China speeds up preparations for 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

China is speeding up its preparations for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, as 130 major projects are in full swing to be completed this year, said a spokesperson from the organizing committee.

The organizing committee of the 2018 FIBA World Cup held its first assembly meeting on June 11 in Beijing, following the unveiling of the game's official mascot, named "Son of Dreams," on April 18.

Gou Zhongwen, president of the organizing committee and head of the General Administration of Sport of China, urged the committee to take greater control in moving along the preparation projects under a comprehensive plan. He also highlighted the role of stadium construction and high-quality service teams in preparing for the coming matches.

Beijing, thriving on its previous game experience, will hold an international match again, by showing respect to participants, organizing the opening ceremony and matches well, and promoting the event in various approaches, said Chen Jining, mayor of Beijing and also president of the organizing committee.

A total of 32 teams will compete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 15 during the basketball world cup that will take place in the eight Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan and Dongguan.

It is predicted that over 5,000 people will attend the event, including players, referees, and coaches, sponsors, and media journalists. Later, seven national teams will gain direct access to the 2022 Tokyo Olympic Games.