Squash star Abdulla Al Tamimi (right) carries the national flag as Qatari contingent parades during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, yesterday.
Jakarta, Indonesia: The 2018 Asian Games officially opened with a spectacular Opening Ceremony held in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta yesterday as prodigious young squash player, Abdulla Al Tamimi led out the team, carrying the national flag at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
A spectacular pyrotechnic show, including a simulated volcanic eruption, lit up the Jakarta skyline yesterday night as Indonesia rolled out the red carpet for the continent’s elite athletes in the glittering ceremony.
The country’s President Joko Widodo made an unorthodox and dramatic entrance to the, riding a motorbike onto the stage before officially opening Indonesia’s second hosting of the Asiad.
Team Qatar will be represented by more than 200 athletes, including 29 females, who will compete across 30 events and disciplines in 20 different sports.
The team includes a strong mix of youth and experienced athletes with ages ranging from 17 to 40 and Olympic medallists competing alongside Asian Games’ debutants.
Some 13,000 athletes from 45 national Olympic committees will compete in 40 sports and 67 disciplines in the biggest multi-sport extravaganza outside Olympics with the schedule including a host of new events.
Yesterday’s glittering ceremony was attended by H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Jassim Al Buenain, QOC Secretary General and a QOC delegation.
Speaking afterwards, H E Sheikh Joaan said: “We were so proud and happy to see the Qatari delegation marching amongst the other Asian countries participating at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2018. This is an important multi-sport event in the journey of our athletes towards greatness and success.”
“The Opening Ceremony has brought back memories of the unforgettable Opening Ceremony of Doha 2006, which has had a great impact on the development of the sport in Qatar. It has also shifted the eyes of the world toward Qatar as a global sporting hub.
“We are so proud of the legacy it has brought to our next generations of athletes in our country. We thank the Organising Committee on the success of the ceremony which shows the readiness of Indonesia to stage successful games,” Sheikh Joaan said.
Indonesia showed the world that they are ready to host an incredible edition of the Games with a mesmerising show featuring international and local artists. The atmosphere at the ceremony was vibrant and full of energy, paving the way for an exhilarating 15 days of competition that will follow.
Jassim Rahsid Al Buenain said: “The opening ceremony has gathered the best Asian champions from different cultures and background in one place to celebrate sport in unity and peace. This proves the prominent status of Asia in the sport world. Jakarta has spread a message of peace and friendship to the continent and the world, and Qatar’s participation in the games with more than 200 athletes proves its strong and advanced level in sport.”
Looking ahead for Team Qatar, Ishaq Al Hashmi, Qatar’s Chef De Mission said: “We are proud of our athletes who marched today at the opening ceremony in Jakarta. Our athletes have prepared extensively for the games.”
Team Qatar is calling for fans back home to show their support on social media by changing their profile picture on Facebook and Twitter.
Fans can also leave messages, videos and photos of support for Team Qatar across social media with the hashtag #IamQatar.
