Musician Lang Lang named publicity ambassador of Hangzhou Asian Games

Chinese pianist Lang Lang shows his new album "Piano Book" in New York, April 9, 2019. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

Musician Lang Lang, 38, has been appointed publicity ambassador of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.

HANGZHOU, China, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Musician Lang Lang has been appointed publicity ambassador of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, organizers revealed on Thursday.

The 38-year-old musician has had a long association with Asian sport. He and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi performed the piano piece "Time" at the opening ceremony of the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010.

Zhang Ziyi (R) sings along with piano played by Lang Lang during the art performance of opening ceremony at the 16th Asian Games at the Haixinsha Island in Guangzhou, China, Nov. 12, 2010. (Xinhua/Liu Dawei)

Four years later, he performed "Champion" with South Korean superstar Psy at the opening ceremony of the Incheon Asian Games.

Lang Lang performs during the opening ceremony of the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea, Sept. 19, 2014. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)(lz)

Meanwhile, Lang was also chosen as a torchbearer for the Beijing, London, and Rio Olympic Games.

Torchbearer Lang Lang (R), a famous Chinese pianist, participates in the Olympic Torch Relay in London, Britain, on July 22, 2012. (Xinhua/Zeng Yi)

"I'm honored to be the publicity ambassador of the Hangzhou Asian Games. I like playing table tennis and jogging during my spare time. I also like watching football, basketball, swimming and tennis games. I am a loyal fan of the Chinese women's volleyball team," Lang said.

"I always prefer to read sports news over entertainment news. I respect athletes because they can bring us positive energy and a never-say-die spirit," he added.

"We have rich experience in hosting large-scale sporting events. I believe the Hangzhou Asian Games will be very successful." ■