Uniforms for Asian Games delegation revealed; two events canceled

As the countdown to the Hangzhou Asian Games reached 100 days on June 15, 2023, the atmosphere of the Asian Games in the streets of Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province, becomes even more vibrant and intense. Photo: IC

According to a recent announcement by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee, two events for the Game have been canceled. 

The committee decided to cancel the men's figure skating single skating and mixed figure skating pair dance events. The decision has been approved by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). According to OCA regulations, at least six national or regional Olympic Committees must enroll their athletes in order for a completion to be held. Additionally, a minimum four countries or regions should be present before the start of the event. 

The upcoming Asian Games will now have 40 major events, 61 sub-events and also a 481 minor events in total. 

Other than the cancelation, uniforms designed for the ­Chinese delegation were revealed on Tuesday. 

Named "shining star," the uniforms were designed with blue and white colors. Classic Chinese symbols like peony flowers and patterns often seen on China's blue and white porcelain have all been incorporated into the uniform's design. Athletes will wear the uniform to attend major occasions such as the opening ceremony of the Games. 

China's badminton player Chen Yufei was modeled the blue-white costume at the debut. As a Hangzhou local, she said that playing so close to home has given her some pressure, but she still looks forward to giving her best. 

"We have other competitions before the Asian Games, including the World Championships, which are very important too. So I think we should stay grounded and conquer each game one by one," she noted. 

The ceremonial uniforms were officially released in 2021 and include several garments such as a women's ceremonial dress for award ceremonies and a men's garment designed for flag-raising occasions.