The 17th Asian Games to be held in the South Korean city of Incheon is fast approaching as the host nation will look to hold off its archrival Japan once again.
The continental multisport competition will kick off on Sept. 19 in the west coast metropolitan city and will wrap up on Oct. 4.
All 45 member states of the Olympic Council of Asia, including North Korea, have registered for the Games, which will feature 36 sports.
Incheon is the third South Korean city to stage the Asian Games.
China has been the dominant force at the Asian Games, having topped the medals table in every Asiad since 1982. As the host of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China swept up 199 gold medals, more than the next six countries in the standings combined.
South Korea has been the second best in each of the past four Asian Games, with Japan coming in third place. With China realistically out of reach, South Korea is hoping to extend its streak of runner-up finishes.
South Korea will be eyeing 48 gold medals from archery, fencing, bowling, golf, shooting, taekwondo and tennis. It is counting on 27 titles from cycling, equestrian, handball, field hockey, judo, modern pentathlon, rugby, sailing, wrestling and baseball. The host will seek at least 15 golds from relatively weaker sports, including athletics, swimming and gymnastics. (Yonhap)
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