Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the 19th Asian Games open at a vibrant ceremony in Hangzhou on Saturday. The event marked the beginning of a two-week sporting spectacle.In the presence of visiting leaders, including Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Xi Jinping officially made announcement at The Big Lotus. The crowd erupted in applause as President Xi took the stage, and spectators enthusiastically waved miniature Chinese flags, displaying their fervor for the event.Teams of Hong Kong, China, Macao, China and Chinese Taipei walked in at the opening ceremony of the 19th #AsianGames. The audience gave them a roar of applause and cheering. President Xi Jinping also waved and clapped to welcome them.Credit @HuXijin_GT pic.twitter.com/3wfm15EVbF— Zhang Heqing (@zhang_heqing) September 23, 2023Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is making his first visit to China since the onset of the civil war in Syria in 2011. He stood and applauded as the Syrian team entered the arena, prompting cheers from the crowd.Athletes from North Korea are competing in their first significant foreign competition since the pandemic, and they received tremendous applause just like athletes from Taiwan did as they entered the ceremony.Less than 30 minutes to the opening ceremony of Hangzhou Asian Games！Lets get a preview of the site tonight！#Hangzhou #AsianGames #HangzhouAsianGames #Sports #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/193FsdtWpx— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) September 23, 2023The hosts, China, who are the clear favorites to win the medal race with Japan and South Korea vying for second, received the loudest applause, though. Under the theme “Tides Surging in Asia”, the ceremony embodied the fusion of China, Asia, and the world in a new era. It celebrated the unity, love, and friendship of the Asian people while paying homage to the surging tide of the Qiantang River, which flows through Hangzhou.Lets enjoy the mascots dancing at the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou. #Hangzhou #AsianGames #Mascots #HangzhouAsianGames #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/mE8Y7ZANDB— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) September 23, 2023Lasting over two hours, the ceremony was a visual spectacle that combined Chinas centuries-old civilization with modern technology. It showcased Chinas journey toward modernization, blending Eastern aesthetics with a global perspective.Spectacular fusion of tradition and technologyThe ceremony highlighted Chinas technological prowess by introducing a unique way to light the Games flame. A combination of digital technology and physical presence saw torchbearers in both the virtual and real worlds unite to illuminate the cauldron.The 19th Asian Games officially kicked off tonight, and the adorable Asian Games mascots are captivating fans from all the delegations across Asia! #Hangzhou #AsianGames #Mascots #GoMascotsGo #HangzhouAsianGames pic.twitter.com/RZmXebP1X8— 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Official (@19thAGofficial) September 23, 2023Additionally, 3-D dual aerial performance technology was used to depict the Qiantang rivers tidal bore, with performers dancing in the air and interacting with LED ground displays that mimicked various types of tidal bores.Dignitaries, including the Olympic Council of Asias (OCA) acting president Randhir Singh and International Olympic Committee (IOC) head Thomas Bach, attended the event.𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲! 💫Let the 19th Asian Games begin!!!#AsianGames pic.twitter.com/y10b0Z41ef— Olympic Khel (@OlympicKhel) September 23, 2023Green Asian GamesThe 19th Asian Games, originally scheduled for 2022 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have adopted a “Green Asian Games” approach, aiming for carbon neutrality. The opening ceremony used digital fireworks instead of traditional ones, creating an electrifying atmosphere while aligning with the commitment to sustainability.The Big Lotus stadium, with a capacity of nearly 80,000, was elegantly decorated for the occasion, welcoming athletes from participating countries, including India, with resounding cheers.India at Asian GamesDespite the controversy surrounding the denial of entry to three Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian contingent, led by flag-bearers Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain, received a warm reception. The Indian team marched in eighth position during the athletes parade. Indias 655-strong contingent participated in various events, symbolizing the nations diverse talent.(2/2) 🇮🇳🫶🏽🥰 pic.twitter.com/8RuaSXve6F— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 23, 2023The opening ceremony artfully celebrated the essence of Hangzhou, showcasing the citys numerous water forms, including West Lake, the Qiantang Tidal Bores, the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, and the water conservation system of the Archeological Ruin of Liangzhu City.The energy of भारत #TeamIndia 🇮🇳#IndiaAtAG22 pic.twitter.com/kNycxtaqwC— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 23, 2023The event, rooted in traditional Chinese culture, also emphasized the integration of technology and art, showcasing Eastern aesthetics allure, the power of science, and the influence of culture.By hosting the largest-ever edition of the Asian Games, China has triumphantly signaled its emergence from the pandemic, highlighting its resilience and determination to showcase this grand sporting event.Record participationWhile the Olympics are the worlds premier multi-sport event, the Asian Games involve a greater number of athletes, with over 12,000 participants in Hangzhou. This surpasses the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which had approximately 11,000 athletes, and the upcoming 2024 Paris Games, expected to feature around 10,500 athletes.The 2018 Asian Games saw a participation of just over 11,000 athletes, a number exceeded by the grand scale of the Hangzhou event. In addition to Hangzhou, this 19th edition of the Asian Games will also unfold across five other cities: Huzhou, Ningbo, Shaoxing, Jinhua, and Wenzhou.
