Nagoya: After 32 years, Japan once again plays host to the Asian Games, as the opening ceremony of the biggest sporting event in the continent takes place here with pomp and pageantry at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium here today with the theme 'Imagine One Asia'.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the opening started at 6 pm local time, with artistic and colorful performances that showed its passion for organizing its third Asian Games, following the first in Tokyo in 1958 and then Hiroshima in 1994.
The audience was treated to a song performance before the arrival of invited guests, which included Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako; Crown Prince Akishino Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko; Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Joaan Hamad Al Thani and International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Kirsty Coventry.
The artistic segment 'Welcome Aichi-Nagoya - Awakening of the Space and the Resonating Heart Beat' was the official opener, performed by Hakase Taro and a slew of artists who formed the word 'WELCOME' together. This was followed by the entry of Japan's national flag and its flag raising, and the marching in of the contingents of 45 participating countries.
Malaysia, which is participating in its 19th consecutive Asian Games, was the 22nd contingent to enter, led by chef de mission Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, while women's wushu exponent Tan Cheong Min and men's sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi were accorded the honor of being flagbearers.
The contingent was all dressed in special batik outfits with an interpretation of a modern Malaysian identity, the white background of their shirts symbolizing unity and openness, while the flowing patterns in blue, red, and gold represent confidence, courage, spirit, and the aspiration to pursue excellence.
Traditional floral and botanical motifs served as features celebrating Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, and the Jalur Gemilang patch on their sleeves served as a commemorative element marking National Day on Aug 31 and Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
After the contingents entered, Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee president Hideaki Omura and Sheikh Joaan delivered their speeches, and then the Games was declared officially open. The OCA flag made its way into the stadium and was raised, and the judges and athletes took their oaths.
The opening continued with 'Aichi-Nagoya, the Heart Beat of Tradition', showcasing the development and prosperity of Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture, combining traditional and technological elements through Japanese dance, traditional musical instruments, and contemporary elements.
Meanwhile, the next performance, 'A Manufacturing Excellence in Aichi-Nagoya: Harmony Connecting to the Future' was a spectacle of light and machines, narrating a story of how the local industrial sector developed and also its future.
The ceremony then reached its highlight as six torchbearers carrying the Games flame ran a lap around the stadium before lighting up the Asian Games cauldron.
Finally, all the entertainers got back on stage for the closing performance 'Harmonic Heart Beat - United as One in Aichi-Nagoya', a display of unity throughout Aichi-Nagoya in celebrating the opening of the Games.