Xi steers path for a strong sports nation

Major events, a key part of his vision, help boost facilities, spur enthusiasm

President Xi Jinping will attend Saturday's opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, the Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday.

The grand sports gathering is expected to create more opportunities to boost public fitness, enable the global community to better understand China and build up the nation's competitiveness in sports.

Xi will also hold a welcoming banquet and bilateral events for visiting foreign leaders from Cambodia, Syria, Kuwait, Nepal, Timor-Leste, South Korea and Malaysia from Friday to Saturday, the ministry said.