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PremiumAsian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony: The Indian delegation made its entrance at the opening ceremony donned in their customary attire, characterized by a rich brown hue complemented by striking green straps adorning their garments. Leading this distinguished group are Lovlina Borgohain and Harmanpreet Singh, who take the forefront of the contingent.
The 19th edition of the Asian Games commenced on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. The impressive inauguration unfolded at the renowned Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, often referred to as the Big Lotus.
This cutting-edge venue, initially designed as a football arena in 2018, boasts an astonishing seating capacity accommodating up to 80,000 spectators.
Throughout the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2023, a fusion of China's rich cultural heritage and its contemporary dynamism will be on full display. The performance will seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence and eco-friendly technologies.
In anticipation of the forthcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has revealed their joint flag-bearers. At the helm of the historic 655-strong Indian delegation will stand Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of the hockey team, and Lovlina Borgohain, the Olympic bronze medalist in boxing.
Check Highlights here.
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Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: India's top medal contenders include Neeraj Chopra (javelin), India's men's and women's cricket teams and Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting). Jyothi Yarraji (athletics), Antim Panghal (Wrestling) and HS Prannoy (badminton) are also top contenders.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th iteration of the Asian Games boasts a trio of mascots, all of which take the form of robots and collectively bear the name 'Memories of Jiangnan.' This nomenclature pays homage to a poem composed by the esteemed Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi.
These three robot mascots are affectionately known as Chenchen, Congcong, and Lianlian, each symbolizing the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Hangzhou, where the games are hosted.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th edition of the Asian Games is the largest edition of the sporting tournament so far in which 12,000 athletes will participate from 45 countries.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the 19th Asian Games in a colourful ceremony in Hangzhou on Saturday, launching a two-week sporting extravaganza that boasts more athletes than the Olympics.
After being delayed by a year because of China's now-abandoned zero-Covid policy, more than 12,000 competitors from 45 nations and territories will battle it out in 40 sports.
In front of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other visiting leaders, Xi officially opened the Games at the 80,000-capacity Hangzhou Olympic stadium, also known as "the Big Lotus".
Xi was given a rapturous reception by spectators waving mini Chinese flags. (AFP)
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th edition of the Asian Games commenced on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. The impressive inauguration unfolded at the renowned Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, often referred to as the Big Lotus.
This cutting-edge venue, initially designed as a football arena in 2018, boasts an astonishing seating capacity accommodating up to 80,000 spectators.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th edition of the Asian Games concluded its opening ceremony with a remarkable fusion of musical performance, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology and timeless traditions, resulting in a breathtaking spectacle.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Following the presentation of traditional dance forms, China demonstrates its technological prowess by generating captivating visuals of various sports arenas, leaving the audience astounded by the technological marvels on display.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: After an enchanting dance performance, we transition to an exhibition showcasing the intricate artistry of China. The journey commences with an artist's endeavor to craft a vivid canvas painting, subsequently transitioning to the graceful display of another captivating dance form.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Randhir Singh, the interim leader of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), takes the stage to deliver a speech to the audience. He addresses the gathering primarily in English, interspersed with some Chinese phrases, eliciting thunderous cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Several other countries taking part in the event have showcased their unique cultural outfits during the opening ceremony, adding a lively and colorful atmosphere to the event. At the same time, mascots and volunteers enthusiastically greet the athletes as they proudly carry their national flags while walking in the parade.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: "The continuing success stories that we are scripting in the world of sports today is a testament to the changing outlook towards it. Our government is helping sportspersons at every level, TOPS is one such scheme of the government," PM Modi said.
“This stadium in the city of 'Mahadev' will be dedicated to the Lord himself. I am hopeful that sportspersons here will benefit from this stadium, which will be equipped with all modern-day amenities and sporting infrastructure. This stadium will emerge as the star of the Purvanchal region," PM Modi added.
"The Asian Games are starting today and I wish to extend my good wishes to all our athletes participating in the tournament," PM Modi said.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th edition of the Asian Games commenced on September 23 in Hangzhou, China. The impressive inauguration unfolded at the renowned Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, often referred to as the Big Lotus.
This cutting-edge venue, initially designed as a football arena in 2018, boasts an astonishing seating capacity accommodating up to 80,000 spectators.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The Indian delegation makes its entrance at the event donned in their customary attire, characterized by a rich brown hue complemented by striking green straps adorning their garments. Leading this distinguished group are Lovlina Borgohain and Harmanpreet Singh, who take the forefront of the contingent.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Another group, competing under the banner of the black, red, and green flag associated with the government that the Taliban overthrew in 2021, is comprised of Afghan athletes hailing from various parts of the world. This diverse assembly, which includes 17 women, is under the leadership of Hafizullah Wali Rahimi, who served as the president of Afghanistan's National Olympic Committee prior to the Taliban's assumption of power.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The Indian delegation makes its entrance at the event donned in their customary attire, characterized by a rich brown hue complemented by striking green straps adorning their garments. Leading this distinguished group are Lovlina Borgohain and Harmanpreet Singh, who take the forefront of the contingent.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The contingent of Chinese side was welcomed by huge cheers with President Xi Jinping also clapping.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Leading the procession of nations at the opening ceremony is Afghanistan, represented by approximately 130 athletes, all of whom are male.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th iteration of the Asian Games boasts a trio of mascots, all of which take the form of robots and collectively bear the name 'Memories of Jiangnan.' This nomenclature pays homage to a poem composed by the esteemed Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi.
These three robot mascots are affectionately known as Chenchen, Congcong, and Lianlian, each symbolizing the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Hangzhou, where the games are hosted.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist Lovlina Borgohain and the captain of men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh will be India's flag-bearers.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th edition of the Asian Games is the largest edition of the sporting tournament so far in which 12,000 athletes will participate from 45 countries.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: An assemblage of military personnel parades through the arena, bearing the flag of China with great precision and solemnity. Simultaneously, a choir renders the national anthem as a harmonious backdrop, while captivating visuals unfold in the rear, leaving spectators in awe.
This opening ceremony serves as a tribute to the fusion of China's contemporary and time-honored aspects, harmoniously blending the nation's rich traditions with its forward-looking spirit.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: President Xi Jinping accompanied by fellow delegates, makes their grand entrance at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium to inaugurate the commencement of the opening ceremony.
"The continuing success stories that we are scripting in the world of sports today is a testament to the changing outlook towards it. Our government is helping sportspersons at every level, TOPS is one such scheme of the government," PM Modi said.
“This stadium in the city of 'Mahadev' will be dedicated to the Lord himself. I am hopeful that sportspersons here will benefit from this stadium, which will be equipped with all modern-day amenities and sporting infrastructure. This stadium will emerge as the star of the Purvanchal region," PM Modi added.
"The Asian Games are starting today and I wish to extend my good wishes to all our athletes participating in the tournament," PM Modi said.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The live telecast of opening ceremony of Asian Games will begin at 5:30 PM (IST) and people can watch it LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD and Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi) TV channels
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: India's top medal contenders include Neeraj Chopra (javelin), India's men's and women's cricket teams and Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting). Jyothi Yarraji (athletics), Antim Panghal (Wrestling) and HS Prannoy (badminton) are also top contenders.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: From transporting the horses by air to renting canoes and kayaks or even carrying them as luggage, Indian athletes for equestrian, canoe and kayaks disciplines have made their way to the Asian Games hoping to bring laurels to the country.
While Fouaad Mirza ended the country's draught of medals in equestrian in the last Asian Games in Indonesia by winning the silver in individual jumping, India is waiting for its next medal in canoeing and kayaking since the 1994 Hiroshima Games.
India has only one medal in canoeing from the pair of Siji Kumar Sadanandan and Johnny Rommel who won the bronze, six editions and 24 years ago in Japan.
The horses bound for Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, for equestrian have undergone one-week mandatory quarantine from September 12-19 in Aachen, Germany, from where they were taken to the venues. (PTI)
In the past three Asian Games, India has consistently secured a men's singles medal, and Sumit Nagal is determined to continue this trend at the prestigious continental event. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Rohan Bopanna and Yuki Bhmabri are strong contenders for gold medals, and Ankita Raina is aiming for her second podium finish. Indian tennis players have performed admirably in the last three editions of the Games, achieving top-three finishes in Guangzhou, Incheon, and Jakarta & Palembang.
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) shared an update on the three Wushu players who were denied entry into China for the 2023 Asian Games that began on Saturday. "We stand with the three #AsianGames2022 bound Wushu athletes, taking the utmost care for them at this hour. The 3 athletes are being taken care of at the SAI Hostel," SAI wrote in a tweet. (ANI)
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: The 19th Asian Games will kick off on September 23 in Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China. The grand opening ceremony will take place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, also known as the Big Lotus. Read More
Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony LIVE: "When they (China) refused visa to three of our athletes (for Asian Games) who hail from the state of Arunachal Pradesh. I decided that I will not go and participate in the Asian Games because Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India," Union Minister Anurag Thakur said.
China's eastern city of Hangzhou stepped up security ahead of the opening of the Asian Games, Reuters reported.
Roads in a sizeable "traffic control area" around the city's Olympic stadium were blocked off, at least one metro station was shut and other Games centres were closed off ahead of a ceremony organisers said would be "mesmerising".
IOC president Thomas Bach forecast a "shift in the world towards Asia in sport", ahead of Saturday's Asian Games opening ceremony.
The International Olympic Committee chief visited athletes in Hangzhou after meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who vowed to work with the IOC on upholding the "non-politicisation" of sport, AFP reported.
Cricket was part of the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014 but was absent in 2018. The sport is making a comeback after a five-year hiatus, adding to the excitement and anticipation. Check the complete schedule.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has hailed the Games as an event that embodies the Asian people’s shared desire for peace, unity and inclusiveness, reported journalist Serena Xue Dong.
India's top medal contenders include Neeraj Chopra (javelin), India's men's and women's cricket teams and Mirabai Chanu (weightlifting). Jyothi Yarraji (athletics), Antim Panghal (Wrestling) and HS Prannoy (badminton) are also top contenders.
Did you know that colour television broadcasts on Doordarshan were initiated primarily to coincide with the 1982 Asian Games? The opening ceremony witnessed a crowd of 75,000 attendees.
Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since its 1982 edition, the Asian Games has secured its position as one of the world's largest multi-sporting events. Notably, India hosted the event for the last time during that edition.
The scheduled trip of Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur to China for the approaching Asian Games stands cancelled. This decision follows the Ministry of External Affairs' declaration, which was prompted by Chinese authorities' refusal to grant access to certain athletes hailing from Arunachal Pradesh participating in the Games.
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