Hangzhou ready to host smart, safe Asian Games

"We've opened a new era in our preparations for the Asiad; it is the era of digitalization," Chen said, adding that smart control systems, enabled by 5G technology, internet of things, big data and artificial intelligence, among other technologies, have been installed at major competition venues.

"Smart viewing" is on offer for those keen on having an immersive experience of the Games without buying a ticket, according to spokesman Mao Genhong, who is also deputy secretary-general of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.

"Space is limited at the venues, so many people will want to watch the Games via online viewing platforms," Mao said.

Tickets for the competitions were in such demand that most of them were sold out soon after they went on sale online on July 8. When offline ticket sales opened on Aug 23, there were not many tickets left to sell, according to Mao.

Almost all tickets released so far have been purchased, particularly those for popular competitions such as badminton.

"During 74 days of ticket sales (as of Tuesday), we've had 340 million visitors to the Asian Games website," Mao said.

To ensure a safe Games, the HAGOC has built a three-dimensional medical emergency network, which consists of the medical points and clinics at the venues, the comprehensive outpatient clinics in the Asian Games Village, designated hospitals, emergency transport ambulances and ambulance helicopters, according to Mao.

"We have set up a total of 133 infirmaries, 127 FOP (field of play) medical points, and 83 medical points for spectators, which are equipped to provide basic medical treatment, first aid, and referrals," Mao said.

"For those sports with a high probability of injury, such as mountain biking, we have set up medical helicopters to prepare for life-saving rescue. Altogether we have 1,884 medical staff on duty to ensure medical security during the Games."

In addition, the organizing committee has carried out a series of preparations for the prevention and control of infectious diseases, the safety of drinking water, and the health and safety of the public, according to Mao.

"We have established a smart infectious disease monitoring and early-warning system, which includes real-time monitoring of people who have a fever, diarrhea and other symptoms," Mao said. "This will allow us to carry out emergency treatment and timely detection."