‘A lifetime experience’: India athletes react to dazzling Hangzhou Asian Games opening ceremony | Asian Games 2023 News – Times of India

NEW DELI: Integrating facets of artificial intelligence with eco-friendly technology, the Hangzhou Asian Games kicked off on Saturday with a glamorous and mesmerising opening ceremony.
Amid the huge roar from the spectators in the city’s 80,000 capacity stadium, China’s President Xi Jinping declared the Games open.
The dazzling show that put forward the cultural history of China and the spirit of the continent’s unity was indeed the highlight of the opening ceremony.
And like everyone else from around the continent attending the event, the Indians athletes too were in awe of the futuristic ceremony that kicked off the 19th Asian Games.
While some called in an experience of a lifetime for others it was a spectacular marvel. Here’s a look at some of the reactions of the Indian athletes on the dazzling opening ceremony.
“I attended the opening ceremony with the team and I had a great time with everyone. It was a spectacular event. My favourite part was the story telling. It was about how history and culture has played a role in China in being what it is today and it was really nice to see. I got to see it with my friends, coaches and other athletes and that was the best part,” said Advait Page, member of the swimming team.
“I had been dreaming of this since I was a child, of walking in the opening ceremony. It was a very proud moment for me,” said trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari.
“It was absolutely spectacular. Definitely once in a lifetime experience. It was amazing to spend this time with and watch how China’s culture really is. It’s something that I am going to cherish forever,” said swimmer Nina Venkatesh, who will be participating in the 50m and 100m butterfly event.
“The opening ceremony was the best experience of my life. Walking out with the team, I have never experienced anything like that. They performed really well. Walking with the team, just felt magical and I was overwhelmed,” said swimmer SP Likith.
“I really loved the opening ceremony. I was quite vibrant and inclusive. Overall it felt nice and synchronized and they really put an effort into it, said Manvi Kaushik, the 50m 3P rifle shooter.
“It was an amazing experience. Getting to know about the culture of the country was the best part of it,” said fencer Yashikeerat Kaur.
Around 12,000 athletes from 45 nations are competing in 40 sports at the Games.