(ECNS) -- The Chinese delegation attended a welcome ceremony to the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 at the Fuji Square Nagoya Port's Garden Pier in Nagoya, Japan, on Thursday.
The Chinese delegation was the first to appear at the welcome event. Chinese women's basketball players including Liu Yutong, Tang Ziting, Sun Yu and Jia Saiqi, along with team officials and staff, attended the ceremony.
Following the flag-raising, Liu told media it was her first time attending an Asian Games welcome ceremony. She said she was excited and looking forward to the competition. On the team's goals, Liu said the players would give their all, stay focused, face every opponent in their best state and strive for victory.
The women's basketball competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games will be held from Sept. 17 to 26. Defending champions China are in Group A with Indonesia and Thailand, and will face Thailand in their opening game on Saturday.
Huang Baoji, head of the Chinese Hong Kong delegation, told reporters that the delegation has more than 800 members, including about 580 athletes competing in 38 sports.
At the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023, Hong Kong won a record 53 medals, including eight gold, 16 silver and 29 bronze. Huang said fencing, swimming and martial arts are among the team's strengths, adding they hope to match their Hangzhou gold tally.
The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival. Huang said the delegation has prepared festive food and activities to celebrate during the Games.
(By Gong Weiwei)
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