The eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou came to full focus in anticipation of weeks-long sporting fever and drama amid a colourful opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games 2022 at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium last night.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council as a personal representative of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam attended the opening ceremony.
During the same day, His Royal Highness also went to the Yiyuan Banquet Hall, Xizi Hotel, Hangzhou, to attend a luncheon hosted by President of China Xi Jinping and spouse Peng Liyuan. The glamorous event marked a tribute to China’s cultural heritage, blending seamlessly with the nation’s contemporary spirit. During the customary march-past, national wushu athletes Mohd Adi Salihin bin Roslan and Basma Lachkar led the Brunei Darussalam contingent as joint flag-bearers.
The underlying feature of the march-past was the unmissable mascots seen in an energetic mood. The colours of the mascots brought significance with green depicting life and nature; blue representing science and technology; and yellow meaning bumper harvests.
The three mascots, Congcong, Lilian, and Chechen, represent a UNESCO World Heritage City in the host city. Thousands of athletes from Asia are converging to compete in 481 events at the popular multi-sports meet, held once every four years. For the Sultanate, three sports – wushu, weightlifting and karate – will be at the centre of interest.
The country’s strengths in wushu is underpinned by the successes of national athletes Mohd Adi Salihin and Hosea Wong Zheng Yu winning gold in the Southeast Asian Games. The Asian Games will be the next phase of dominance as both athletes look to enhance their reputation even further. Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to China Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Colonel (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Abdu’r Rahmani bin Dato Paduka Haji Basir was also present at the opening ceremony. – Fadhil Yunus
