On September 8, 2023, the torch relay launch ceremony for the 19th Asian Games was held at Xihu Yungjin Park Square in Hangzhou. Academician Tan Weihong, President of the Hangzhou Institute of Medicine Chinese Academy of Sciences, carried the torch for the 17th leg.

“It is a great pride for every person in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and China to host the Asian Games at this time. Now what I wanna say is that we shall put our excellent humanity culture on display, learn from advanced civilizations, and meet friends all over the world, so as to promote world peace.” said Tan Weihong. “Today is the first day of the Asian Games torch relay, and on the special occasion, I hope our institute and Zhejiang Cancer Hospital will work diligently, collaborate, innovate, and build a world-class medical research institution and a leading platform for life and health scientific innovation.”