‘Tide of Asia’ rises to mark beginning of 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou

The 19th Asian Games commenced with a grand opening ceremony at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium in China’s Zhejiang Province. The theme, “Tide of Asia,” drew inspiration from Zhejiang’s iconic Qiantang River tidal bore, symbolizing the region’s culture, sports, and contemporary spirit. The ceremony comprised three segments, representing Chinese culture, sports, and humanity, all connected by the symbolism of water and emphasizing China’s role in Asia and the world.

The event features over 12,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries, competing in 481 events across 61 disciplines spanning 40 sports. China, as the host, has fielded 886 athletes, the second-highest participation in their history at the Asian Games, competing in 407 events across 38 sports. Swimmer Qin Haiyang and basketball player Yang Liwei carried China’s flag during the opening ceremony.

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the 19th Asian Games officially open. The ceremony also included the raising of the Olympic Council of Asia’s flag and an oath-taking ceremony by Chinese table tennis player Sun Yingsha and badminton player Zheng Siwei on behalf of all athletes.

A unique aspect of the ceremony involved over 100 million people participating through an app to ignite the digital flame for the 19th Asian Games.

Source – CGTN