In Pics: Neeraj Chopra leads Indian contingent as Asian Games 2018 kickoff in a colourful ceremony in Jakarta
A spectacular pyrotechnic show, including a simulated volcanic eruption, lit up the Jakarta skyline on Saturday night as Indonesia rolled out the red carpet for the continent's elite athletes in the opening ceremony for the 18th Asian Games.
A spectacular pyrotechnic show, including a simulated volcanic eruption, lit up the Jakarta skyline on Saturday night as Indonesia rolled out the red carpet for the continent's elite athletes in the opening ceremony for the 18th Asian Games.
The country's president Joko Widodo made an unorthodox and dramatic entrance to the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, riding a motorbike onto the stage before officially opening Indonesia's second hosting of the Asiad.
We bring you the colourful opening ceremony in pictures:
One of the performances included the dancers perform near a prop moon during the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of Asian Games in Jakarta on Saturday.
Fireworks explode only to make Gelora Bung Karno Stadium look even more beautiful during the opening ceremony of Asian Games 2018 on Saturday. We are proud, we are honoured by the arrival of the special guests from 45 countries," Widodo told a crowd of 50,000 packed into the same arena where the 1962 Games were opened. PC: AFP
Young Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the flag bearer, led the Indian contingent with players arriving in blue suits, smiling and with small flags in their hands, waving to the crowd. PC: AFP
The Olympic Council of Asia flag is raised during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2018 at Jakarta on Saturday. OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah then addressed the packed stadium and was delighted that his own country Kuwait participated under country's flag. He also appreciated the harmony between the two Korean nations. PC: Reuters
Spectators use their mobile phones during the Opening Ceremony of the 18th edition of Asian Games at Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. The ceremony kicked off with a helmet-clad biker, presented to be the President, eventually appeared at the stadium before Widodo revealed himself at the dignitaries stands amid loud cheers from the crowd. PC: Reuters
"We are all here to celebrate diversity, we are all here to celebrate differences, we are all here to celebrate humanity," Organising Committee President Erick Thohir said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the 18th edition of Asian Games on Saturday. PC: AFP