Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 kicks off with futuristic opening ceremony
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The Hangzhou Asian Games commenced with a captivating opening ceremony that blended artificial intelligence and environmentally friendly technology.
Themed 'Tides Surging in Asia,' the ceremony celebrated unity, love, and friendship among Asian nations, showcasing China's cultural heritage and modern technology.
Digital technology played a significant role in lighting the cauldron, where torchbearers in the virtual and physical worlds jointly ignited the Games' Flame.
The event was inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping, with over 12,000 athletes from 45 countries participating.
The Games, which focus on being carbon-neutral, featured digital fireworks instead of traditional ones. Despite the absence of three Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh due to visa issues, Indian athletes and officials received a warm welcome during the athletes' parade.
The opening ceremony highlighted the importance of water in Hangzhou, emphasising its cultural and historical significance. It combined modern technologies with traditional Chinese culture, showcasing the appeal of Eastern aesthetics, the power of science, and the influence of art.
China's hosting of the Hangzhou Asian Games marked a significant step toward normalcy post-pandemic, with more than 12,000 athletes participating, making it the largest sporting event in the country's history. The Games feature 481 gold medals across 40 sports and 61 disciplines, including Esports, making its debut.
Some sporting events had already begun before the opening ceremony, including football, volleyball, cricket, rowing, sailing, and modern pentathlon.
