China's Covid-delayed Asian Games are set to be the largest ever, organisers said on Thursday, as host city Hangzhou ramps up preparations ahead of the opening ceremony in September.
The Games in Hangzhou were due to take place in September 2022 but were postponed by a year because of China's strict zero-Covid rules.
Over 12,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions have signed up, with organising official Ding Jiong telling reporters that Hangzhou would host "the Asian Games with the most athletes in history".
The Games -- one of the largest sporting events in the world -- will be held in 56 venues, with athletes staying in a Games village equipped with transportation services and a media centre.
Delegations from around the region will vie for medals across 40 sports including emerging disciplines like the strategy board game Go, breakdancing and Esports.
Organisers have previously admitted there had been "a lot of difficulties" but said that venues were ready and that preparations were in the final stage.
"We believe we have the ability to contribute to the world... a splendid Asian Games with Chinese characteristics and Asian flair," organising official Zhu Qinan said at a press conference on Thursday.