Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony Highlights: The opening ceremony of Asian Games 2023 kicked off with an artistic program with Chinese President Xi Jinping among the important guests. India's flag-bearers in the athletes' parade were men's hockey team captain, Harmanpreet Singh, and star boxer Lovlina Borgohain. The dress for the Indian contingent included a khaki textured saree for women and a khaki kurta for the male players. Later, Xi Jinping declared the Asian Games 2023 officially open. Mesmerising song and light show captivated the mind of the audience at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: Spectacular show!
A superb dance show amid pleasing music and some great light effects are together making it a spectacular watch. It is showing the China's cultural heritage and romantic imagery.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: Randhir Singh at centre!
Randhir Singh, interim president of the Olympic Council of Asia, currently at the stage. “On behalf of OCA, I would like to say how proud and happy we are. Heart to heart @ future, this is not only the slogan for Asian Games but also the future of Asia. To the spectators and people of Hangzhou, Xie Xie for your hospitality and warm welcome," he said.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: What an ambience!
The Sri Lankan contingent were on the stage. Syria is now at the centre stage. The Mascots along with the song in the background and light are making is all a surreal experience for everyone. Chinese Taipei comes next and it receives a huge cheer from the crowd.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: Indian contingent shines!
Conceived and uniquely designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the dress for the Indian contingent included a khaki textured saree for women and a khaki kurta for the male players.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: Indian contingent here!
Here comes the Indian contingent led by boxer Lovlina Borgohain and men's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh. Iran comes next to them and the Iraq contingent follows.
The contingents of Bhutan, Cambodia and North Korea also go through the stage. This all is taking place amid beautiful lights and music. Hong Kong is the next one to arrive and it receives a lot of cheer from the crowd.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: Mascots on stage!
The Mascots of Asian Games 2023 are on the stage now with a superb dance performance accompanying them. Beautiful lights and dance work all around the stage and there comes Afghanistan's contingent.
The artistic program has the Great Wall of China being shown on the big screen with the soldiers walking with the Chinese flag on the stage. This all is being accompanied by song in the background.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: Opening ceremony begins!
The Asian games 2023 opening ceremony has kicked off. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also among the attendees at the event. It has started with an artistic program.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: A record Indian contingent!
India have sent a record contingent of 921 to take part in the Asian Games 2023. Out of that 655 are athletes, 260 are coaches and support staff. While multiple events have already kicked off on September 19, the opening ceremony on Saturday will officially mark the start of the 19th Asian Games.
Asian Games Opening Ceremony Live: India's two flag-bearers -
The captain of the men's hockey team, Harmanpreet Singh, and star boxer Lovlina Borgohain will be the flag-bearers for India at the Asian Games 2023 opening ceremony. Both of them are ready for the event.
Hello everyone, welcome the live blog of Asian Games 2023 opening ceremony. The event takes place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium. Stay connected for the all the updates.
Lovlina Borgohain