Islamabad, Apr 15 : Cricket will be included in the 2010 Asian Games as a major discipline, which will be hosted by China from November 12 to 27, 2010.

As many as 45 countries will compete in 42 various sports disciplines during the 16th edition of Asian Games, which will be held Guangzhou, China.

Deputy Director Marketing for the Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) Yuan Yui, said that cricket would also be played in the 2010 Asian Games as a major discipline, besides other new entries like dance sports, dragon boat and roller sports.

Yui announced that Cocachin boat and its ground convey left last month on the Asian continent tour to create awareness among the people of the region about the gala games, The Nation reported.

She was speaking at a ceremony aimed to launch awareness campaign for the games "The Road to Asia".

Pakistan's Sports Minister Aftab Hussain Jilani and President Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) Lt. General (retired) Syed Arif Hasan were also present on this occasion.

Speaking on this eve, Jillani said that Pakistan would fully cooperate with China in successful organisation of the Asian Games. He said that Pakistan would play a partner's role in making this event a success. (ANI)