Date of Release: April 10, 2016 

The Inauguration Ceremony of the Organising Committee for the 19th Asian Games 2022 (HAGOC) was convened at the People's Great Hall of Zhejiang Province on April 9, 2016, signifying the official launch of preparations for the Hangzhou Asian Games. 

The Asian Games presents a historic opportunity for Hangzhou to enhance its urban planning, construction and governance, adding to its international image and  influence. Hangzhou will seize this opportunity to perfect its municipal services, prepare for the Games and post-Games operation, so as to realize the co-development of its economy and culture for a would-be world-renowned city. 

In order to engage the public and enhance the ethical standards of its citizens, Hangzhou will organise a series of campaigns on the theme of "embracing Asian Games with new ethics". The city will also launch ports and cultural activities at grassroots level while implementing Games-related projects that benefit its people. 

"Zhejiang has produced for China quite a few world champions, such as Sun Yang," said Luo Xuejuan, Hangzhou's Ambassador for the city's bid. "I hope at the Hangzhou Asian Games more athletes from Hangzhou and Zhejiang Province will be able to compete at home and achieve greater results for China." 

"To host a successful edition of the Asian Games depends on the understanding and support from every Hangzhou citizen and the common efforts of people from all walks of life," said He Jun, an ethic role model representing the citizens of Hangzhou. "As the host of the Games, we must do our part and set a fine example to present an eco-friendly, hospitable, dynamic and beautiful Hangzhou to people from Asia and around the world."