China

100-day countdown to Guangzhou Asiad kicks off

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-04 22:07

GUANGZHOU -?South China's Guangdong province Wednesday kicked off the 100-day countdown to the 16th Asian Games, pledging to hold a "marvelous" and successful event.

Wang Yang, the provincial party secretary said Wednesday at a ceremony that the province would ensure holding "marvelous"?Asian Games.

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Zhang Guangning, Guangzhou City Party Secretary, said, "It will be the first time that China hosts such a large sports event outside of the capital. It will be a big test for Guangzhou city."

Zhang added, "The Asian Games in November are considered another opportunity for China to display its progress when about 25,000 athletes, coaches and journalists from 45 countries and regions gather in Guangzhou, a city of 10 million people."

Guangzhou is the second Chinese mainland city to host the Asian Games, following Beijing in 1990. The event will be held in Guangzhou city from November 12 to 27.

The city is making a series of efforts, including having a facelift, improving the air quality and ensuring the freedom of overseas journalists to conduct interviews during the Games, to project a better image of the city for the upcoming Games.