Opening ceremony of 13th National Games of China

World Today

China National GamesPerformers row dragon boats past the lights showing Tianjin landmark buildings during the opening ceremony of the 13rd National Games at a stadium in north China’s Tianjin Municipality Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. (Chinatopix via AP)

China’s 13th National Games opened on Sunday evening at the Tianjin Olympic Centre Stadium.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the opening of the event.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who’s on a visit to Beijing inspecting the preparations for the 2022 Winter Games, attended the opening ceremony.

In total 38 delegations took part in the event, including almost all of China’s provinces, municipalities, and Hong Kong and Macao’s special administrative regions.

China National Games

Performers carry umbrellas on stage during the opening ceremony of the 13rd National Games at a stadium in north China’s Tianjin Municipality Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017. (Chinatopix via AP)

As the country’s top comprehensive sports gala, the National Games serve as an important occasion for athletes to get prepared for the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

The event will run until September 8.

Story by The Associated Press