Asian Games off to spectacular start

Dubai - Fencer Latifa leads the 217-member UAE delegation, which included 138 athletes

Young fencer Latifa Al Hosani had the honour of being the flagbearer of the UAE as the 18th edition of the Asian Games burst to life at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday night.
The 18-year-old Sharjah Ladies Club fencer led the 217-member UAE delegation, which included 138 athletes, as the Indonesian capital put on a show at the 76,127-capacity Stadium.
And it was nothing short of spectacular and in keeping with the theme 'Energy of Asia.' As the Games' mascots Bhin Bhin (a greater bird-of-paradise), Kaka (a Javan rhinoceros) and Atung (a Bawean deer) welcomed all of Asia, a pyrotechnic show illuminated the Capital's skyline.
The Indonesians did it in dramatic style with their President Joko Widodo making a Hollywood style entry, riding a motorbike into the arena before officially signalling the opening of the Games. This is the second time that Indonesia are hosting the Asiad after the fourth edition in 1962.
"We are proud, we are honoured by the arrival of the special guests from 45 countries," Widodo said on Saturday.
"During the 18th Asian Games we, the nations of Asia, want to show that we are one," added the 57-year-old as fireworks light up the sky.
The Opening Ceremony witnessed close to 4000 dancers, in colourful costumes, perform and then saw the participating countries paraded into the Stadium, accompanied by their National Anthems.
"We are optimistic and we hope that all the Emiratis will come up with good results, reflecting the improvement and support from our leaders," said Latifa Al Hosani.
"The UAE is used to having positive participation in all international sports events, and we are optimistic about making a good show in the Asian Games of Indonesia," Humaid Al Qattami, Vice President of the UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) and Head of the UAE Delegation to the Games, said.
"The UAE's participation this time is the biggest in the history of our participation in the Asian Games and we hope our athletes to be up to the standard. All teams have completed preparations, and we hope ours will be as good as they are. Our participation in this event reflects the Asian solidarity and a mission of love and peace brought by the UAE in all events," he added.
The UAE delegation included Brigadier Talal Al Shinqeeti, the Acting Secretary General of the NOC, Abdul Mohsen Al Dosari, the Secretary General of the General Sports Authority, Brigadier Abdul Malik Jani, the VP of the Delegation, and the Chef de Mission Ahmed Al Tayeb.
Meanwhile the UAE shooting team will begin their campaign in the pistol and air rifle events. Marwa Mahboub and Ahmed Al Hafeeti will compete in the air rifle mixed doubles, while Ahmed Ibrahim and Wafa Khamis will take part in the pistol mixed doubles.
"The team has got some good talent and we are determined to put a decent show once again," said Wafa Khamis.
"Our ultimate goal is to raise the UAE flag and we will spare no effort to make that happen," added Ahmed Ibrahim.
The Games will run until September 2.
james@khaleejtimes.com