KATHMANDU, Sept. 19 -- A total of 253 athletes from Nepal are participating in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the chef de mission of the Nepalese contingent said here on Tuesday.

"The Asian Games is a big event for Asia. We're participating in large number in terms of our population, our sports and development level," Tanka Lal Ghising said at a farewell ceremony held for representatives of the Nepali contingent in Nepal.

"As many as 253 athletes are participating from Nepal, which is not a small number," Ghising added. "Participation in big number is an expression of happiness when our neighboring country is organizing such a big event."

The Hangzhou Asian Games will run from September 23 to October 8 in China's Zhejiang Province.

"We're happy to see that this Asian Games will not only show our friendship, but also promote people to people exchanges among Nepal, China and all the Asian countries and regions," Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song said.

Chen voiced the hope that the Nepali contingent enjoy the Asian Games and take some time for a tour of China to see the country's development.