Hangzhou, China: The Hangzhou Asian Games opened on September 23 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou with a unique opening ceremony that blended elements of artificial intelligence and environmentally friendly technology. The ceremony was headlined by a spectacular futuristic light show. Despite a diplomatic row over the denial of entry to three Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, the dazzling programme was a melange of technology, Chinese cultural history, and the spirit of Asian unity.
In line with the theme of the event, 'Tides Surge in Asia', the ceremony was a celebration of the integration of China, the region, and the world into the new millennium. It also highlighted the solidarity, love, and kinship of the Asian nations. The theme of the evening, which ran for nearly two hours, was the water element of the rising tide of the Qiantang River, which runs through Hangzhou.
The 19th edition of the Asian Games, which had been postponed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic, was officially opened by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. At the Big Lotus, the opening ceremony was marked by a spectacular performance, entitled "Water in Autumn Glow", which combined traditional and modern elements to reflect the host nation's cultural heritage and progressive outlook. The opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games began with the Parade of Nations, involving 45 countries. The athletes marched into the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium to the cheers of the roaring crowd.
India's contingent was led by flag-bearers Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain, who were dressed in traditional Indian attire. The Indian athletes brought their own unique flavour to the ceremony. A total of 655 Indian athletes will compete in 39 sports at the Asian Games. Host nation China, which fielded 887 athletes, was the last contingent to arrive in the Parade of Nations. They entered the stadium with the loudest cheers of the evening and a special musical accompaniment.
Photo: PTI
The penultimate performance of the evening featured the flags of all participating nations. The closing ceremony of the 19th Asian Games ended with the lighting of a virtual torch on the Qiantang River by China's Olympic champions and millions of online torch-bearers.
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