Asian Games 2010: China and Guangzhou spew fireworks in opening ceremony

Guangzhou and China welcomed the Asian Games today in a majestic fashion. The opening ceremony was uniques in more than one way. This is the first mega sporting event held in China that is not hosted by Beijing. The opening ceremony had water as the overall theme and was characterized by the overwhelming display of fireworks. This was in part similar too the opening ceremony in Beijing held two years ago for the Olympics, the sky was lit no less than that historic day.

That besides the opening ceremony saw many artists of the country display their talent and the city’s tradition. As a great effort to promote martial arts while displaying the city’s rituals the oldest kung-fu school exhibited some nasty moves that left the audience white-faced with joyous surprise. These were artists in their own right. Kung fu in the Chinese tradition stands for discipline and skill which are so closely integrated with the spirit of sport.

Tower of fireworks

The ceremony which was surprisingly huge at four and a half hours was a joy nonetheless; a audio visual treat. The venue was Hai Xinsha, an island located on China’s third longest river – and hence the athletes from all nations were brought in the traditional way, by a boat parade. The India contingent led by Gagan Narang – who shot to glory at the recently concluded CWG – was brought to the venue too.

India’s contingent stands at 672 athletes who will participate in different discipline to find a spot in the top 5 at the least.

The venue was unlike in other opening ceremonies. It was not a sporting arena at all, but a stadium specially created for the ceremony with a seating space of 37,00 people. Equipped with many a gigantic LED screens highlights the beautiful scenery of China as well as the poignant moments in sport. The visual treat was completed by skyscrapers of Guangzhou that delighted the TV audiences especially watching from around the globe.

As the athletes arrived at the island after completing a 75 minute boat ride they were treated with folk music and an exhibition of Chinese culture via dance and colour. Soon after the audience stood up to welcome the games mascot, Xi Yangyang and five goats.

Prime Minister Wen Jiabao attended the ceremony

The athletes had their fair share of entertainment on their way to the venue. After which China’s national Anthem was performed. This was followed by various cultural programmes of song and dance. The art performance “setting sail” was applauded by the packed audience. The Guangzhou tower that looked like a lit up lighthouse spewed fireworks reminiscent of the dragon.

A foot tapping dance show was displayed by the musicians with the help of 500 drums, the melody and the synchronization was unforgettable.

The motto of these games is “Ever onwards” and sure China is sticking to it. After a dazzling ceremony two years back, China has stunned one and all with this celebration of sport and life. The athletes will come out tomorrow to contest for what matters – medals!