The "distinguishing features" of the Beijing Olympics will reflect China's desire to join the world in creating a brighter future, President Hu Jintao said on Monday.

President Hu Jintao talks with International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge after IOC's 120th General Assembly in Beijing August 4, 2008. [Asianewsphoto]

The Games would be a "landmark event" and leave behind a great legacy, said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge.

Their remarks came at the opening ceremony of the 120th IOC General Assembly, four days before the Games' opening ceremony.

"Hosting a high-level Games with distinguishing features is the solemn commitment the Chinese government and people made to the world," Hu said.

Sport has played a big role in China's modernization drive and international exchange. "It's our hope that through the Games, we can show the world the aspiration of the Chinese people to share the benefits of development and to join the rest of the world in building a brighter future," he said.

China has opened a window to the world's most populous country, Rogge said, by hosting the Olympics. "I believe the Games will be historic."

"China is a nation in transition, with a great future, tremendous potential and some challenges. I believe history will view the 2008 Olympics as a significant milestone in China's remarkable transformation We are about to experience a magnificent Olympic Games."

Referring to the devastating May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province, Rogge hailed the "courageous response" of the Chinese people.

"All of us in the Olympic family hope that the Beijing Games will help the healing process in China and deepen the world's knowledge of this remarkable country."

The Beijing Games will create some records: an unprecedented 205 teams will take part and women will make up 45 percent of the athletes. In Athens, there were 201 teams and 41 percent woman athletes.

Rogge spoke about the "unprecedented" efforts of the organizers to prevent doping and new measures they had adopted to check betting, and said 1 billion TV viewers were likely to watch the opening ceremony live on Friday.

Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Olympics organizing committee, said the Games had transformed the city.

"With the Olympic elements blending into its unique classical beauty, Beijing has become a city of sport (and) we are proud to say Beijing is ready."

(China Daily August 5, 2008)