HANGZHOU, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Hosting large-scale sporting events plays a significant role in promoting the vigorous development of national fitness and the participation in sports of the youth, said an official of the Chinese delegation.
"From Beijing to Guangzhou, and now to Hangzhou, we have seen a surge in the participation of national fitness and the improvement of urban infrastructure," said Liu Guoyong, an official of the delegation, told Xinhua here on Thursday.
The Hangzhou Asian Games has featured multiple non-Olympic sports such as Wushu, dragon boat racing, roller skating, karate, ju-jitsu, sepak takraw, soft tennis, baseball, softball, squash and more, with some having a large number of participants in China.
"These non-Olympic sports with Asian origins were set up by The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in accordance with the practice of the Asian Games," Liu said. "It can effectively promote sports and cultural exchanges in Asia, and enhance solidarity and friendship."
As breaking, also known as break dancing, became available to the Hangzhou public at the Asian Games ahead of its Olympic debut in Paris next year, Liu believe its introduction to the Asiad will boost the enthusiasm of young people for further participation.
"Next up, we will better combine the trendy sports with youth sports, and explore the inclusion of cross-country, parkour and others in large-scale events such as the National Games," Liu introduced.
As the largest international sporting event held in China since the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, the Hangzhou Asian Games also aims to deliver benefits that can be shared by the general public.
Despite the one-year delay, the 56 competition venues for the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games, have been utilized even prior to the Games.
According to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC), since May 2022, all available venues have received 10 million visits, allowing the public to engage in fitness activities in these top-tier facilities.
"The concept of sharing with and benefiting the public will continue to be implemented and promoted through the hosting of future events," Liu added.
