China will be sending more than 900 athletes to the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou later this year.

Organisers said in a press conference by the State Council Information Office on Wednesday that 45 countries and regions have signed up for the Games.

They also said construction of 56 competition and 31 training venues has been completed.

Zhou Jinqiang, vice president of Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee, said the Games will be key to sport development in Asia and an important platform in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hangzhou is the main host city, with Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jinhua, Shaoxing and Huzhou co-hosting the events.

The Asian Games are set for September 23 to October 8, followed by the Asian Para Games from October 22 to 28.

The Asian Games and Asian Para Games, originally slated for last year, were postponed until 2023 because of the pandemic.