2010 Guangzhou Asian Games: Let The Games Begin....

The Asian Games, officially known as Asiad, is a multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over the Asia. The Games were regulated by the Asian Games Federation (AGF) from the first Games in New Delhi, India until the 1982 Games. Since the 1982 they have been organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), after the break up of the Asian Games Federation.[1] The Games are recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and are described as the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.

2010 Asian Games Mascot (Le Yang Yang and his friends)

The 2010 Asian Games, also known as the XVI Asiad, are scheduled to take place in Guangzhou, China from November 12 to November 27, 2010. Guangzhou is the second city in China to host the Games after Beijing in 1990. A total of 476 events in 42 sports will be contested by athletes, making it the largest event in history of the Games. It will also be the last one to have presented such big events, as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have enforced new hosting rules for future games, beginning with the 2014 Games.

Guangzhou was awarded the right on July 1, 2004, as the sole bidding city. This came after the withdrawal of several cities, from Amman, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul. The games will also be co-hosted by Dongguan, Foshan and Shanwei, the three neighbouring cities.

Compared to the 28 events in the Olympic Games, the 2010 Asian Games will feature 42 events throughout the 16 days of the competition, with added disciplines in some events. Football will be held before the opening ceremony, 28 and 5 gold medalists will emerge during the opening day and final day respectively, while a total of 48 gold medalists will be awarded on November 25, 2010, the most in single day.[34] Twenty20 cricket is among the debutant sports,[35] with dancesport, dragon boat, weiqi and roller sport added as unique to the Games. Bodybuilding was dropped due to judging controversy in the 2006 Games.

All 45 members of Olympic Council of Asia participating in the Games. All National Olympic Committees  shall submitted their entry before September 30, 2010. Organisers allow each NOC to submit additional entry and injury replacement after the deadline. After the final registration deadline, some 9,704 athletes took part in the Games, increase by 184 athletes from previous Asian Games in Doha and some 4,750 team officials will along the journey.[38] According to the Games' official webiste, Kuwaiti athletes are participated the Games under the Olympic flag, this is because Kuwait Olympic Committee was suspended due to political interference since January 2010.

Here are some of the images of the opening ceremonies:

 

I'll be updating from time to time the medal tallies and some results of the games when I have time so feel free to visit my blog anytime.

Good luck to all the participants and make your countries proud!