The 19th Asian Games, also known as Asiad 2022 or Hangzhou 2022, is one of the most highly anticipated and prestigious sporting events in the world. Held every four years, the Asian Games brings together athletes from across the continent to compete in a wide array of sports.
Originally scheduled to be held in 2022, the 19th Asian Games 2022 was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be held in Hangzhou, China.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into all the essential information you need to know about the 19th Asian Games, including its significance, participating countries, host city, sports and events, key athletes, venues, cultural highlights, as well as the lasting legacy and impact of this grand sporting extravaganza.
Image Credit: 戸山 神奈 on Unsplash
The 19th Asian Games are set to take place in the picturesque city of Hangzhou, China, from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The Games will feature over 12,000 athletes from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competing in 40 sports and 61 disciplines.
Hangzhou, also known as the "City of Paradise," is a vibrant metropolis nestled on the scenic shores of West Lake. With its enchanting temples, lush gardens, and bustling markets, Hangzhou is a city that has something to offer everyone.
The event will last for 16 days, with competitions taking place in various venues across the city.
This is the third time China will be hosting the Asian Games, having previously done so at Beijing 1990 and Guangzhou 2010.
The Asian Games are the second-largest multi-sport event in the world, after the Summer Olympics. With a rich history dating back to 1951, the 19th Asian Games is not just any ordinary edition – it's a big deal!
This time around, it's being hosted by a vibrant and bustling city, and athletes from all corners of Asia are gearing up to prove their mettle. Boxing and hockey at the Asian Games 2022 will also act as qualifiers for next year's Paris Olympics.
The Games serve as a platform for fostering cultural exchange, promoting peace and understanding, and uniting nations through the universal language of sports. It has become a symbol of unity, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange among Asian nations. Plus, it's an opportunity for countries to flex their muscles and compete for bragging rights. Who doesn't love a little friendly rivalry, right?
Image Credit: 2022 Asian Games
The emblem of the Games, 'Surging Tides' was announced during a ceremony in Hangzhou. The emblem consists of six elements: a Chinese fan, the Qiantang River, a tidal bore, a running track, the Internet icon, and the glowing red sun of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
According to the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee, the fan shape reflects the cultural heritage of the area to the south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the race track represents sports competition, the internet symbol aligns with Hangzhou's technological characteristics, and the sun symbolizes the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Image Credit: 2022 Asian Games
The 19th edition of the Asian Games promises to be an extraordinary event. What sets this edition apart is the introduction of not one, but three captivating mascots, all of which are robots.
Collectively known as 'Memories of Jiangnan', these three mascots, all robots pay homage to a renowned poem by Bai Juyi, an esteemed poet from the Tang dynasty. The name itself evokes a sense of nostalgia and reverence, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
Allow me to introduce you to these remarkable robotic ambassadors: Chenchen, Congcong, and Lianlian. Each of these cutting-edge yet culturally significant robots embodies a distinct facet of Hangzhou's vibrant heritage.
Congcong represents the archeological ruins of Liangzhu City, which is a World Heritage Site, and the name comes from the Cong jade pendant found in the Ruins. It stands as proof of the 5,000-year-old civilization and is a symbol of enterprising spirit and perseverance.
Lianlian portrays the West Lake, another World Heritage Site. The robot’s headpiece includes a famous scenic view of the West Lake: the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. This robot stands for open-mindedness and harvesting a community for the future of mankind.
Chenchen embodies the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, which is also a World Heritage Site. The robot has the Gongchen Bridge on its forehead. This hopes to represent inclusivity and the connection between Asia and the world.
Together, they stand for culture, development, Olympic spirit, and peace.
The torch for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou has been aptly named the Eternal Flame.
The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou torch, named the Eternal Flame, is inspired by the 5000-year-old Liangzhu Culture, showcasing Chinese design and manufacturing prowess. It stands 730mm tall, with a gradual growth design. At the base, eight water veins symbolize civilization's evolution and Zhejiang's river systems. The body features Liangzhu Culture's dermatoglyphic fingerprint patterns, highlighting the region's cultural heritage.
The 19th Asian Games medal, named Shan Shui, is a core element of the event's aesthetic. It combines ceremonial jade from the Liangzhu Culture with Hangzhou's geographical features, showcasing misty hills, a rippling lake, and undulating mountains.
The medal represents athletes' journey to the summit and will be crafted with gold and silver plating and a unique ribbon design.
The Games' motto is "Heart to Heart, @Future," emphasizing unity, and the theme is "Green, Smart, and Inclusive," highlighting sustainability, innovation, and accessibility.
There are 40 sports at this year’s Asian Games, seven more than at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 but six short of the record 46 at Jakarta-Palembang 2018.
Esports makes its full Asian Games debut in Hangzhou having been a demonstration sport at Jakarta-Palembang 2018, while Dragon Boat and roller sports make third Games appearances.
The most popular sports at the Asian Games are athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and weightlifting. Other sports that will be featured at the Games include archery, badminton, baseball, basketball, boxing, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, golf, hockey, judo, karate, kayaking, modern pentathlon, rowing, rugby sevens, sailing, shooting, softball, squash, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, triathlon, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.
Competitions in archery, artistic swimming, boxing, breaking, hockey, modern pentathlon, sailing, tennis, and water polo will also serve as Olympic qualifiers, with Paris 2024 quota spots available in those nine sports.
Image Credit: Siyuwj, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
To watch the Asian Games 2022 that is happening in 2023, you can tune into the various TV broadcasters and on-demand streaming provided by the broadcasters. The list includes:
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the 19th Asian Games?
A: Tickets for the 19th Asian Games can be purchased online through the official Asian Games website (Click here). Tickets will also be available for purchase at select locations in Hangzhou.
Q. When and where will the Asian Games 2022 be held?
A. The Asian Games 2022 will take place in Hangzhou, China. The event is scheduled to be held from September 28 to October 3, 2023.
Q. How many sports will be featured in the Hangzhou Asian Games?
A. Asian Games 2022 in Hangzhou will have a total of 40 sports across 61 disciplines, including athletics, cricket and football.
Q. How many countries will take part in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022?
A. A total of 45 nations will be competing at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022.
Cover Image Credit: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
