Asian Games to be 'smokeless'

GUANGZHOU: Organizers of the 16th Asian Games and local government authorities say they will ensure the upcoming sports gala will be smokeless through firm prohibitions on the use, sale and sponsorship of tobacco products.

The 16th Asian Games will follow mandates of the International Olympic Committee that prohibit sponsorship by tobacco companies and use of their products at any athletic venue.

"Preparations for smoking control at the Games are in full swing in the host city of Guangzhou," said Hu Bingjie, deputy director of the medical services department of the Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.