2010 Asian Games open in Guangzhou
Let the Games begin. The 2010 Asian Games officially opened in Guangzhou, China, on Friday 12 November.
Spectators were treated to a brilliant display of fireworks and colourful performances on the banks of the Pearl River which showcased the southern city's heritage.
The four-hour opening ceremony, directed by Chen Weiya, was held on tiny Haixinsha Island. The event featured mostly water scenes as Guangzhou is known as the "Water City" in China.
Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is the second Chinese city to host the Games after Beijing in 1990.
Among the highlights of the show was a 45-minute boat parade that carried the athletes to the island, which was transformed into a shape of a large ship.
Other notable performances of the night were those of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" star Zhang Zhiyi.
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao declared the 16th edition of the quadrennial multi-sport spectacle open. Olympic and Asian Games diving champion He Chong lit the cauldron, which will remain lighted until the
closing ceremonies on 27 November.
More than 9,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories across Asia will take part in the quadrennial event. They will vie for the 476 gold medals at stake in 42 sporting disciplines.
Host China, with around 1,000 athletes, are expected to get the lion's share of medals after emerging as the runaway overall champions four years ago in Doha.
A total of 28 gold medals will be at stake on the first day of competition tomorrow. Aquatics and shooting will offer six gold medals each while dancesport, which is contested in the Asiad for the first
time, will have five golds.
Four gold medals are up for grabs in judo while weightlifting and wushu will have two apiece. Cycling, gymnastics and triathlon will offer one gold medal each.
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