Xi to open Asian Games as China targets sporting glory

Asian Games - Hangzhou 2022 - Previews - Qiantang Roller Sports Centre, Hangzhou, China - September 22, 2023 Volunteers are seen at the Qiantang Roller Sports Centre ahead of the Skateboarding competitions REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

HANGZHOU (AFP): Chinese President Xi Jinping will declare the Asian Games open at a glittering ceremony in Hangzhou on Saturday, kickstarting a sporting behemoth that boasts more athletes than the Olympics.

After being delayed by a year due to China's strict zero-Covid regime, more than 12,000 competitors from 45 nations across Asia and the Middle East are in the eastern city to compete in 40 sports.