Doha (Qatar): The Chinese city of Guangzhou will host the 2010 Asian Games, the second-largest multi-sports event after the Olympics, the Olympic Council of Asia's General Assembly decided yesterday (July 1, 2004).

The Assembly, conducting a three-day meeting in the Qatari capital of Doha, unanimously chose Guangzhou to stage the Games, which was the lone bidder after its chief rival Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, withdrew in April.

Guangzhou, in Southeastern China and former known as Canton, is expected to hold the 16th edition of the Games between November 12-27.

It is the second Chinese city chosen to stage the event, following Beijing in 1990. Beijing is hosting the 2008 Olympics.

Doha will become the first Arab host of the Asian Games in December 2006.

Guangzhou is expected to spend about $ 350 million in the lead-up to the Games to upgrade existing sports facilities, infrastructure and transportation around the city.

"We have the vision, the skills and the determination to make the 16th edition of the Asian Games a great success,'' Chinese Sports Minister Yuan Weimin said.

Weimin said Guangzhou has had experience in staging multi-sports events having twice held the China National Games.

Huang Huahua, the Governor of Guangzhou province, said at least 10,000 athletes from across Asia are expected to compete in more than 30 different sports to be played in 44 venues.

"We will be constructing 10 new stadiums well in time for the Asian Games,'' Huahua added.