The 19th Asian Games Will Be Held from 23 September to 8 October 2023

The 19th Asian Games officially opened on Saturday with a ceremony that celebrated the depth of Chinese culture and history.

* Hangzhou is the third Chinese city to have hosted the Asiad, following Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.

* From September 23 to October 8, around 12,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions will compete in 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 481 events.

HANGZHOU, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- The eagerly awaited 19th Asian Games officially commenced here on Saturday night, presenting a dazzling display that celebrated the depth of Chinese culture and history and emphasized unity in diversity.

At 21:16 Beijing time, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the Asian Games open at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center. The event was graced by numerous state leaders and international dignitaries.

The Hangzhou Asian Games, postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is the third instance of China hosting the Asiad, following Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.

GRAND OPENING

The official inauguration of the Hangzhou Asiad coincided with the Autumn Equinox, one of China's 24 solar terms, symbolizing harvest and reunion in Chinese culture.