Chinese national flag raised at Rio Olympics Athletes Village

RIO DE JANEIRO -- The Chinese delegation held its flag-raising ceremony at the Rio Olympics Village on Wednesday, two days before South America's first Olympics open in the Brazilian city.

The Rio Olympics organizers arranged a welcome performance ahead of the flag-raising ceremony, which featured an excellent mixture of aboriginal dance and music.

The Chinese delegation, headed by Chef de Mission Liu Peng, attended the ceremony.

"I hope that the Chinese athletes can compete to their top level at Rio, and I believe that's the best way to promote the Olympic Spirit," said Liu. "The athletes should also take the chance to demonstrate the image of Chinese people and enhance the mutual understanding with athletes from around the world."

Olympic fencing champion Lei Sheng has been named China's flag-bearer at the Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony. Lei became China's first male foil Olympic champion four years ago in London. The 1.90m fencer was also a twice world team titlist.

"It's an honor to become the flag-bearer at Rio, but it also means responsibility," said the 32-year-old. "I will fight to defend my individual title, and do my best in the team event."

Spearheaded by 35 Olympic champions, the 411-strong Chinese squad will enter 210 events over 26 sports at the Games which open on Aug. 5.

China is expected to rake in a haul of gold medals from traditionally strong sports such as table tennis, badminton, gymnastics, weightlifting, shooting and diving.