HANGZHOU, China — The Olympic Council of Asia expects China to give its guests a “five-star treatment” when the 19th Asian Games kick off this Saturday in this bustling metropolis.
OCA acting director general Vinod Kumar Tiwari said the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee had done a great job in its preparation and had already laid down the foundation for a smooth and successful hosting of the Games.
The HAGOC will implement an innovative concept in the Athletes Village, Media Village and Technical Officials Village, where the bulk of the delegates from 45 countries will stay.
In the Athletes Village, the zero-waste exhibition hall will feature low-carbon, green, and eco-friendly practices everywhere.
For instance, all cups are made from wheat straw, while the dining area offers biodegradable utensils, and the lighting source is from solar-powered energy.
Shared bicycles are also available in addition to plastic-free shopping and the clear-your-plate campaign that aims to minimize food waste.
Those who will engage in these green practices such as recycling or taking public transit can earn points that can be exchanged for “low-carbon gifts.”
“Just one week before the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games on 23 September, I can see all your dreams have become reality — and we are standing here together in a truly magnificent Asian Games Village,” Tiwari said.
“I would like to thank and congratulate the HAGOC for all their hard work and dedication, and I wish all success to the Chinese delegation competing here in the 19th Asian Games.”
Technology will also be a main feature in the villages as organizers installed virtual cycling apparatus, performing robotic dogs, and piano-playing robot musicians.
Also, autonomous vehicles like unmanned ice cream vans, driverless augmented reality-integrated smart buses, fully automatic mosquito eradication bots and automated cleaning machines are expected to attract Asian Games delegates.
“The OCA is confident that all the guests will receive five-star treatment in terms of accommodation, dining, transportation and leisure activities,” Tiwari said.
