The 2022 Asian Games (Chinese: 2022年亚洲运动会; pinyin: Èr líng èr èr nián Yàzhōu Yùndònghuì), officially the 19th Asian Games (Chinese: 第十九届亚洲运动会; pinyin: Dì Shíjiǔ Jiè Yàzhōu Yùndònghuì) and also known as Hangzhou 2022 (Chinese: 杭州2022; pinyin: Hángzhōu Èr líng èr èr), was a continental multi-sport event which was held from 23 September to 8 October 2023 in Hangzhou, China. The games marked the 110th anniversary since the creation of the first continental event, starting with the 1913 Far Eastern Championship Games.[1] The games were hailed as an incredible success by numerous officials from the Olympic Council of Asia and Asian Paralympic Committee.[2][3][4]
Originally scheduled to take place from 10 to 25 September 2022, on 6 May 2022 the Games were postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] The new dates were announced on 19 July 2022.[6] Hangzhou was the third Chinese city to host the Asian Games, after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.
The Chinese Olympic Committee confirmed that Hangzhou in Zhejiang province submitted a proposal to apply for the event and was the only city to complete all necessary steps to participate in the process who ended on end of August 2015. Hangzhou was officially awarded as the host city on 16 September 2015 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, during the 34th OCA General Assembly.[7]
Development and preparations
Marketing
Emblem
The emblem of the Games, "Surging Tides" (Chinese: 潮涌; pinyin: Cháoyǒng), was unveiled during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Hangzhou Culture Radio Television Group on 6 August 2018; it is designed to resemble a traditional hand fan from Zheijang, a running track, the Qiantang Rivertidal bore , and radio waves (symbolising wireless connectivity). The organising committee stated that the emblem was meant to reflect "the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics gathering momentum in the new era", and "the unity, solidarity and development of the OCA."[8][9]
Mascot
Memories of Jiangnan
The three mascots of the Games, Congcong (琮琮), Lianlian (莲莲) and Chenchen (宸宸), known collectively as the "Memories of Jiangnan" (Chinese: 江南忆; pinyin: Jiāngnán yì, Jiangnan refers to roughly China's eastern regions south of the Yangtze River) whose name derives from the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi's famous sentence "When I recall Jiangnan, Hangzhou brings back most of my memories." (Chinese: 江南忆，最忆是杭州; pinyin: Jiāngnán yì, zuì yì shì hángzhōu) were unveiled on 3 April 2020.[10] They are depicted as robotic superheroes originating from the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, the West Lake and the Grand Canal respectively.[11][12]
Congcong derives its name from the Cong jade pendant unearthed from the Archeological Ruins. Its body is coloured yellow, representing earth and bumper harvest and its head resembles mythical beast facial patterns. It is described as determined, sincere, kind-hearted, athletic and passionate.
Lianlian derives its name from the lotus leaves in the West Lake. Its body is coloured green, representing life and nature and its head resembles lotus leaf decorated with the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, a scenic view of the West Lake, and the icon of Internet. It is described as pure, kind, lively, cute, elegant and hospitable.
Chenchen derives its name from the Gongchen Bridge, a landmark structure in the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal. Its body is coloured blue, representing science and technology and its head resembles Qiantang River's tide with Gongchen Bridge. It is described as brave, intelligent, optimistic and enterprising.
Motto
The official motto of the 2022 Asian Games, "Heart to Heart, @Future" was announced on 15 December 2019 to mark 1,000 days before the opening ceremonies. The motto is intended to symbolise the connectivity that the Asian Games create between the countries of Asia.[13]
Medals
On 15 June 2023, the 100-day countdown to the 19th Asian Games, the medal design named "Shan Shui" (Chinese: 湖山; pinyin: Húshān) was released. Its design was inspired by Jade Cong in the Liangzhu Culture. The obverse featured the Games edition logo, misty hills, the city, a rippling lake and undulating mountains, while the reverse featured the Asian Games Sun Emblem and the name of the event in Chinese and English.[14][15]
During the medal ceremonies, medalists were also presented bouquets named "Fruits of Triumph" (Chinese: 硕果累累; pinyin: Shuòguǒ lěilěi), which consisted of five flowers – rice ears, lotus seedpods, moth orchids (Phalaenopsis), Longjing tea branches and sweet osmanthus branches arranged in a vase inspired by a huagu, a long-stemmed, broad-lipped vessel produced in the Southern Song (1127-1279) Imperial Kiln. The vase itself is made of wood and crafted using Dongyang wood carving techniques, one of the nation's intangible cultural heritage. Its mouth is decorated with wave patterns resembling rivers and mountains of Zhejiang Province and the Games' mascots.[16][17]
Music
The official theme song of the Games, "With You and Me", was released along with its music video on April 27, 2023. It is performed by Angela Zhang, Jackson Wang, Sunnee and JC-T. The song was selected through a global song contest and was originally created by a production team from Thailand, Nadao Music. The original title of the song is "Let's Celebrate" or "เพื่อนกัน (Puean Kan)" in Thai and was sung by Ice Paris, Billkin, PP Krit and Nana Sawanya.[18][19]
Asian Games-themed train
The Asian Games-themed train in Hangzhou Metro Line 19
On 16 May 2023, the train number 19045 of Hangzhou Metro Line 19 named Asian Games (Chinese: 亚运号; pinyin: Yàyùn hào) started operation. The train displays the Hangzhou Asian Games Logo at the front of the train, and the whole train as well as seats and handrails are colored in purple. This is also the only train in this line that provides OLED start train window system. These Asian Games elements are permanent.[20] Besides, in Hangzhou Metro, Line 1, Line 2, Line 4 and Line 5 will also provide Asian Games-themed trains.[21]
In July 2023, the Asian Games-themed Fuxing train came into appearance. The train is themed Runze Jiangnan (Chinese: 润泽江南), using the purple as main color, painting slogans, motto and logos of Hangzhou Asian Games. During the Asian Games, the train will provide operation services between Hangzhou and Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jinhua, Shaoxing and Huzhou.[22]
On 1 August 2023, the "Jincai" Asian Games themed train of Jinhua Rail Transit started at Jinhua Railway Station.[23]
On 26 August 2023, the Asian Games train of Wenzhou Rail Transit Line S1 started operation, which is in purple as the main color, with Asian Games elements including mottos and slogans.[24]
Look of the Games
On 21 October 2020, the core graphics and colour system were announced as part of the 2022 Asian Games branding, respectively themed as "Meeting the World" (Chinese: 润泽; pinyin: Rùnzé) and "Harmony of Colours" (Chinese: 淡妆浓抹; pinyin: Dànzhuāng nóng mǒ).[25] The core graphics draw inspiration from silk, one of the main cultural elements of Hangzhou as key linking point on the Maritime Silk Road. The colour system consists of six colours – "Rainbow Purple", "Glowing Red", "Mist White", "Laurus Yellow", "Glimmering Blue", and "Lake-and-Mountain Green", which represent Hangzhou as a livable city of pellucid waters and lush mountains, and a vibrant city embracing innovation and sports. It is inspired by lines from one of China's most famous poet Su Shi from Song dynasty, "If the West Lake was the Great Beauty, she would look beautiful whether in light or heavy make-up" (Chinese: 欲把西湖比西子，淡妆浓抹总相宜; pinyin: Yù bǎ xīhú bǐ xī zi, dànzhuāng nóng mǒ zǒng xiāngyí).[26][27]
On 10 September 2021, the final torch design of the 2022 Asian Games called "Eternal Flame" (Chinese: 薪火; pinyin: Xīn huǒ) was unveiled.[28] It has an overall height of 730 millimetres and a net weight of 1.2 kilograms. The torch base resembles eight water veins, which symbolising the evolution of civilisation and representing the eight major river systems in Zhejiang, the torch body features naturally intertwined dermatoglyphic fingerprint patterns specific to the Liangzhu Culture, the torch head resembles Jade Cong, while the burner nozzle resembles the earliest oracle bone inscription of the Chinese character "琮" (Cong). The overall body design made up of profile curve resembles firewood in hand.[29][30][31]
The flame was lit in the Archaeological site of Liangzhu on 15 June 2023 and reproduced their rites. The physical torch relay started on 8 September 2023 at West Lake, and traveled across 11 prefectures covering 1.507,10 km across Zhejiang province.
[32] A digital torch relay programme, the first of its kind in the history of the Games, was launched globally on 27 November 2022 and began the same day as the actual torch relay.[33][34]
44 venues will be used for the Games, including 30 existing facilities and 14 newly constructed venues.[35] Of these 44 venues, 30 are within Hangzhou and its districts, while other 14 are in four neighbouring prefectures:Deqing, Jinhua, Ningbo, Shaoxing and Wenzhou. A new high-speed rail line was constructed between Hangzhou and Huzhou for the Games.[36][37]
The closing ceremony was held on 8 October 2023 in Hangzhou Sports Park Stadium; it included a cultural presentation, closing remarks, and the formal handover to Aichi Prefecture,in Japan as hosts of next edition in 2026.
The Games
Sports
On 8 April 2019, the Olympic Council of Asia initially announced that the Games would feature 37 sports, including the 28 "core" Olympic sports to be contested at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, as well as events in other non-Olympic sports. This led to the addition of events such as open-water swimming and the groups competition in rhythmic gymnastics.[39]
On 12 September 2019, baseball, softball, karate, and sport climbing (which were optional events at the then-upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics) were added to the programme.[40] On 18 December 2020, it was announced that esports (which was held as a demonstration event in 2018) and breakdancing (which will debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics) would be added, expanding the Games to 61 disciplines in 40 sports.[41]
6 Sports added consist of 21 gold events: Marathon swimming (2), Breakdancing (2), Chess (4), Esports (The previous period was a demonstration) (7), Go (3), Xiangqi (3).
6 Sports with reduced events (10): Mountain biking (2), Track cycling (2), Bridge (3), Rowing (With a big difference in the type of events and change in number of people/events allowed from 10 to 14 for host) (1), Taekwondo (1), Weightlifting (1).
3 Sports with change in number of people/events allowed: Kurash reduced from 14 to 7 people, Canoe Sprint increased from 10 to 12 events, Sport climbing in Men's and Women's speed relay decreased 2 to 1 teams.
All 45 National Olympic Committees who are members of the Olympic Council of Asia are expected to send delegations. In March 2019, the OCA announced plans to invite athletes from countries from Oceania to compete in selected events; this would mark their first participation in the Summer Asian Games, after having participated for the first time overall at the 2017 Asian Winter Games, albeit as "guests" ineligible to receive medals.[48]
In November 2021, it was announced that athletes from Oceania would be invited to compete in athletics, triathlon, roller skating, weightlifting, and wushu. Athletes were to receive "honorary medals" which would not be counted on the official medal tally.[49] The plan was shelved due to a lack of interest from the relevant federations in Australia and New Zealand.[50]
On 26 January 2023, the OCA offered the possibility to Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part in the Asian Games, but athletes from the two nations should compete to qualify at the 2024 Summer Olympics. However, Russia and Belarus will still be under the sanctions placed by OCA, and is also in analysis whether their entries will or not impact the Asian Games' outcome.[51][52]
On 8 July 2023, OCA permitted as many as 500 athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete under the neutral ground without affecting the medal tally,[53] with the decision supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).[54] However, Russian Olympic Committee President cast doubt about the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes as invitation was not received.[55] On 2 September, Russia and Belarus were confirmed not to participate in the 2022 Asian Games due to "technical reasons", claimed IOC.[56][57]
Sri Lanka Rugby was suspended by the World Rugby Council due to alleged political interference, causing the Sri Lanka rugby team to be barred from competing under the Sri Lanka national flag and anthem. The team competed under the Olympic Council of Asia flag and anthem, using the country code "OCA".[58] In official Games material, the team is listed separately from Sri Lanka, with the designation "Independent Athlete Participating Under OCA Flag" (in all caps) in place of a country name.[59] The team opted out of the opening ceremony.[60]
Afghanistan participated as the de jureIslamic Republic of Afghanistan. An all-male group of athletes arrived from within Afghanistan, while the extant Afghanistan NOC sent another group of athletes from three countries (Iran, Australia, and Italy) including 17 women.[61]
On 25 January 2022, during the first Games World Broadcasters Meeting held in the host city, Chinese state broadcaster China Media Group (CMG) undertook the role as the event's host broadcaster. The International Broadcast Centre would be constructed at the Hangzhou International Expo Centre.[93][94]
On 18 September 2023, air raid sirens rang out in various regions across China to commemorate the Mukden Incident. Hangzhou used to sound air raid sirens every 18 September, but the practice was suspended this year. This has led to speculation that the decision was made to protect foreigners' feelings, which has sparked dissatisfaction and criticism on Chinese social media.[101]
China issued stapled visas instead of stamped ones to three Indian wushu athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as part of its Tibet Autonomous Region, while India administers the state as part of its territory. The issuance of stapled visas has been seen as China's way of questioning India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh. India protested China's decision, and cancelled its sports minister's visit to the games.[102]
North Korea was under WADA sanctions disallowing its flag from being used, but OCA allowed the North Korean flag to be officially used anyway. WADA sent an official warning to OCA over the incident,[103] and later fined the OCA $500,000 (USD).[104]
Hailed as "one of the best ever", the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou has been highly praised.
"Technically, we have had one of the best Asian Games ever. The standard of the Games has been very, very high," said Vinod Kumar Tiwari, acting director general of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).[106]
Chen said the Asiad has also perfectly combined art and technology, showcasing the beauty of Hangzhou's landscapes and technological confidence to the world.[106]
"Middle East News" stated that Farman, director of the Asian Games Department of the Olympic Council of Asia, believes that the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China will be inspiring. Farman said at the Asian Games Technical Congress held in Hangzhou recently, "This is the first Asian Games after the COVID-19 pandemic, so it will play a unique, inspiring and important role for the Asian people."[107]
The Associated Press report pointed out that the Hangzhou Asian Games attracted more athletes than the Olympic Games, and its scale is unparalleled.[107]
Asian Para Games
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"Hangzhou is a very friendly city for people with disabilities." Majid Rashid, chairman of the Asian Paralympic Committee, said that the level of civilization in this city can be felt from the service details of the games and the spirit of the citizens.[108]
Development has speed and warmth. In recent years, Hangzhou has upgraded 140,000 barrier-free points and important public places, set up 380 sign language barrier-free service points, and launched hundreds of barrier-free cruising taxis.
New breakthroughs have been achieved in the development of sports for people with disabilities, basic livelihood protection for people with disabilities has reached a new level, public services for people with disabilities have been improved, a social environment friendly to people with disabilities has taken on a new look, and new progress has been made in the exploration and practice of helping people with disabilities and sharing prosperity. He said that in the next step, Zhejiang Province will focus on “splendid hosting of games, brilliant participation in participation, and brilliant undertakings”, make full use of the valuable achievements left by the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, actively plan and continue to strive, and continue to create a happier and better place for people with disabilities life.[109]
Sha Xiaolan, chief director of the closing ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, said at a media briefing on the preparations for the closing ceremony on the 26th that the closing ceremony of the Asian Para Games will have the theme of "Flying on Dreams to Meet Again", with "Farewell Tonight" and " The three performance chapters of "Tea for a Long Journey" and "The Most Reminiscent of Hangzhou" and the three short films "You are the Most Wonderful", "Tea for a Long Journey" and "You are the Most Unforgettable" are narrated through the three key words of etiquette, rhyme and emotion. Showing the memory of Hangzhou, China's heart and friendship with Asia.[110]
Lv Yuan, chief writer of the closing ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, said that if the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games is the affection of a golden osmanthus, the closing ceremony is a farewell feast. “We bid farewell with poems and paintings, and offered tea. Farewell, Jingui farewell. The closing ceremony of the Asian Paralympic Games is the moment for Hangzhou to officially say goodbye to this Asian Games journey. It also means the official ending of the "two Asian Games". We look forward to the closing ceremony of the Asian Paralympic Games as an important part of this international event. The event and cultural event will come to a successful conclusion."[110]
^"杭州地铁"亚运号"首发开行，19号线将永久保留亚运元素" [Hangzhou Metro Asian Games Train started operation; Asian Games elements to be permanent kept]. The Paper news (in Chinese). 16 May 2023. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
^"酷炫的"亚运号"定制专列来了 将永久留在杭州地铁19号线上" [Splended Asian Games train here, permanently kept on Hangzhou Metro Line 19]. Hangzhou News (in Chinese). 17 May 2023. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
^Wenzhou (22 July 2023). "复兴号"亚运专列"来了！将在杭州、温州等市投用" (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
^"金华轨道交通"金彩"亚运号主题专列首发" [First appearance of Jincai Asian Games train of Jinhua Rail Transit]. Jinhua Municiple People's Government (in Chinese (China)). Jinhua Daily. 2 August 2023. Archived from the original on 4 September 2023. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
^"杭州亚运会举办时间公布". hangzhou2022.cn. Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee. 8 April 2019. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2019.
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