Things you should know about the 2018 Asian Games

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First held in 1951 in New Delhi, the Asian Games is the world’s second largest multi-sport event after the Olympics and is organized by the Olympic Council of Asia.

The 18th Asian Games will be held in two cities in Indonesia, Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2. Under the motto “Energy of Asia” (“Energi Asia”), 45 countries and regions will compete in 40 sports events.

Here are a few interesting facts about the 2018 Asian Games.

Two cities to host the Games

For the first time in history, the Games will be hosted by two cities – Jakarta and Palembang.

Indonesia stepped in on the condition that it would host the Games in 2018 after Vietnam, selected as the host in 2019, pulled out due to financial constraints in 2014.

The mascot of 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta: Cendrawasih bird (Bhin Bhin), Bawean deer (Atung), and one-horned rhino (Ika). /VCG Photo

The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the newly-renovated Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta while Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra Province boasts a rich culture and culinary heritage that make it a must-see destination for tourists in Indonesia.

To accommodate the wave of athletes and spectators, the city decided to close 34 schools during the Asian Games to make sure traffic flows smoothly.

Two demo disciplines to debut: Esports and Canoe Polo

Two demonstration sports will debut at Asian Games 2018: Esports and Canoe Polo. That means any medals won during these two competitions will not be counted in the medals tally.

Esports, or electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. Players will go head-to-head in six video games: League of Legends, PES 2018, Arena of Valor, StarCraft 2, Hearthstone and Clash Royale. Esports will officially become a medal event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in China.

Canoe polo, a fast-paced team sport that combines canoeing and water polo, is played by two teams of five players on a rectangular playing pitch in open water. It was added as a demonstration sport in March 2017.

Canoe polo is a fast-paced team sport that combines canoeing and water polo. /VCG Photo

Team China has an average age of 24

China is sending a delegation of 845 athletes, including 19 Olympic champions, to this year’s Asian Games.

The average age of China’s team is just 24 years old. Sixty-one-year-old bridge player Zhu Aiping is the oldest athlete, while 13-year-old swimmer Wang Yichun is the youngest.

Three-time Olympic champion swimmer Sun Yang /VCG Photo

Star athletes, such as three-time Olympic champion swimmer Sun Yang, men's 100m sprint national record holder Su Bingtian, Olympic gold medalist volleyball player Zhu Ting, will provide veteran leadership as China aims for golds.

Are you excited for the 2018 Asian Games?

Stay tuned to CGTN for more info about this year’s event.