The flame for the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games was lit on Thursday at the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City, marking the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony for the event, which is set to run from September 23 to October 8.

According to the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou Organizing Committee, competitions will take place across 40 sports, including swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, baseball and softball, basketball and boxing, and 61 disciplines at the Hangzhou Asian Games. 

During the 15 competition days, athletes will compete for 483 gold medals. Esports will make its official debut as an Asian Games medal sport as a discipline of Mind Sports and breakdancing will also be new on the program under Dance Sport ahead of its Olympic Games debut at Paris 2024. 

Among the 40 sports at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Chinese team is expected to dominate in table tennis, badminton, weightlifting, gymnastics, shooting and swimming, according to the committee. In boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, hockey, handball, archery and tennis, China is on par with Japan, Republic of Korea and Central and West Asian countries. Audiences can expect thrilling competitions in these sports. 

The preparatory work for the 19th Asian Games has been processed smoothly. The State Council Information Office held a press conference on preparations for the Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Para Games on Wednesday. The construction of 56 competition venues, 31 training venues have been fully completed, said organizers.  

China topped the medal tally for the first time at the 9th Asian Games (1982) and has led the gold medal tally at 10 Asian Games overall.