ASIAN GAMES 2010 – Let the Games begin

The Opening Ceremony of the 16th Asian Games held in Guangzhou last night was an amazing show – levelling with Beijing’s incredible performance in 2008. Badminton had its share of glory with flag bearers in the name of Koo Kien Keat for Malaysia, Chien Yu Chin for Chinese Taipei, Yip Pui Yin for Hong Kong and Reiko Shiota for Japan, while China’s Fu Haifeng was chosen by the organizing committee to take the oath of honour on behalf of all athletes.

Raphael Sachetat, live from Guangzhou. Photos (live): Badmintonphoto

Opening Ceremonies can be spectacular moments and China has proven once again its talent and originality in putting together a gigantic water-themed performance that lasted almost 3 hours. From state-of-the-art costumes to amazing constructions, from joyful songs to more romantic ballads, there wasn’t a minute left to silence. The story related Guangzhou’s long relationships with the sea – being China’s entry to the Maritime Silk Road.

Badminton stars

If it was Olympic diving champion He Chong who ignited a giant firework whose flare shot up and lit the cauldron, badminton still had its share of glory last night in Guangzhou. No fewer than 4 flag bearers were shuttlers and the player chosen to pledge in the name of all the athletes was none other than three-time men’s doubles World Champion and gold medal contender Fu Haifeng.

It was first Yip Pui Yin, for Hong Kong, who walked past the officials with the flag in her hands before Reiko Shiota for Japan, Koo Kien Keat for Malaysia, Chien Yu Chin for Chinese Taipei – 4 badminton stars which probably makes our sport one of the most represented amongst the flag bearers.

If most of the top stars had stayed home to prepare for this Saturday’s first matches, some others had been keen on waiting for the long hours before the final parade. China’s Head Coach Li Yongbo was one of the last people on stage, a few minutes after a shining Zhang Ning.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao declared the games open, to the thunderous explosion of a massive fireworks display in front of the 610-metre high Guangzhou Tower as a backdrop.

This Saturday’s schedule sees the first match of the team competition:

Men’s team competition
India vs. Chinese Taipei
Japan vs. Mongolia

Women’s team competition
Indonesia vs. India
Hong Kong China vs. Malaysia