Nanjing, China: The one-year countdown ceremony to the 2nd Asian Youth Games (AYG) was held in Nanjing in the evening of August 24 at the Indoor Stadium of the Nanjing Industry University. The ceremony commenced with a speech by Mr. Tsunekazu Takeda, Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee of the 2nd AYG, President of the Japanese Olympic Committee and IOC Member, followed by a speech by Mr. Cai Zhenhua, Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, and Mr. Liu Yi'an, Vice President and Secretary General of the Nanjing Asian Youth Games Organising Committee (NAYGOC).

Invitations to participate in the 2nd AYG were presented to representatives of the five regions of the Olympic Council of Asia. This was followed by performances from representatives of universities and schools.

Important matters to note:

Chefs de Mission Seminar' 16th to 19th January 2013.

NAYGOC will commence accreditation in February 2013. Deadline to be announced later.

Accreditation application after the deadline will not guarantee pre-valid Accreditation Cards to the NOCs.

Expiry date of passports must be at least three months after the closing date of AYG.

The Accreditation Cards will also serve as visas. Accreditation will be carried out Online.

The Athletes Village will be at the University of Technology, Jiangpu campus.

Sports entries deadlines:

Entry by Sport' 8th October 2012 midnight.

Entry by Number' 15th April 2013 midnight.

Entry by Name ' 1st July 2013 midnight.

OCA Headquarters Hotel is Hilton Wanda:

There are five hotels reserved for media (2 to 5 star), close to the media centres.

Reservations of rooms by NOCs and media is from 16th January to 16th May 2013.

Reservations are confirmed once payments are made.

Deadline for payment of rooms reserved is 16th July 2013.

Report: Courtesy of Olympic Council of Malaysia