From November 15 to 21, the Chinese mainland's 15th National Games made history as the first cross-boundary edition co-hosted by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR. This week-long celebration of athleticism wrapped up on November 21, uniting the Greater Bay Area in a grand sporting festival.
With 419 gold medal events for elite athletes and 166 for amateurs, mass participation defined the Games. Over 11,000 amateur athletes—from schoolchildren to doctors to farmers—reached the finals, with ages ranging from 8 to 81. 🏅
Records tumbled across disciplines. Tong Lixin, deputy director of the organizing committee, highlighted that athletes set 8 world records, 5 world junior records, 13 Asian records, 10 Asian junior records, 14 national records and 7 national junior records. In 12 events, results even surpassed those of the Paris Olympics.
Cross-boundary competitions took centre stage: the men’s road cycling race spanned all three host zones, and the marathon linked Shenzhen with the Hong Kong SAR. 🚴♂️🏃♀️ These races showcased not just speed but the seamless integration of the Greater Bay Area.
"The people of Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR worked together in unison and shared the grand event," Tong said. The Games highlighted the Chinese mainland’s ability to focus resources on major tasks, illustrating new milestones in economic and social development, sports reform and regional integration.
As the region looks ahead, the 15th National Games leave a legacy of unity, sportsmanship and collaboration—proof that when borders blur, champions emerge. 🌉🤝
Reference(s):
15th National Games highlights characteristics of Greater Bay Area
cgtn.com
