The 15th National Games (NG) and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) have entered the critical preparation phase, with major highlights recently unveiled. The organizing committee held a press conference in Guangzhou on the 25th to detail the opening/closing ceremonies and torch relay.
For the first time, both games' opening ceremonies will feature performers from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao working together. The torch relay is set to make history by introducing humanoid robots as lead runners, blending technology with artistry while highlighting the spirit of regional collaboration and inclusive participation.
NG Opening: "Dreaming the Future" with maritime splendor
Peng, a senior official the Guangzhou Organizing Committee, revealed that the NG opening ceremony will take place on November 9 at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center. Titled "Dreaming the Future," the event comprises three segments depicting the Greater Bay Area's grandeur. Maritime elements will create a majestic atmosphere, delivering a world-class spectacle that fuses Lingnan culture with regional charm.
The NGD & NSOG opening ceremony at Guangzhou Tianhe Sports Center adopts "Hand in Hand" as its theme, structured around three segments. Landmarks like Canton Tower, Haixinsha Bridge, and Huacheng Square will illuminate synchronously, forming a galactic jade belt to visualize social inclusion and shared development.
"One GBA, Three-Stage Harmony"
Peng emphasized that all ceremonies embody the "One GBA, Three-Stage Harmony" concept, with co-creation by Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao artists symbolizing regional integration.
Shenzhen will host both closing ceremonies, reimagining urban storytelling through cutting-edge technology. Kuang, Executive Deputy Director of Shenzhen's Organizing Committee, noted: "We've partnered with 20 tech firms to integrate AI production, autonomous vehicles, and smart wearables for an innovative flame-extinguishing ritual." The city's venues already employ AR navigation for immersive spectator experiences.
Robotic torchbearers make debut
Cui, Deputy Secretary-General of the NG Organizing Committee, announced pioneering torch relay elements: humanoid robots will serve as lead runners, potentially participate in the cauldron lighting, and assist in medal ceremonies, showcasing Shenzhen's innovation capabilities.
Creative teams have commenced on-site work, with exterior rehearsals starting in July ,transitioning to venue rehearsals in August.
Fantastic players to be witnessed
At a press conference, Cui stated that this edition of the National Games will feature multiple beloved sports events. The diving competition will be held at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center diving venue, where members of China's divers - including Olympic champions Xie Siyi, Chen Yiwen, and Quan Hongchan from Guangdong - will perform their signature technique on home turf.
The swimming events have also attracted significant attention. Following the preliminary excitement of the National Swimming Championships, the Shenzhen division will welcome elite swimmers including Pan Zhanle, Zhang Yufei, and Qin Haiyang, who will strive to break records.
For ball sports, table tennis competitions will take place in Macao, where national team players Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, Lin Gaoyuan, and Liu Shiwen will deliver what's described as matches more intense than the Olympics. The women's volleyball adult division competition will be held concurrently, promising spectacular performances.
Hong Kong will host fencing events at the newly completed Kai Tak Sports Park. Having won two fencing gold medals at the Paris Olympics, Hong Kong athletes will now compete at the National Games, marking an extraordinary moment in history. Additionally, the marathon and road cycling events will be held in cross-boundary format for the first time in National Games history, while tennis players Zheng Qinwen and Wang Xinyu will treat audiences to a tennis extravaganza at the Games.
"We will actively create excellent competition environments and conditions to enable more athletes to achieve world-class results at the 15th National Games, deliver world-class competitions, and fully showcase the spirit and demeanor of Chinese athletes in the new era," said Cui.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Ao Minhui; English Editor: Darius)
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