We, Asia, are one.
With this theme and focusing on the continent’s bright future, the 17th Asian Games began with a lovely show of colour, light and vibrant music at the Asiad Main Stadium here on Friday evening.
Opening ceremonies usually tell a story of the host country, showcasing some of its brightest pages, but Incheon chose to be different. It spoke about a continent, divided by oceans, where nearly two-thirds of the world’s population reside, and which should stay united and strong. It also hailed Asia’s bright future.
Incheon also showed its lively young face when it broke from tradition and had two little kids lighting the Games flame. Of course, it was carried all the way till the final step by some of Korea’s greatest athletes, including many world and Olympic champions.
The ceremony, which was attended among others by the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, South Korea President Park Geun-Hye, and Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmed Al Fahad Al Sabah, was simple, even the fireworks display was brief and went down much before the cameras at the packed 60,000-capacity stadium came up to catch it, but it was touching.
The children and youth of Incheon were among the major performers in the show which came in four parts running to three-and-a-half hours, but the end piece by Gangnam Style star DJ Psy had the entire crowd on its feet and asking for more.
Nepal led the athletes’ march, following the Korean alphabetical order, and loud cheers were reserved for Japan, China, Afghanistan and, of course, the host team. Each team had been allowed only 130 athletes for the marchpast but China, a powerhouse in the sporting world, came up with a contingent which was almost double that number or more.
The Indian team, which had hockey team captain Sardar Singh as its flag-bearer, looked smart with the men in navy blazers and blue trousers while the women wore green sarees with blazers on top.
Saudi Arabia turned up with an all-men team, a bit disappointing considering the progress the country had made by fielding women at the 2012 London Olympics for the first time, but all was forgotten in the dance, music and lights.
A lovely display of ring gymnastics by children and later, the treat offered by Korean pop stars Exo, JYJ and Psy lit up the night.
South Korean President Park Geun-Hye opened the Games with the simple one-liner as is the custom and a little later, it was time to party.
