Xi declares National Games open in Xian

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday formally opened the 14th National Games after an opening ceremony at the Xian Olympic Centre Stadium in Shaanxi province.

The games pit teams from the nation’s provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, along with Hong Kong and Macau, against each other in Olympic sports and the martial art of Wushu.

Events had already begun before Wednesday’s ceremony, with Hong Kong picking up a gold and two bronze medals in cycling.

Sport climbing athlete Au Chi-fung served as the flag bearer for the 169-strong Hong Kong delegation.

About 12,000 athletes are expected to take part in the even, which concludes on September 27.

In the last National Games in 2017, Hong Kong athletes won two gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals.