Jakarta: The Asian Games, the second largest multi-sports extravaganza after the Olympics, got off to a spectacular start at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (GBK) here on Saturday night. Indonesia last hosted the quadrennial showpiece way back in 1962 and the South East Asian nation made sure it was a memorable start to the showpiece event.
The spectacle began with the hugely popular Indonesian president Joko Widodo making his entry to the arena. It was followed by a stunning performance by the 5,000-odd dancers.
After a throwback to the 1962 edition, the athletes marched on to the arena with the Afghans being the first to make their appearance.
The Indian contingent was led on to the field by star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. The Indians looked smart in their dark blazer and world under-20 400m champion Hima Das took the occasion to sway to the peppy background music.
The Koreas marched under a unified flag, while the loudest cheers were reserved for the hosts who were the last to enter the stadium.
Rich tradition
The rich tradition of the archipelago was on full display at the glittering ceremony. The GBK’s front area was transformed into a huge stage by a team of visual artists from Jakarta and Bandung, West Java. The stage was designed like a lush mountain surrounded by Indonesian plants.
Popular Indonesian pop singer Anggun Cipta Sasmi’s performance was the musical highlight of the ceremony. A number of Indonesian pop music acts too was part of the show.
The ceremony lasted two-and-a-half hours and the dance show was choreographed by Indonesian artists Eko Supriyanto and Denny Malik.
Indonesian badminton legend Susi Susanti lit the Games flame as fireworks illuminated the night sky over GBK.
Indonesian Asian Games Organising Committee president and business tycoon EricK Thohir, and Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahd Al-Sabah were present among others on the occasion.
The stage is all set for enthralling action across the next fortnight at the first Games being held in two cites – Jakarta and Palembang.
