The 13th Guangzhou Friendship Games opening ceremony is held in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, on Oct 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The 13th Guangzhou Friendship Games kicked off on Oct 26 in Guangzhou, the bustling capital city of South China's Guangdong province, drawing over 1,000 participants from 59 countries and regions who will engage in six sporting events over two days.

Since its inception in 1998, the friendship-oriented gathering has served as a pivotal platform for fostering exchange, deepening friendship, and showcasing talent among Guangzhou residents and the international community.

In addition to its traditional focus, this year's edition is especially significant as the one-year countdown to the 15th National Games. Various thematic activities have been meticulously curated to mark the occasion, including the eight-section brocade, a popular Chinese qigong exercise, a spirited ball relay, unique table tennis matches, and an engaging shuttlecock challenge.

Participants attend the opening ceremony for the 13th Guangzhou Friendship Games in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, on Oct 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

These competitions aim to foster a welcoming atmosphere for the 15th National Games in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Yang Weiqiang, deputy director and deputy secretary-general of the executive committee for the 15th National Games Guangzhou Division, stated at the opening ceremony that this event is designed to encourage sports participation, cultivate a supportive environment for the forthcoming 15th National Games, and infuse fresh energy into the integrated growth of the Greater Bay Area.

Participants compete in a basketball match at the 13th Guangzhou Friendship Games in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, on Oct 26. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Paris 2024 gold medalist fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai from Hong Kong was also present at the event.

Expressing her excitement for the upcoming 15th National Games, she said: "The 15th National Games is poised for remarkable success, with each city striving to provide the optimal environment for athletes. It's truly heartening to witness so much widespread enthusiasm for the epee event."