If the CWG 2010 was all about last minute scampering to the finish line, the Asian Games 2010 is a great example of how one should conduct such high profile events.

China is expecting to replicate the Beijing success at Guangzhou and when you have even test events done and dusted with over a month to go, it speaks volumes of their excellence in planning and execution.

Here is a sneak-peek into what’s in store at Guangzhou next month..








Guangzhou ready for a 'record'  
 

The final countdown begins for the 2010 Asian Games as Guangzhou gets ready with all its urban bustle and charming alleyways, bringing together more than 11,500 athletes competing in record 42 sports. A total of 476 events will be contested by athletes, making it the largest event in history of Asian Games



The organisers limited the Asiad torch relay to within China after what had happened during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay, which was marred by protests







A father and son play next to the mascots for the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. For the residents of Guagnzhou, the rams are becoming an integral part of their daily life.









The test events, conducted at the comprehensive stadium and featuring mock competitions such as qualifications, all-around, floor, etc were a huge success. The comprehensive stadium will play host to sports events as gymnastics, squash and billiard








The Asian Games 2010 is set to herald a tourism boom in China. More than 5 lakh Chinese tourists and nearly 2 lakh overseas tourists are expected at Guangzhou. The city is expecting more than $ 200 million in tourism revenue during the extravaganza.









Unlike the closely-guarded CWG 2010, the Asiad 2010 has been very open so far. The media was taken on a Games tour last week and one of the highlights was the media centre itself. The big structure comprises Main Press Centre (MPC) and the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC). Trial operation began yesterday and the venue is already the talk of the town.





This transparent squash coat is another masterpiece in the upcoming games. It became ready to use more with than 3 months left on the countdown.










The organising committee of Asiad 2010 titled the test campaign as 'Vigorous Guangzhou' and reports suggest these test events started as early as May and concluded last month itself. 'Vigorous Guangzhou' essentially revolved around provincial sporting events and a few national competitions as well.







Participants hold signboards showing national flags of Lebanon, China, Thailand and Vietnam during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony. The organisers have hinted that the Opening Ceremony venue will be converted to Asian Games Theme Park after the games.








Over ten thousand journalists have got accreditations done to cover the Asiad 2010. Organisers are saying that a large number are expected from Europe as well despite this being the Asian Games event.









The Asian Games is seen as a big boost for second-tier cities in China like Guangzhou and co-hosts Foshan and Dongguan. The event is seen as adding to an already powerful sports infrastructure in the country, which was bolstered by the Beijing Olympics in 2008














An Asian Games decoration with its mascot is displayed in front of the media village in the Asian Games Town. Five sporty rams, titled 'Le Yangyang' serve as the official mascots of the Games. These five rams namely A Xiang, A He, A Ru, A Yi, and Le Yangyang essentially represent Guangzhou's nickname, 'City of Goats.'






Chinese paramilitary police will be one of the star attractions in the opening ceremony. They will be instrumental in sending across the message of 'harmony, blessings, success and happiness.'









The torch relay may have been a subdued affair but the torch relay ceremony was certainly a mega affair. It had the Chinese Premier Hu Jintao greeting the Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.








Chinese paramilitary police rehearse a flag ceremony before the start of the torch relay for the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games held at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing








Boats featuring Macau, front, and Mongolia, back, participate in the Asian Games opening rehearsal. The Guangzhou Asian Games' Chief Director, Chen Weiya, has said that the opening ceremony will surprise the world. "You cannot imagine what it will be like," The China Daily quoted Chen, as saying.






Asian Games town ready and roaring


This is the overview of the comprehensive stadium, also known as the Asian Games Town. Just a few days ago, a test event, the 2010 Guangdong Gymnastics Invitation Tournament was held at this venue. Coaches, athletes and spectators were mighty impressed with the venue's top-class facilities and perfect flow of processes






The opening ceremony venue is built near the Central Business District in Guangzhou. The opening ceremony will be handled by the same team, which worked wonders during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. So, one can certainly expect a feast.