greater Bay Area Shines in 15th National Games Torch Relay & Competition
The 15th National Games is showcasing the remarkable connectivity and innovation within the Greater Bay Area (GBA), highlighted by a groundbreaking torch relay and the introduction of cross-boundary competition.
Seamless Connectivity & the “One-Hour Living Circle”
The torch relay seamlessly linked Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, demonstrating the GBA’s “one-hour living circle” – a reality for many residents. As one Hong Kong resident noted, it’s common too attend classes in Hong Kong, meetings in Shenzhen, and visit family in Guangzhou all in a single day. This efficiency is underpinned by infrastructure like the Hong Kong-Shenzhen-Guangzhou high-speed rail and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-macao Bridge, alongside increased opportunities for young people across the region.Logistics for the relay were streamlined, ensuring swift customs clearance for all equipment and personnel.
First-Ever Cross-Boundary Competition
A landmark event will be the men’s individual road cycling race on November 8th, connecting Hong Kong, Macao, Zhuhai, and the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge. The 231.8-kilometer race will feature 104 athletes from across China, including Hong Kong and Macao, and will utilize locally developed facial recognition and RFID technologies for “seamless customs clearance” despite crossing border checkpoints six times.
Innovation at the Forefront
This year’s torch relay is distinguished by its embrace of cutting-edge technology. Clever robots, autonomous vehicles, and low-altitude drones were integrated into the relay, symbolizing the fusion of technology and sport. Notably,Kuavo,a 5G-Advanced-equipped humanoid robot,served as the ceremonial ”No. Zero Torchbearer” in Shenzhen, completing a 100-meter stretch with a human-like running posture. This move signifies a shift towards “technology passing the torch” and aligns with China’s broader digital conversion of the sports industry.
Symbolism & the “source Flame”
The selection of physicist Xue Qikun as the No.1 torchbearer underscores the importance of both scientific advancement and athletic achievement. The “source flame” itself was uniquely extracted from combustible ice found over 1,500 meters beneath the South China Sea.
Games Overview
The 15th National Games, China’s premier comprehensive sports event, will feature 34 major and 419 minor competitive items. Guangdong will host the majority of events, with Macao hosting four (table tennis, women’s 3×3 basketball) and Hong Kong hosting eight (golf, fencing, beach volleyball).
