Supercharged Super Opening Ceremony By Super Power China to herald the 19th Summer Asian Games in Hangzhou

The hazy, gloomy & wet weather at sunrise cleared by mid day as the city was virtually at a standstill for the Games to begin. Quite delayed, much awaited & highly appreciated, spectacular, colourful & gigantic opening ceremony was something that was seeing is believing. The sheer numbers of performers young & old, the hightec light show based on the main theme of water & tide as well as the fusion of history, tradition & culture of Hangzhou was absolutely & exclusively evident in 15 segments of one of the biggest displays at a major sporting event. Aligned with one of China’s twenty four solar terms – the one which symbolizes harvest & reunion in Chinese culture. 12, 417 athletes are participating at the Games. Nearly 80,000 who participated to fill the arena to near full capacity, experienced a near 02 hour show of the inclusiveness of the past, present & future of the life of the sporting family of Asia. A plea to unite & compete for the success of the Games was made by the hosts.

Chinese President, Xi Jingping declared the Games open. Thomas Bach – President, International Olympic Committee, Raja Randhir Singh – Acting President, Olympic Council of Asia together with Royalty & Head of States of participating nations were among dignitaries present at the ocassion. The oath on behalf of the Athletes was taken by Sun Yingsha – Female Table Tennis ( China ) & Zheng Siwei – Male Badminton ( China )

Nishantha Piyasena – Chef de Mission & Reshika Udugampola OLY – Deputy Chef de Mission were with Track Athlete, Gayanthika Thushari & Golfer, Anura Rohana who were the flag bearers for team Sri Lanka. Many athletes were missing, probably due to competition the following day.

China is world renowned for their fireworks. Nevertheless, this Opening Ceremony was devoid of any. The Greener Games concept was highlighted by the extensive / colourful light show throughout the ceremony. It is prudent to recall that Sri Lanka had proposed the reduction / banning fireworks at Opening / Closing Ceremonies of sports events way back in 2010. Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Maxwell De Silva had proposed in Acapulco, Mexico then & will be in Hangzhou, China to see it being implemented, probably setting a precedent for such events in the future. The cauldron was lit by Wang Shun – Male Swimmer (China)

56 sports facilities, 30training sites, five villages for athletes & in addition villages for Technical Officials & Media Personnel have been built for the purpose & will become fully operational over the next two weeks. 09 sports will offer qualification for the Olympic Games in Paris next year.

Report assisted by NOCSL Media
Photos courtesy Thusirth Wijedoru & Namal Silva

[huge_it_gallery id=”1144″]

[huge_it_gallery id=”1147″]