19TH Asian Games, 2023 begins in Hangzhou, China in a colorful ceremony

Hangzhou, September 23

The 19th edition of the 2023 Asian Games began in Hangzhou city of China today. The two-week extravaganza was declared open in a colorful ceremony by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over 12,000 competitors from 45 nations and territories are taking part in 61 disciplines.

The impressive inauguration unfolded at the renowned Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, often referred to as the Big Lotus.  Throughout the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2023, a fusion of China’s rich cultural heritage and its contemporary dynamism was on full display. The performance seamlessly integrated artificial intelligence and eco-friendly technologies. The venue boasts an astonishing seating capacity of up to 80,000 spectators.

Indian Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh and boxer Lovlina Borgohain were India’s flag bearers for the event. The Indian contingent includes  921 people, including 655 athletes, 260 coaches, and support staff. India is one of the handful of countries that has competed in all the editions of the Asian Games since the games began in 1951.

In the early stages of Asian Games Table Tennis today, both men’s and women’s teams advanced to the pre-quarterfinals. The men’s team registered a thumping victory over Tajikistan while the Women’s team defeated Nepal. Indian Men Table Tennis team will face Kazakhstan tomorrow at  9.30 hrs IST  in the Round of 16.

In T20 Cricket, Indian women have already qualified for the semifinals. Tomorrow Indian Women will take on Bangladesh in the 1st Semifinal while in 2nd Semifinal, Pakistan Women will lock horns with Sri Lanka women.

The Indian men’s T20 Cricket is set to take place between September 28 and October 8.