In a splendid and long-awaited spectacle, Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated the much-anticipated 19th Asian Games on a vibrant Saturday evening in the bustling city of Hangzhou. Despite the COVID-19-induced postponement, the event’s opening ceremony was nothing short of a breathtaking extravaganza, marked by resplendent displays and enthusiastic crowds.
In the city’s colossal 80,000-capacity stadium, the atmosphere was electric as spectators erupted in joyous applause upon the arrival of President Xi, who was accompanied by an array of esteemed guests, including International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
With great gravitas, President Xi proclaimed, “I declare the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games open,” setting the stage for an exceptional sporting event.
The Hangzhou 19th Asian Games, initially delayed by a year due to China’s rigorous COVID-19 containment measures, now stands as the nation’s grandest sporting extravaganza in over a decade. It boasts an impressive array of statistics, with approximately 12,000 athletes hailing from 45 nations poised to compete across 40 diverse sports disciplines.
The event unfolds across a staggering 56 venues, with 12 of them freshly constructed to meet the Games’ exacting standards.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, on his inaugural visit to China since the onset of the civil war in Syria in 2011, received a warm welcome from the crowd as his country’s contingent paraded into the arena. His presence was acknowledged with cheers as his image graced the colossal big screen.
In addition to President Bach, several other dignitaries and leaders from around the world, including Cambodia, Kuwait, and Nepal, were expected to grace the occasion, lending an air of global camaraderie to the festivities.
Raja Randhir Singh, acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia, addressed the audience with a sense of relief and optimism, proclaiming, “Finally, we can gather for the 19th Asian Games.” His statement echoed the unprecedented one-year postponement necessitated by China’s now-abandoned zero-COVID policy.
Security measures were stringent in the vicinity of the stadium, with roads closed and a visible police presence on every corner. Attendees underwent thorough security screenings, resulting in the confiscation of food items and umbrellas. Fortunately, the recent light rainfall had ceased by the time the event commenced.
The ceremony’s central theme revolved around water, paying homage to Hangzhou’s rich history and picturesque landscapes. It also paid tribute to the city’s unofficial status as the heart of China’s burgeoning tech industry.
A spectator named Zhang, 35, shared her excitement, stating, “I feel very happy and excited. I feel it’s a great honor for the city.”
Jung-Woo Lee, a sport policy expert at the University of Edinburgh, characterized the Games as “China’s post-pandemic soft-power exercise,” highlighting the nation’s resilience and determination to host this grand event.
Nevertheless, the Games have not been without controversy. A dispute between New Delhi and Beijing over three Indian wushu fighters marred the buildup to the multi-sport extravaganza. India’s sports minister canceled his planned trip to the city on Friday amidst claims that the trio had been denied entry to China, a claim China vehemently denied.
While the Games feature traditional events like athletics and swimming, they also embrace Asia’s diverse sporting culture with disciplines like sepak takraw (kick volleyball), kabaddi (a fusion of team tag and wrestling), and wushu (a martial art).
Additionally, the inclusion of e-sports, breakdancing, and sport climbing marks their debut in the Games, aiming to capture the interest of a younger and more diverse audience.
As the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games unfold, the world eagerly anticipates a thrilling showcase of athleticism, cultural exchange, and unity, highlighting China’s remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.
