Inner Mongolia Games open in Baotou

The 16th Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Games officially opened on August 8 at the Baotou Olympic Sports Center. The event features 12,029 athletes and 2,661 trainers representing all 12 leagues and cities within the region.

The games consist of 37 sports and 860 competitions, divided into competitive and mass sports categories. A significant change for this edition is the decision to eliminate medal tables, medal rankings, and overall point standings to prioritize the spirit of sportsmanship over competitive placement.

To improve technical quality, the competition system has been optimized, reducing the number of competitive sports events from 1,183 to 809. The disciplines are now aligned with Olympic and National Games standards. Additionally, new age categories have been introduced to better identify and promote young talent. The event emphasizes economic efficiency and environmental sustainability, utilizing existing facilities rather than constructing new ones. Notably, the games' torch was innovatively crafted from rare earth elements.