2010 Asian Games just a year away

GUANGZHOU: This southern Chinese metropolis entered the final phase of preparations for the Asian Games yesterday when it celebrated the start of the one-year countdown.

"Guangzhou has entered 'Asian Games time' from now on. Preparations for the event are right on track," Xu Ruisheng, executive deputy secretary general of Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee, said.

At the event last night, which highlighted the cultures of Lingnan, or South China, Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah presented invitation letters to representatives of 45 countries and regions.