One for the record books

With two Guinness world records and many technological firsts, the 19th Asiad has written itself into history

Technology has enabled the 19th Asian Games to set records beyond sports, including a Guinness World Record listing for the most torchbearers since the relay adopted a digital component that enabled more than 1 billion people from over 130 countries and territories to virtually join in.

"We wanted to include digital torchbearers to allow more people to take part in the Asian Games without the constraints of time and space," said Hangzhou Games IT command center spokesperson Zhang Ge. "This is also in line with the Olympic spirit."

This set records in terms of both the number of people and places.

"We were also able to do this because of the strong digitalization in Hangzhou," Zhang explained.

"The way we lit the cauldron was memorable and left a deep impression on everyone who saw it, including IOC President Thomas Bach, who praised the opening ceremony as one that perfectly brought innovation and culture together."

It marks the second Guinness World Record awarded to the Hangzhou Asiad, after it earlier received an entry for the "most participants in an environmental campaign over a one-year period".

Another first for the Games is the use of robotic "dogs" to provide services for spectators and competitors at such venues as Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, Binjiang Gymnasium, and the Athletes Village. They retrieve thrown discuses, bring equipment to badminton players and dance and interact with people at the Big Lotus and Village, Zhang added.

ITCC director Xu Weihua said nearly 20 innovative solutions at the Hangzhou Games mark firsts in terms of use and tech.

"We put a lot of efforts into being the first 'smart' Asian Games," Xu said. "Operations are perhaps where we see technology making the biggest difference. This is the first 'cloud Asian Games' where 100 percent of the core systems are supported by a cloud network.

"That means everything is faster. For instance, it takes a mere five seconds for real-time competition scores to appear in the system."

Making it easier for foreign visitors to use digital payment systems in Hangzhou is another effort made by the team.

"Hangzhou is well known as a city that runs on digital payment systems. We hoped to bring that convenience to our friends visiting from abroad.

"We worked with our partners and, with the support of the authorities, made it possible for foreign visitors to use foreign currencies to make digital payments, whether it is for food or other expenses.

"Visitors who are used to certain payment systems, such as those in the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Mongolia, and other territories, can use a system they are comfortable with to make payment. They can also link foreign-issued credit cards to Alipay.

"This has made it a lot more convenient for our foreign friends," Xu pointed out.

On the first day of the athletics, 3D technology was used to introduce athletes at the track and field competition, wowing the crowd.

Xie Zhenye, the gold medalist who won the men's 100m and the men's 4x100m at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, said: "It was a surprise. In a final, everyone is really nervous and to see something like that gives you a lift. It makes you more driven.

"It probably had a deeper impression on people in the stands watching the competition. I hope such technology will develop more in the future. For the athletes, this is a great platform for us to perform."