Largest ever squad for Asian Games

The 1,454-member delegation to the 16th Asian Games,which takes place in Guangzhou from November 12 to 27, includes a total of 35 Olympic gold medalists.
Many of them are young without international experience. About two-thirds of the 977 athletes did not take part in the 2008 Olympics nor the Asian Games held in Doha, Qatar four years ago.
Duan Shijie, head of the Chinese delegation, said, "We hope to spot young talents at the Asian Games and prepare them for the 2012 London Olympics."
More than 14,000 athletes, trainers and coaches from 45 countries and regions are expected to take part in the Guangzhou Asian Games, vying for 476 gold medals in 42 sports.
China.org.cn reports Guangzhou is the second Chinese city to host the Asian Games which is held every four years. Beijing staged the Games in 1990.