Asian Games opening ceremony on September 23 will include Xi Jinping

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 19th Asian Games’ opening ceremony in Hangzhou on September 23, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying.

The Asian Games torch relay had earlier started its last leg in Hangzhou on Wednesday morning, starting the countdown to the major event’s much awaited opening ceremony.

The 19th Asian Games, which are set to begin on September 23, are expected to be the biggest one ever. There will be 12,500 competitors competing in 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 481 events, representing 45 nations and territories.