Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony, As It Happened: September 23 sees the 19th edition of the Asian Games set to kick-off in Hangzhou, China. In the presence of the Chinese President Xi Jinping, an impressive inauguration will take place at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium. What will you witness at the Opening Ceremony? Well, it will depict China's rich cultural history and will see integrate AI alongside eco-friendly technologies. The venue will set to host around 80,000 spectators and was initially designed to host football games back in 2018. Moreover, the Indian contingent will see Indian hockey men's skipper Harmanpreet Singh and female boxer Lovlina Borgohain as the official flag bearers at the ceremony. Catch all the highlights of the 19th Asian Games 2023 here. (Schedule | Full Coverage | Sports News)
7:36 pm: Fireworks around Hangzhou as Games are Open!
Fireworks take over Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium as Asian Games are open.
7:27 pm: Asian Games torch has been officialy lit
The torch of the 19th Asian Games has been officially been lit at Hangzhou.
7:22 pm: Some beautiful visuals from Hangzhou
Some beautiful visuals are coming in from the Asian Games opening ceremony.
7:09 pm: Some photos from the Opening Ceremony
Check all the best shots from the 19th Asian Games Opening Ceremony right here
6:47 pm: Xi Jingping officially declares Games open
President of China Xi Jingping officially declares the Asian Games open.
6:43 pm: 19th Asian Games sees countries bring colour and dynamism to the fore
The Asian Games 2023 saw countries bring their colour and dynamism to the opening ceremony.
6:14 pm: Meanwhile, here's the schedule of the Indian contingent tomorrow at the Asian Games
Check the schedule for the Indian contingent at the Asian Games 2023 for September 24here
6:03 pm: WATCH - Indian Contingent walk out at the Opening Ceremony
India 🇮🇳 lead by Lovlina Borgohain and Harmanpreet at Opening ceremony of Asian Games Opening Ceremony.#AsianGames2022#Hangzhou#AsianGames2023pic.twitter.com/Nh27OkOEXP
— ❤️ 🏸 (@ajoshijdpece) September 23, 2023
5:48 pm: Indian contingent come out to a rapturous applause at the ceremony
Led by the flag bearers Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain, Indian contingent comes out.
5:40 pm: The Official Mascots make their way
The official mascots of the Asian Games 2023, Lianlian, and Chenchen make their way in the ceremony.
5:30 pm: Chinese President Xi Jingping arrives with other leaders
Asian Games 2023 sees the arrival of Chinese President Xi Jingping ahead of the ceremony.
5:28 pm: It's almost time!
The opening ceremony for the 19th Asian Games is almost near.
4:46 pm: Indian Contingent all set for the Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony
Here are the Indian contingent all set for the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games 2023 at Hangzhou
Bharat Taiyar Hain💪🏻
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) September 23, 2023
The shining stars🌟 of 🇮🇳an sports all set dazzle at the opening ceremony of #AsianGames2022
The fun starts in a few hours and we can't wait🤩#Cheer4India#HallaBol#JeetegaBharat#BharatAtAG22
Picture Credits: @WeAreTeamIndiapic.twitter.com/T4C9steqjB
4:40 pm: Sports Authority Of India (SAI) stands with AP's Wushu athletes
"We stand with the three #AsianGames2022 bound Wushu athletes, taking the utmost care for them at this hour. The 3 athletes are being taken care of at the SAI Hostel," the Sports Authority Of India (SAI) have tweeted
4:26 pm: Lighting show on the banks of the river Qiantiang River
An #AsianGames themed lighting show on the banks of Qiantang River in #Hangzhou was held as a build-up to the opening ceremony. It turned out to be a huge draw among the Games' delegates, tourists and locals. #AsianGames2023pic.twitter.com/9OA39jqAip
— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) September 23, 2023
3:58 pm: Chinese Premier's message ahead of the Opening Ceremony
Chinese President Xi hailed the Games embodies the Asian people’s shared desire for peace, unity and inclusiveness, that is according to journalist Serena Xue Dong.
Welcoming banquet held ahead of the opening ceremony for #AsianGames2023 in Hangzhou.
— Serena Xue Dong (@theserenadong) September 23, 2023
President Xi hailed the Games embodies the Asian people’s shared desire for peace, unity and inclusiveness. pic.twitter.com/p3NZNRICfD
3:45 pm: Guess who's back!
After making an appearance in the 2010 and 2014 Games, Cricket is back at the Asian Games 2023! After a five-year break, cricket will be at the Asian Games once again and that too in the T20 format.
3:28 pm: Greetings!
Welcome to the live updates of the Asian Games 2023 Opening Ceremony
