NAGOYA, Japan: 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 on Saturday (Sept. 19) with the theme ‘magine One Asia’.
The opening started at 6:00 pm local time, with artistic and colourful performances that showed its passion for organising its third Asian Games, following the first in Tokyo in 1958 and then Hiroshima in 1994.
The audience were treated to a song performance before the arrival of invited guests, which included Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Emperess Masako; Crown Prince Akishino Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko; Olympic Council of Asia’s (OCA) President, Sheikh Joaan Hamad Al Thani; and International Olympic Committee’s (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 artistes who formed the word ’WELCOME’ together, and was followed by the entry of the 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 honour of being flagbearers.
The contingent were all dressed in special batik outfits with an interpretation of a modern Malaysian identity, the white background of their shirts symbolising 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 our rich cultural heritage, and the ‘Jalur Gemilang’ patch on their sleeves serve as a commemorative element marking National Day on August 31 and Malaysia Day on September 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, as the OCA flag made its way into the stadium and 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. – BERNAMA
