• The 15th National Games opened on 9 November in Guangdong.
• This year’s Games welcome over 14,000 athletes, setting a new record for the largest scale in the history of the National Games.

The 15th National Games officially commenced on the evening of 9 November at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center, heralding a new chapter for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This marks the first time the Games have been jointly hosted by the three regions. The opening ceremony blended technological innovation with traditional culture on a magnificent stage, creating a visual feast showcasing the essence of Lingnan.

The ceremony saw the sports center was ablaze with lights and filled with a majestic atmosphere as tens of thousands of spectators gathered to witness the historic moment. The Games were officially opened by China’s President Xi Jinping, with the presence of International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry and Honorary President Thomas Bach adding to the grandeur and solemnity of the occasion.

Hosted jointly by 17 cities in Guangdong Province alongside Hong Kong and Macau, the Games features over 14,000 athletes alongside more than 8,000 delegation officials, 6,000 technical personnel and 3,000 journalists – setting a new record for scale in the history of the National Games.

During the opening ceremony, delegations from provinces, autonomous regions and special administrative regions entered the stadium in spirited formation, receiving thunderous applause that symbolized the nation’s unity and drive for progress.

Directed by renowned Hong Kong filmmaker Andrew Lau, the 75-minute opening ceremony unfolded in three chapters: Shared Roots, Shared Heart, Shared Dream.

The stage design integrated water features, light projections and artificial intelligence technology. Lion dances, Yingwu dances and dragon boat races came to life through VR and AR enhancements. Elements of intangible cultural heritage – including Cantonese opera, Wing Chun martial arts, Lingnan embroidery and inlaid porcelain – were woven into the performance, showcasing a fusion of tradition and innovation.

As one of the host regions, Macau sent a delegation of 421 participants, including 296 athletes. Macau’s athletes have already delivered outstanding performances in the early events, particularly excelling in karate where they secured three gold and two bronze medals – setting a new record and showcasing the continuous progress of Macau’s sports development.

The National Games will conclude on 21 November.