National Games of Taiwan open in Taoyuan

The National Games of Taiwan officially commenced in Taoyuan, featuring 32 competition categories and over 13,000 athletes across 43 venues. The opening ceremony, held at the Taoyuan Municipal Comprehensive Gymnasium, included remarks from President Lai Ching-te, Premier Cho Jung-tai, and Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Shan-cheng.

President Lai emphasized the government's commitment to supporting sports at all stages of life, noting that the newly established Ministry of Sports aims to integrate resources to enhance grassroots, competitive, and professional athletics. He highlighted the diversity of the participants, ranging from a 6-year-old dance athlete to an 88-year-old woodball competitor.

MLB player Lee Chang-yu participated in the ceremony by using a baseball bat to ignite the games' flame. The event, which runs through the 22nd, includes new disciplines such as aerobic gymnastics and unicycling.