By Anas Alyusuf

HANGZHOU — In a grand cultural spectacle that masterfully blended tradition and cutting-edge technology, China inaugurated the 19th edition of the Asian Games in the city of Hangzhou on Saturday.

Under the theme “From the Heart to the Future,” Chinese President Xi Jinping officially opened the largest-ever Asian Games, foregoing fireworks in line with a commitment to environmental sustainability.

After a one-year delay due to the stringent measures imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Games kicked off with the participation of a staggering 12,417 athletes from 45 countries over the course of two weeks.

The Games, which first debuted in New Delhi in 1951, have now grown to rival the Olympics.

President Xi, who received an enthusiastic welcome from the large crowd of spectators waving Chinese flags, inaugurated the Games, marking the third time they have been hosted in China after Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.

The event took place in Hangzhou, a city known for its prosperity and growth, offering a glimpse into the nation’s future.

Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki attended the grand opening.

The opening ceremony vividly portrayed China’s rich cultural heritage and romantic imagery by seamlessly merging its ancient civilization with modern technology.

The ceremony showcased the ancient city of Liangzhu, a sacred and prominent historical site in China with a 5,000-year history.

Leveraging innovative modern technologies, the ceremony revolved around water, Hangzhou’s ancient history, and its picturesque landscapes, while also acknowledging the city’s reputation as the unofficial tech capital of China.

Notably, traditional fireworks were not used during the opening ceremony at the Olympic-inspired “Big Lotus” stadium, aligning with the Games’ eco-friendly approach.

Instead, 50,000 spectators were treated to a “visual feast” through the use of impressive electronic fireworks, featuring 3D animations and augmented reality technology.

As the host country with a massive delegation of around 800 athletes, China is a strong contender to top the medal table, with Japan and South Korea vying for second place.

The Games will be held at 54 sporting venues, including 14 newly constructed ones, primarily in Hangzhou but also extending to distant cities like Wenzhou, 300 kilometers to the south.

Hangzhou, a city of 12 million residents, just an hour away by high-speed train from Shanghai, is renowned for its ancient temples, gardens, and the beloved West Lake.

To ensure the success of the Games, approximately 37,600 volunteers were selected from around 324,000 applicants.

The 19th Asian Games are set to provide a platform for extraordinary athletic feats while showcasing the intersection of tradition and technology, leaving a lasting legacy in Hangzhou and further elevating the city’s global prominence.