Athletes from across Asia gathered at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium on Saturday as the 20th Asian Games formally got underway in Aichi-Nagoya.
Japan’s Emperor Naruhito officially declared the continental sporting event open, signalling the ceremonial beginning of the multi-sport competition.
Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker and Indian kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat carried the tricolour at the head of India’s contingent during the opening ceremony.
Bhaker brought her Olympic experience to the occasion, while Sehrawat represented one of India’s prominent indigenous sporting disciplines and drew on his experience from the country’s gold-winning kabaddi campaign at the previous Asian Games.
Sehrawat took on the flag-bearer responsibility after shot putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor could not participate in the ceremony because of technical issues.
The late change altered India’s planned representation but did not diminish the significance of the contingent’s entry into the stadium.
India’s athletes marched through the stadium with the national flag flying prominently as they greeted spectators and celebrated the start of another Asian Games campaign.
Their appearance also carried memories of India’s record medal haul at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
The ceremony combined traditional Japanese cultural elements with modern performances, music and technology to present the country’s heritage alongside its contemporary identity.
Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako joined other dignitaries at the event, adding further prominence to the proceedings.
The opening ceremony gave participating athletes a chance to celebrate the Games together before shifting their attention towards their respective events.
With the ceremonial proceedings complete, India’s athletes will now turn their focus to competition, where targets, tactics, points and medals will take centre stage.
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