[Week 32, 2010] 100-Day Asian Games Countdown Begins

Guangdong provincial authorities on August 4 kicked off the 100-day countdown to the 16th Asian Games, pledging to hold a "marvelous" and successful event.

An artist plays the drum during a ceremony for the 100-day countdown to 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 4, 2010. (Photo: Southcn.com)

Provincial Party Secretary Wang Yang said that the province is sure to host a "marvelous" Asian Games.

"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," said Guangzhou Party Secretary Zhang Guangning. "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," Zhang added.

Artists perform martial arts during a ceremony for the 100-day countdown to 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 4, 2010. (Xinhua/Zhang Chen)

Guangzhou is China's second city to host the Asian Games, following Beijing in 1990. The event will be held from November 12 to 27. City officials have been working to improve conditions such as improving air quality and ensuring the freedom of overseas journalists to conduct interviews during the Games.