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Asian Games 2023: fireworks light up Hangzhou after China’s President Xi Jinping officially declares event open

Delayed by a year because of Covid-19 restrictions, opening ceremony for 19th Asiad comes to a close with glorious fireworks display

Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived to cheers from the crowd at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium

A digital torchbearer lights the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 7:01pm, 23 Sep 2023Updated: 11:15am, 24 Sep 2023

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Introduction

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Delayed by a year because of Covid-19, built up to slowly start over the past week, the 19th Asian Games is finally under way.

Saturday’s opening ceremony promised to be one like no other, and with a mix of technology and artistry combining for what organisers said would be a “visual feast”, it did not disappoint.

Hong Kong’s delegation, led by flag bearers Salom Yiu and Juanita Mok, entered the stadium to thunderous cheers under the watchful eye of Chinese President Xi Jinping and a host of foreign dignitaries.

Hong Kong’s delegation take part in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony. Photo: AFP

The biggest applause, though, was of course reserved for China, who closed out the athletes’ parade with their largest ever delegation of 886.

The hosts, who have won more than 3,000 medals since the Asia’s inception, will be expected to dominate again as they stage the showpiece for the third time.

Here’s how all the action unfolded at the catchily-named Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Reporting by Nicolas Atkin, Lars Hamer, Paul McNamara and Katie Giordano, with Josh Ball and Mike Chan in Hangzhou