President Xi Jinping of China inaugurated the 19th Asian Games in a magnificent ceremony held in Hangzhou on Saturday. This highly anticipated two-week sporting event, which was delayed by a year due to China’s now-abandoned zero-Covid policy, will witness the participation of more than 12,000 athletes from 45 nations and territories competing in 40 different sports.
The opening ceremony took place at the 80,000-capacity Hangzhou Olympic stadium, commonly referred to as the “Big Lotus.” President Xi, welcomed by a cheering crowd waving miniature Chinese flags, officially declared the Games open. The event was graced by the presence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and other esteemed leaders from around the world. Syrian supporters erupted in applause as their country’s team entered the arena, and President Assad’s image on the big screen elicited an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The theme of the spectacle revolved around water, paying homage to Hangzhou’s rich history and natural beauty, as well as its position as a prominent hub in China’s technology industry. The ceremony reached its climactic moment with a “digital torch bearer” projected onto a large screen behind the Games cauldron.
Amid the excitement, a 35-year-old spectator named Zhang expressed her joy and honor in witnessing the opening ceremony, calling it a moment of great happiness. According to Dr. Jung-Woo Lee, a sport policy expert from the University of Edinburgh, the Asian Games present an opportunity for China to showcase its soft power in a post-pandemic world.
China’s reputation as a sporting and business destination took a significant blow during the pandemic, resulting in the cancellation of numerous international events due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. Despite some challenges, the Games are expected to be a remarkable achievement that highlights China’s resilience and determination.
However, the Games have also faced controversy, particularly concerning a dispute between China and India over the participation of three Indian martial arts fighters. The Indian sports minister’s trip to Hangzhou was canceled, with India accusing China of barring the fighters from entering the country, an allegation China denies.
The opening ceremony also witnessed the participation of athletes from North Korea, receiving warm applause as they entered the stadium. This marks their first major international competition since the pandemic. The host country, China, is considered the favorite to dominate the medals table, with Japan and South Korea expected to compete for second place.
The Asian Games will showcase a wide range of sports, including traditional Olympic disciplines such as athletics, swimming, football, gymnastics, and cycling. Additionally, eSports will make its debut as a medal event, potentially paving the way for its inclusion in future Olympic Games. Regional specialties like dragon boat racing, the Chinese martial art wushu, and kabaddi will also be featured.
Furthermore, nine sports, including boxing, break dancing, and tennis, will serve as qualifiers for the Paris Olympics scheduled for next year. The Games aim to provide opportunities for as many athletes as possible, promoting inclusivity and not solely emphasizing elite sports.
While the official opening took place on Saturday, several sports such as football, cricket, volleyball, and table tennis had already commenced. Pakistan’s men’s volleyball team, for instance, advanced to the quarter-finals after a convincing victory over South Korea. Despite rain interruptions, both India and Pakistan’s women’s cricket teams progressed to the semifinals.
The Asian Games will be held across 54 venues, including 14 newly constructed ones, spanning from Hangzhou to cities as far as Wenzhou, approximately 300 kilometers south.
Overall, the 19th Asian Games symbolize unity, respect, and a celebration of athletic prowess. The event not only highlights China’s commitment to overcoming challenges but also serves as a platform for diverse cultures and nations to come together in the spirit of friendly competition and sportsmanship.