45 countries… 12,000 athletes, Asian Games kick off on a grand note, PM Modi enthused
New Delhi. The 19th Asian Games (Asian Games 2023) got off to a colorful start in Hangzhou, China on Saturday. Chinese President Xi Jinping has officially announced the start of the Asian Games. Of course, the opening ceremony may be held on September 23 but before that i.e. from September 19 many competitions are being held. Boxer Lovelina Borgohain and men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh were the flag bearers for the Indian team.
India has fielded its largest contingent at the Asian Games. There are 323 male and 323 female players in the 655-player squad. There was thunderous applause as about 100 Indian athletes and officials entered the stadium, led by team flag bearers Harmanpreet Singh and Lovleena Borgohain Teranga. Indian team’s parade stands at eighth position.
I extend my best wishes to the Indian team as the Asian Games begin. India’s passion and commitment to sports shines through by sending our largest contingent to the Asian Games. May our athletes play well and demonstrate what true sportsmanship is all about. pic.twitter.com/KLlsBj0C3e
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2023
Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a greeting message to the Indian team. Prime Minister Modi tweeted the video of the Indian team’s march past at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games and wished them a better performance.
The opening ceremony lasted for two hours
The event, which lasted for about two hours, highlighted the interconnectedness between China, Asia and the world in the new era, as well as the unity, love and friendship of the Asian people.
Shown are thousands of years old civilization and modern technology
The program tries to show the spirit of China and Asia where the cultural heritage of the country and the fusion of thousand years old civilization and modern technology are shown in a very beautiful scene. It beautifully represents China’s modernization efforts. The power of China’s technology was on display everywhere, lighting the ‘flame’ of the Games in a unique way. It uses digital technology as a virtual torchbearer.
12000 athletes from 45 countries will participate
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the opening of the Games, where 12,000 athletes from 45 countries will compete for top honors until October 8. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Acting President Randhir Singh, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, Heads of various countries, National Olympic Committee officials and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
The Asian Games were supposed to be held in 2022
The games were postponed for a year last year due to the rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in China. Keeping in mind the concept of ‘Green Asian Games’ or ‘Carbon Free Games’, digital fireworks were used in the opening ceremony to create a more exciting atmosphere. The ‘Big Lotus’ stadium with a capacity of around 80,000 spectators was arranged to welcome the players from the participating countries.
