All you need to know about the National Games, where some of the world’s best come to play
Some of the world’s top sportsmen and women will battle it out in the pool, court and track across the Greater Bay Area
The National Games bring together the best and brightest from across China for weeks of competition, some of which have been said to be tougher than the Olympics.
Whether you agree with that or not, there can be no argument that several of the world’s top sportsmen and women will be battling it out in the pool, on the court and right across the Greater Bay Area for individual and team glory.
Jointly co-hosted for the first time by Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong, here is everything you need to know about the days ahead.
By the numbers
More than 22,000 representatives from 73 organisations, including provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, special administrative regions, industry sports associations and universities, have registered to compete at the National Games.
On top of that, some 70,000 volunteers will be helping things run smoothly across the GBA, according to figures released by each individual region.
Thousands more fans will pack into stadiums to cheer on the athletes, while millions are expected to watch at home.