A dazzling opening ceremony marked the start of the Asian Games 2023 on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre in China. The two-week sporting event featured a blend of traditional and modern elements, showcasing China’s cultural diversity and technological innovation.
The opening ceremony used artificial intelligence and eco-friendly technologies to create stunning visual effects. The ceremony kicked off with a spectacular display of Chinese military prowess, as soldiers marched in perfect formation, carrying the national flag. Chinese President Xi Jinping also attended the ceremony, highlighting the role of the Asian Games in fostering regional peace and harmony.
The audience was also entertained by the Asian Games mascots, who charmed them with their playful antics and lively interactions. Pakistan’s 262-member contingent also participated in the opening ceremony, with hopes of bringing home medals and honour.
The Pakistani team consists of 53 female and 137 male athletes, who will compete in 24 different sports in the Asian Games. The flag bearer for Pakistan was GM Bashir, a famous shooter who has won several accolades for the country.
The opening ceremony also featured a parade of nations, where athletes from different countries wore their distinctive cultural costumes, adding colour and diversity to the event. The mascots and volunteers warmly welcomed the athletes as they waved their national flags with pride and enthusiasm.
The Asian Games will have 483 events and 61 disciplines across 40 sports. Some of the countries with large contingents are China, Thailand, Japan, Korea, India and Hong Kong.