中文
By Moulik Jahan
The 19th Asian Games will kick off on September 23 in Hangzhou, the capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province. First held in 1951 in New Delhi, India, the Asian Games is the world's second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics and is organized by the Olympic Council of Asia. The games allow Asian athletes to showcase their talents and represent their nations every four years. More than 12,000 Asian athletes from 45 nations will compete for 481 gold medals in 40 sports at 56 venues in six cities, namely Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing, and Jinhua of Zhejiang Province.
On September 16, the Hangzhou Asian Games Village was opened to welcome athletes from around the region, and on September 18, the Main Media Center (MMC) for the 19th Asian Games was opened. On September 22 and 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the Opening Ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou and hold a welcoming banquet and bilateral events for foreign leaders attending the Opening Ceremony.
Athletes from around Asia compete in the multi-sport Asian Games every four years, promoting togetherness and sportsmanship. Sport is an effective psychological tool for showing a state's strength, power, and prosperity to foreigners. This also reduces state miscommunication.
This sort of diplomacy could help develop connections among states despite geopolitical tensions. It is hoped that China will play a key diplomatic role in bolstering connectivity amongst participant states at this gathering. As a promoter of multilateralism, China wants to work together with all parties based on its common developmental goals and share happiness.
Like the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, Hangzhou aims to demonstrate the nation's openness and goodwill to all countries. It also solidified China's sports potential as China has gained valuable expertise from hosting several big sporting events.
On the other hand, from its big start to its creative methods, the 19th Asian Games torch relay symbolizes togetherness and sportsmanship. It unites sports fans from diverse countries and cultures. As the torch travels, it illuminates athletes' paths and millions of sports fans' hearts.
This games event is also projected to boost cultural and sports consumption and increase orders at home and abroad. The Asian Games could boost tourism, culture, entertainment, housing, catering, shopping, and transportation. People worldwide would learn about Hangzhou's smooth and colorful silk. Hangzhou has already started to see consumer growth in transportation, accommodation, beautiful locations, and catering.
It would be possible for people all around the globe to learn about the rich cultural past of China. Products with Asian Games themes were made using Chinese intangible cultural heritage practices, displaying the public's enthusiasm and blessings for the Games.
The Games display the unity of Asian nations and the inclusivity and openness of China. Many foreign leaders and senior officials who attended the event also demonstrated a consensus on creating a community with a common destiny in Asia. It is not just a sporting event but also a significant diplomatic exercise displaying the solidarity among Asian nations. Such a high turnout demonstrates the nations' determination to coordinate and collaborate with China in advancing the cause of human growth and the widespread acknowledgment of China's participation in international sporting events and other international matters.
Participants' arrival in Hangzhou was easy thanks to digital technology and the friendly and smart service of the Chinese people. The world awaits the athletic performances and smooth organization of these events. The Asian Games in Hangzhou offer a preview of a smarter, more connected future. The innovative technology used in event planning and execution sets a pattern for future global sporting events. The Hangzhou Asian Games show how technology could change sports and public activities. All attendees may benefit from seeing Chinese modernity in action.
Green initiatives and activities adopted by the Chinese government during the games would raise global environmental awareness. People would realize the importance of climate protection's importance as well.
In preparation for the Asian Games, China is using modern technology to upgrade transportation. China adopts cutting-edge technologies to handle the complicated logistics of such a major event. Sports and technology will provide a unique, efficient experience for guests. The Games have spurred digitization and smart industries to enhance the city's public services, resulting in more smart technology being employed in urbanization.
Many wished the Asian Games a success as the Games are more than athletics. China sets the door for Asian nations to interact and work together more effectively. As the 19th Asian Games will soon begin, the world awaits a beautiful opening-up that will reflect Asia's rising tide. This Asian event could help glow with sports, culture, and togetherness of the Asian countries, launching an Asian-themed celebration.
Moulik Jahan, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a strategic and security affairs analyst.
