The Asian Games 2023 officially commenced on Sunday night in the city of Hangzhou, China, with a grand opening ceremony that captivated spectators worldwide.
The event featured a stunning parade of athletes representing 45 countries and a series of thrilling performances that set the stage for more than two weeks of competition.
Athletes from across Asia will vie for supremacy in 40 sports, including the increasingly popular realm of e-sports, underscoring the region’s commitment to embracing emerging sporting trends.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of dignitaries from numerous Asian nations, with special attention given to the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended a warm welcome to these esteemed guests, highlighting the significance of unity and sportsmanship on this global stage.
“For centuries, Hangzhou has been known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich endowment and a thriving cultural life. Marco Polo described it as ‘the City of Heaven, the finest and the noblest in the world.’ I once worked in Zhejiang Province for quite a few years.
“Committed to reform and opening up, the province is now fast-tracking toward high-quality development. It is building a demonstration zone for common prosperity and has become a pioneer in Chinese modernization. I wish you all an unforgettable experience in the picturesque Zhejiang and a fond memory by the flames of the Asian Games,” Xi said.
A remarkable 12,500 athletes have converged to participate in the games, which are scheduled to run until October 8th.
Notably, Afghan athletes – including a number of female athletes – are among those competing in these games, representing their country across a range of 15 sports. Athletes from Afghanistan in events such as wushu, ju-jitsu, boxing, cricket, volleyball, swimming, and wrestling have participated.
