the Asian people for peace, friendship and progress,” he added.
“With great excitement we look forward to the opening of the Hangzhou Asian Games in just 15 days from now. This edition of the Asian Games features the largest number of participants and sports ever and will be the most monumental Asian Games in the history of the event.
“Thank you for formally upholding the Olympic values and for your continued respect for the Olympic Charter and constitution and rules of the Olympic Council of Asia,” he concluded.
The launch ceremony took place in glorious sunshine at Yongjin Park on the shores of the West Lake – one of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hangzhou.
The 19th Asian Games will run from September 23 to October 8 in Hangzhou, capital city of Zhejiang province in eastern China, and five co-host cities throughout the province.
