SPORTS> China
2010 Asian Games just a year away
By Qiu Quanlin (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-13 10:31

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.

"Following the Beijing Olympics, expectations of the Guangzhou Asian Games are higher, which poses a big challenge for us," Xu said.

The Beijing Olympics were seen as a "truly exceptional Games" by International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge but Guangzhou wants to be even better, Xu said.

Winning the right to host next year's Asian Games has helped change the landscape of this city, with massive construction underway.

Fifty-three competition venues - 12 newly built - will be used during the Games. And they will all be ready by June next year.

To allow easy access to venues, the city is building eight new subway lines and renovating 43 major roads. Up to 80 percent of the stadiums will be served by trains.

For Guangzhou mayor Zhang Guangning, the Games are more than just a sports event.

"Officials of State General Administration of Sport may be more concerned about how many gold medals the Chinese delegation will win during the Games. But what I am concerned about is how the air and water here will be improved after the Games," Zhang said.