Hangzhou Asian Games has been going on for 11 days like a raging fire, igniting the enthusiasm of domestic as well as foreign audiences and serving as a channel by which people from all over the world can probe into the glamour of the charm, vigor together with the moral excellence of China. As a passionate “Youth Carnival”, we are all looking forward to getting a glimpse of the performances and participation of the Gen Z, to see how they contribute to this true feast for both vision and audition.

“I started playing tennis when I was 7 years old,” Namuunkhuslen, a Neozoic soft tennis player from Mongolia confessed, “It’s hard at first, but I’m just crazy about the excitement while playing and willing to soak myself in soft tennis.” The young girl’s pretty face split into a wide smile baking in the warm sun, conveying the message of optimistic and tough girl power. Through the brief conversation, she mentioned that she is still firmly aiming high for future competitions and hoping to see soft tennis, a temporarily niche sport, appealing to more people through her better performances.

In addition to the athletes in sports clothes, a volunteer who is pouring milk attracted our attention. “The sweet-scented osmanthus flower is the city flower of Hangzhou, we offer these special drinks for audiences and athletes.” She welcomed us with a tender smile. When being asked whether she is exhausted doing the same tasks, she answered proudly, “It’s our honor as well as the responsibility to provide satisfying service for them as a citizen of the host country.”

Walking out of the stadium, an adorable girl wearing a headband featuring the mascot Congcong comes into view. “This is the first time for her to be immersed in such a spectacular sports event.” Her mum said, “We are trying to enrich her insight into sports through this precious opportunity.” Then the 10-year-old girl added, “I’m deeply touched when the audience burst into applause and cheers for the athletes. Moreover, I also want to become a volunteer like those college students in the future if possible.” She pointed at those “Xiaoqinghe”(the alias for the volunteers) in the distance.

Youth is a phase in which small children have come out of the protective shells and are ready to spread their wings in the world of hope and dreams. These figures above are exactly the epitome of the flourishing new era, indicating that Gen Z will undoubtedly live up to the promise of their youth and expectations of the times. The future belongs to us!