Asian Games 2018 begin with glittering and spectacular opening ceremony in Jakarta

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Priyadarshinee N
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A glittering and spectacular opening ceremony marked by a burst of colour, dances, and music showcasing rich cultural heritage of Indonesia marked the start of the 18th Asian Games at GBK Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday.

With more than 10,000 athletes from 45 nations competing with each, the biggest sporting extravaganza will continue until September 2.

When the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, made a spectacular entry to the venue of the opening ceremony on a bike, it was apparent that Indonesia would be different in its presentation of events to come in next 16 days.

Blending tradition with modern technology, the opening spectacle that continued for over two hours had pleasant interventions of fireworks litting up the sky over the venue in a burst of colours.

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After all contingents attired in their national costumes marched into the Stadium, fireworks marked the beginning of a memorable ceremony either by their respective of heads or the government nominees

Thrower Neeraj Chopra was India's flag bearer as the biggest ever Indian contingent walked into the stadium to a warm applause.

The hosts Indonesia were the last to enter. Each contingent was greeted among others by either heads of nations or other dignitaries deputed specially to attend the ceremony. Raja Randhir Singh with his pink turban stood out in the VIP enclosure.

A unified Korean contingent comprising of athletes of both North and south Koreas, was a special attraction.

India would try to improve upon its last Asian games performance where it won 57 medals, including 11 gold and 10 silver. India will be looking for "gold doubles" both in hockey and Kabaddi besides putting its medal hopes on athletes - Neeraj Chopra, Hima (the first track star to win gold in World under-20 championship), Seema Punia, shot putter Tejinder, relay quatrets- besides Sindhu, Saina, Srikanth in badminton, Monika Batra in TT, And then there are impressive line ups in tennis, boxing, wrestling, gymnastics that can help India swell its medals tally.

Competitions have already started. In hockey, Indian girls will play the hosts Indonesia tomorrow while men team will start its campaign against Hongkong China.

In Kabaddi Indian women will play Japan tomorrow.

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