Taiwan Men’s Basketball Team Captain Chen Yingjun serves as the torchbearer for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Aoi

Taiwanese men's basketball player Chen Yingjun serves as the torchbearer for the Asian Games in Aikoya. (Photo by reporter Chen Zhiqu)

[Special Correspondent Nian Miaoyun/Reporting from Nagoya] The final stage of the Asian Games torch relay was held today at Hisaya Odori Park in Nagoya. Taiwan was represented by men's basketball captain Chen Yingjun. He said that holding the torch in his hand felt very weighty, and it was a great honor to be invited to participate in this event.

The final stage of the Asian Games torch relay was held on September 17 and 18 at Hisaya Odori Park in Nagoya. There were 4 events in total. Participants included Olympic Games of Asia (OCA) officials, Olympic representatives from various countries, OCA sponsors and partners, etc.

Taiwan's Sports Minister Li Yang was originally invited to serve as the torch bearer, but the Ministry of Sports wanted to focus on the athletes, so Chen Yingjun was chosen to participate in the torch relay. He was ranked 12th among the 18 torch bearers. The first torch bearer was the public relations representative (Japanese) of the preparatory meeting, and the last torch bearer was the Bhutan Olympic representative.

Chen Yingjun said: "I am very happy that the Olympic Games has given me such a rare opportunity. When I received the notice, of course I immediately agreed that I wanted to participate, because I think it is a very glorious thing." He also mentioned that the torch felt very heavy in his hand. Although the distance was not long, it was very meaningful. He also joked: "Treat it like exercise."

However, the Taiwanese men's basketball team lost to Japan in the quarterfinals yesterday. This schedule came to an end early and was far from the original goal. Chen Yingjun said: "After a night of settling down, I feel a little relieved today, but I still feel regretful because we have not continued to move towards the goal we want to achieve."

Taiwanese men's basketball player Chen Yingjun serves as the torchbearer for the Asian Games in Aikoya. (Photo by reporter Chen Zhiqu)