Asian Games 2023 is set to kick-start on Saturday (September 23) in Hangzhou, China. The opening ceremony of the championships will be held at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium and start at 5:30 PM IST.
The beautiful venue was first built as a football stadium way back in 2018. Also known as the Big Lotus, this arena has a capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators.

What an opening ceremony it was, one of the best in the history of multi-nation sporting events! A blend of culture and modernity, it had it all! And that will be it from our side! Bye and good night!

And that's the end of the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games. Pic credit: SonyLIV

The official song of the Hangzhou Asian Games! Pic credit: SonyLIV

The digital torch-bearer is inside the arena! Pic credit: SonyLIV

The digital torch-bearer crosses the river in spectacular fashion! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Torch inspired by ancient Chinese culture! Digit torch-lighting on display! Pic credit: SonyLIV

An opera in typical Chinese style! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Kids get a huge cheer as they sing this beautiful song! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Over 90 dancers- representing peace and solidarity through their performance! Pic credit: SonyLIV

A glimpse of every sport that is going to be on display at the 19th Asian Games! Pic credit: SonyLIV

The virtual versions of the three mascots! Pic credit: SonyLIV

A magical duet performance! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Soothing musical piece! Pic credit: SonyLIV

A grand display of culture and art. Pic credit: SonyLIV

A lovely cultural dance performance on display! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Beautiful promo for Asian Games 2023! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Olympic Council of Asia flag. Pic credit: SonyLIV

Chinese President Xi Jinping officially inaugurated the Asian Games 2023! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Indian flag-bearers. Lovlina Borgohain & Harmanpreet Singh!

Randhir Singh, the acting President of the Olympic Council of Asia! Pic credit: SonyLIV
THE INDIAN CONTINGENT
THAT IS OUR TEAM
— IndiaSportsHub (@IndiaSportsHub) September 23, 2023
THAAAAAT IS OUR TEAM INDIA
LET THE #AsianGames2023 startpic.twitter.com/q0Q7UnXrzl

Here they are! China: Contingent. The most successful country in the history of the Asian Games! Contingent. Pic credit: SonyLIV

Yemen: Contingent. Pic credit: SonyLIV

Vietnam: Contingent. Pic credit: SonyLIV

Uzbekistan: Contingent. Pic credit: SonyLIV

UAE: Contingent! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Timor-Leste: Contingent! Pic credit: SonyLIV

Thailand: Contingent! Pic credit: SonyLiv

Tajikistan: contingent

Chinese Taipei: contingent
The opening ceremony will present a mix of tradition and modernity. Throughout the ceremony, China's rich heritage as well as its modern technological advancement will be on display.
For the first time ever, digital torch-lighting will be introduced in an Asian Game opening ceremony. Chinese President Xi Jinping will be there to attend the 19th Asian Games opening ceremony.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced its joint flag-bearers for the event. The Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and the Olympic bronze medalist in boxing Lovlina Borgohain, will be Indian flag-bearers.