Two years ago Qatar staged what was widely seen as the best Asian Games ever and 2010 host China is ploughing huge amounts of money into taking the multi-sports event to yet another level.
Regardless of the global economic crisis, national pride is on the line for the southern city of Guangzhou, not just to better Doha but to build on the enormous success of the Beijing Olympics.
The biggest multi-sports event after the Olympics is two years away this week and preparations are in full swing.
"In terms of the international financial crisis, there will inevitably be some impact on Guangzhou," Guangzhou vice mayor Xu Ruisheng acknowledged.
"We will try to stage the best Games ever, not by spending more but because we will put more effort into it.
"As a matter of fact, the Asian Games will promote economic growth in Guangzhou and Guangdong provice, especially in tertiary industries like catering and tourism."
The Games will feature 45 countries with 14,000 athletes and officials from November 12-27, 2010. There will be 42 sports, up from 39 at the last Games, as Guangzhou tries to outdo anything seen before.
But hosting an Asian Games isn't just about being bigger and better. The point of winning the bid is the legacy that can be left for the population.
In Guangzhou, the city government is pumping big money into upgrading the airport, railway stations and other services, with massive urban renewel underway and an eye on the environment.
Educational campaigns are up-and-running in civic responsibility, etiquette and English language training, which Guangzhou says "have received an overwhelming response from the public".
President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Liu Peng last year characterised Guangzhou as "a pioneer in China's reform and opening-up campaign".
Seventy-one venues will be used for the Games, with58 existing ones being renovated and 12 new stadiums being built, as well as construction of the Guangzhou Asian Games Town.
This mega-project will include the athletes village, technical officials village, media village, media center, a main information center, a stadium, and the Asian Games Park.
"The Guangzhou Asian Games will help improve the city's infrastructure and environment, facilitate the development of the city's urban areas, and boost the local economy and development of key industries," organisers say.
"The Games will also help enhance the standard of the city's management, boost its cultural assets and improve the quality of life of its citizens."
Xu said all construction would be completed by December next year.
(Source: GAGOC)
