GUANGZHOU, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Sunday met with representatives of national model units and individuals in mass sports and competitive sports, ahead of the opening of the 15th National Games of the People's Republic of China in Guangzhou, capital city of Guangdong Province.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended his congratulations to the honorees, encouraging them to push their limits, strive for new heights, and make new contributions to building China into a sports powerhouse.

Xi was greeted by warm applause when he arrived at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center. Xi waved to the crowd, had warm exchanges with the representatives, and took group photos with them.

Senior officials including Li Hongzhong, Zhang Youxia, Huang Kunming, Shen Yiqin and Wang Dongfeng were present at the event.