Colourful opening for Asia's biggest Games

Dinesh WEERAWANSA reporting from China

GUANGZHOU, Nov. 13 - It was a night to remember as the Asian version of the Olympics - the 16th Asian Games, got under way in this the Southern Chinese city with a spectacular opening ceremony, easily the best ever in the 59-year-old Games' history.

The 45-nation Games were opened in central Guangzhou last night in a blaze of pyrotechnics as China staged the biggest sporting gala since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Asian Games returned to China after two decades since Beijing 1990 Games.

Prime Minister of China, Wen Jiabao declared opened the Games in the middle of the Pearl River on Haixinsha Island, to the thunderous explosion of a massive fireworks display with residential buildings and the 610-metre high Canton Tower as a backdrop.

"Remember, you are part of history right here, right now. Show us your best performance, and show us the spirit of sportsmanship, fair play, friendship and respect to your fellow athletes and officials," President of Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said at the opening ceremony.

Before the nearly 30,000 spectators on Haixinsha Island saw the athletes and officials, tens of thousands of ordinary Guangzhou residents had welcomed the Games to their city as the 45 participating delegations sailed down the Pearl River from White Swan Bay.

Popular Chinese film star Zhang Ziyi and renowned pianist Lang Lang performed in a water-themed arts show that marked Guangzhou's history as China's gateway to the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

The Guangzhou 2010 Games is the largest ever Asian Games featuring 28 Olympic and 14 non-Olympic sports with 476 gold medals to be won. Among the new disciplines that have been added to the Games proper for the first time are cricket, dance sports, dragon boat racing, roller sports and Go chess.

China has made a grand preparation for the event, making a full transformation of this city. Guangdong Province built and renovated more than 70 stadiums. The air and water quality in Guangzhou has been improved, its transportation system updated and barrier-free facilities in place.

Over 900,000 volunteers are working round the clock to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for the Asian Games competitors, officials and media personalities.

The authorities had launched a massive education campaign shortly after the city won the hosting rights in 2004 to urge Guangzhou residents to behave in a friendly manner.

First gold medal goes to China

Wushu star Yuan Xiaochao made the host nation feel even more proud after winning the first gold medal of the 16th Asian Games. He captured the first gold medal at the Guangzhou Asian Games for China in the Men's changquan event today.

The 22-year-old defending champion impressed the judges and audiences with acrobatic, swift moves to snatch the gold medal with 9.78 points. Japan's Daisuke Ichikizaki took the silver with 9.72 and Iran's Peyghambari Ehsan claimed the bronze with 9.70 points.

Xiaochao was excited after his memorable feet. "I know my parents must be watching me now through the live broadcast, and I hope they will be healthy," he said. China's hope for the 1st gold of the whole Games rests on the shoulder of world champions Yuan, bashing on his undefeated performances during these years.

"It was a big moment for me, so many journalists watching my performances. They gave me additional pressure, but on the other hand, it was motivation as well," he added.

Over 150 competitors are vying for honours for the 15 gold medals that are on offer in Wushu, a full contact sport derived from Chinese martial art. The Chinese, who founded the sport, are seen the favourites in the ten events they will participate.

Japan too produced a gold medallist on day one as Adachi Mariko came first in women's individual triathlon. Lee Wai Sze of Hong Kong won the gold medal in women's 500m Time Trial Cycling Track event, establishing a new Asian Record.

IOC chief impresses

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Jacques Rogge is impressed by the efforts of Guangzhou to host the Asian Games and said the city could even hold Olympic Games in future.

The IOC chief who inaugurated the Nansha Olympic Square in Nansha today said he is excited to see the foundation of the Nansha Olympic Square, which will be the new landmark to promote the spirit of Olympic Games.

Rogge said that Guangzhou has the "skill" to host an Olympic Games. "Guangzhou definitely has the skill to do that," said the Olympic Chief when asked about the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games host's ability to host an Olympics.

"Guangzhou would have the expertise and experience from these Games," said Rogge, who described the last night's opening ceremony as "absolutely fantastic".

China takes dominance to swimming

Hosts China extended its dominance to the swimming arena on the opening day of the aquatic sports competition. China won the gold medal in women's 4 x 100m medley relay.

The other Chinese swim gold was won by Wang Randi in women's 50m breaststroke event, clocking 31.04 seconds.

Japan too bagged two early gold medals in swimming. Matsuda Takeshi came first in men's 200m butterfly stroke final in one minute and 54.02 seconds. His team mate Horihata Yuya won the gold medal in men's 400m medley with a timing of four minutes, 13.35 seconds.