The Asian Games 2018 will kick off with a spectacular opening ceremony that will be held on Saturday (August 18) at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) main stadium in Jakarta. The Asian Games opening ceremony is scheduled to feature renowned Indonesian singers, such as Anggun, who is already internationally recognised, Raisa, Tulus, Edo Kondologit, Putri Ayu, Fatin, GAC, Kamasean and Via Vallen. The ceremony stage -- with features of 120-metre length, 30-metre width and 26-metre height -- will showcase a towering mountain as its background, accompanied by plants and flowers unique to Indonesia. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will be India's flag-bearer in the opening ceremony. The Indian sports ministry has cleared an 804-member Indian contingent, including 572 athletes, for the Asian Games. The sporting extravaganza will see around 10,000 athletes from 45 countries compete in 58 games.

When will the Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony be held?

The Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony will be held on August 18, 2018.

Where will the Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony be held?

The Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) main stadium in Jakarta.

How do I watch the Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony live?

The Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony will be telecast live by the Sony Network.

What time will the Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony start?

The live telecast of the Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm IST.

Where can you follow the Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony online?

The Asian Games 2018 will be streamed live on Sony Liv. For live updates, you can follow sports.ndtv.com. </s> Asian Games 2018 Opening Ceremony: When and Where to Watch on TV, Date, Time and Full Schedule

The eighteenth pan-Asian games have finally arrived. On Friday, August 18, the 2018 Asian Games finally commence in Indonesia.

For the first time in the history of the Games, they will be co-hosted by two cities. The Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang have been chosen to host the 2018 Asian Games. Furthermore, the pan-Asian multi-sport tournament returns to Indonesia after a fifty-six-year gap, after the Games were last held in Jakarta in 1962.

The Games will also feature ESports and Canoe Polo for the first time, albeit in an exhibition manner.

The eighteenth Asian Games will officially begin from August 19. However, a major event is scheduled for Saturday, without which, no tournament can commence -- the Opening Ceremony.

The Opening Ceremony of the Asiad will be hosted in the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta.

As usual, the ceremony will showcase the rich culture of Indonesia through various dance forms and performances. Several popular Indonesian singers will be present to entertain the crowd, as well.

The ceremony in itself is expected to start at 5:30 PM according to the Indian Standard Time. However, the 'Parade of Nations' won't take place before 6:15 PM. At that point, a strong Indian contingent will be led in front of the audience by the nation's Javelin Throw prodigy, Neeraj Chopra.

If you plan on watching the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games, below is all the information you are going to need.

Here is all you need about the upcoming 18th Asian Games:

For the full schedule of the 18th Asian Games, click here.

You can also follow the live commentary of the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games, live on Sportskeeda.com </s> The 18th edition of Asian Games will be officially declared open on Saturday, August 18 with a grand opening ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.

When is the opening ceremony and how to watch it live

The ceremony will start at 7 pm local time (5:30 pm IST ,1 pm BST, 8 pm SGT).

The upcoming edition will see the Games be held at two different cities for the first time in its history as Jakarta and Palembang are hosting the multi-sport spectacle.

More than 10,500 athletes are expected to take part in the Games, which runs between August 18 and September 2.

Indonesia seems to be leaving no stone unturned to put on a spectacular show and show the world it is "capable of hosting an international event" successfully.

Celebrated Indonesian singer Anggun will lead the ceremony show. She will be joined by the likes of Raisa, Tulus, Edo Kondologit, Putri Ayu, Fatin, GAC, Kamasean and Via Vallen.

The ceremony stage at the GBK Stadium is going to be one of the major highlights as it features a mountain and a mini waterfall along with Indonesian flora.

Dance shows, choreographed by Denny Malik and Eko Supriyanto, will be performed on the grand stage.
• Parade of Athletes at 7:45 pm local time and 8.45 pm SGT </s> The Asian Games was declared open by Indonesia's President Joko Widodo late on Saturday during a colourful opening ceremony in Jakarta dominated by the joint march of North and South Korea. A burst of fireworks followed the announcement, marking the start of the two-week tournament to be held in Jakarta and Palembang in Sumatra. The ceremony stage -- with features of 120-metre length, 30-metre width and 26-metre height -- showcased a towering mountain as its background, accompanied by plants and flowers unique to Indonesia. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra was India's flag-bearer in the opening ceremony. The Indian sports ministry had cleared an 804-member Indian contingent, including 572 athletes, for the Asian Games . The sporting extravaganza will see around 10,000 athletes from 45 countries compete in 58 games.

Highlights of 2018 Asian Games Opening Ceremony, straight from Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta

19:53 IST: Thank you for staying with us for the live updates. Please join us again tomorrow for the live blog updates from the first day of the 2018 Asian Games.

19:53 IST: The opening ceremony comes to a close.

19:50 IST: And we are now to the final performance of the night.

19:40 IST: Indonesian badminton player Lucia Francisca Susy Susanti lights the Asian Games torch after which the tournament officially gets underway.

19:35 IST: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also wished the Indian team.

Asian Games in Indonesia begin tonight. Good wishes to all 572 members of the Indian contingent in 36 disciplines. May you do well over the next 15 days. Bring back laurels and glory for yourselves, and the country — Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 18, 2018

19:33 IST: India's sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore also wished luck to India's Asian Games 2018 participants.

As the @asiangames2018 begin, ALL THE BEST to our contingent in Jakarta. Gold and glory await you, champs. Make us all proud! #AsianGames2018 — Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 18, 2018

19:32 IST: India's Prime Minister extended his greetings to the Indian athletes.

Best wishes to the Indian contingent for the @asiangames2018, which are being held in Indonesia. We are extremely proud of our athletes and I am sure they will give their best through the games. #AsianGames2018 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

19:24 IST: Indonesian jazz pianist Joey Alexander enthralled the audience with his spell-binding performance.

19:14 IST: Cultural performances on display at the moment.

19:00 IST: The ceremony show begins after the Protocol segment got over.

18:52 IST: Indonesia President Joko Widodo declares the games open.

18:45 IST: Indonesia's flag is brought on stage by Paskibra (Flag Hoisting Troop).

Indonesia's flag is brought on stage by Paskibra (Flag Hoisting Troop). #OpeningAG2018 #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/ChELnRWQtR — Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

18:35 IST: Indonesian singer-songwriter Tulus is singing the national anthem.

18:33 IST: Indonesian's national anthem being played after the flag hoisting ceremony.

Tulus sings the Indonesia national anthem, "Indonesia Raya", with the entire stadium singing along! #OpeningAG2018 #AsianGames2018 pic.twitter.com/lgiYKeOaqq — Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

18:30 IST: Indonesian singer Via Vallen is crooning to her hit singles. Via performed on the song - Meraih Bintang, the official theme song of the Asian Games 2018.

18:25 IST: The Parade of Nations comes to a close.

18:22 IST: And the last country are the host nation Indonesia. A rousing reception for their team from the spectators.

18:21 IST: Vietnam and Yemen are the next countries.

18:20 IST: Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor Leste and United Arab Emirates are the next three to march into the stadium.

18:15 IST: Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Chinese Taipei are the next to march out.

18:13 IST: The two Korean nations will compete together in three disciplines namely lightweight rowing, dragon boat racing and basketball.

18:11 IST: Qatar, the former host nation, are marching in the stadium.

18:10 IST: Nepal, Oman and Pakistan are out in the middle now.

18:06 IST: Malaysia, Myanmar and Mongolia make way to the stadium. Mongolia are the nation to watch out for in the wresting and weightlifting events.

18:05 IST: Laos, Macau and China receive loud cheers from the crowd.

18:03 IST: Over 6000 athletes marching today. We have reached the half-way mark of the athletes march.

18:02 IST: Kyrgystan are the next nation to make their way to the stadium.

18:01 IST: HISTORIC! This is a special moment. Korea unified at the Asian Games. They will compete as separate nations in different sports though.

One by one, athletes walk the stage. This is truly becoming the melting pot for countries all over Asia to celebrate the love of game and friendship! Has your country graced the stage yet? Retweet if they have! #OpeningAG2018 #AsianGames2018 — Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

18:00 IST: Jordan, Kazakhstan are led by their respective flag bearers followed by Korea.

17:58 IST: Iran and Japan are the next two teams to follow.

17:55 IST: After Hong Kong China and China, it is India's turn to make their way into the stadium. India is led by their flag-bearer and CWG 2018 gold medal winner Neerak Chopra.

17:51 IST: Maldives, Brunei, Combodia teams make their way into the stadium now.

17:49 IST: Afghanistan is the 1st of the 49 nations to begin their march. Bahrain;s participants follow next. Bangladesh are the third country.

17:48 IST: Athletes now begin their march amid loud and thunderous cheers from the crowd.

17:45 IST: The visuals from the stadium are simply breathtaking. A visual treat for everyone. Children are performing in unison leaving everyone stunned. A showcase of talent and a brief insight on what's in store for the next fortnight.

17:40 IST: Indonesia President Joko Widodo makes way to the stage in style. He reached the stage on a motorcycle leaving the spectators in awe.

President of Indonesia, @jokowi arrives at the #AsianGames2018 Opening Ceremony in the most spectacular way! Watch the show at https://t.co/qVN2hgr1b3 — Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

17:32 IST: The opening ceremony begins.

March to victory!

Indian contingent produced a stellar show at the 2018 CWG, where @Pvsindhu1 was the flag-bearer. Now it's time for @Neeraj_chopra1 to take on the guard for the opening ceremony of the 18th #AsianGames2018 at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium! #IndiaontheRise pic.twitter.com/usg22fCCDN — BAI Media (@BAI_Media) August 18, 2018

17:28 IST: The 2018 Asian games will see 45 countries participating. It includes 43 other nations, hosts Indonesia and a unified Korea (North and South).

This is what you've been waiting for, the #AsianGames2018 Opening Ceremony! An abundance of Indonesian cultures will be showcased through dance, songs, drama, and stage decoration. Watch the show now on national TV or https://t.co/id8kKmxV3c #OpeningAG2018 pic.twitter.com/F3Y386CuPP — Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

North and South Korea had marched together at the 2018 Commonwealth Games too.

17:24 IST: We are moments away from the opening ceremony now.

17:15 IST: Commonwealth Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will be India's flag-bearer in the opening ceremony.

17:00 IST: Indonesian culture will be at full display today at the opening ceremony.

This is what you've been waiting for, the #AsianGames2018 Opening Ceremony! An abundance of Indonesian cultures will be showcased through dance, songs, drama, and stage decoration. Watch the show now on national TV or https://t.co/uTj8RGbIJP #OpeningAG2018 pic.twitter.com/eQGVmZDWdw — Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

16:41 IST: India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has urged everyone to come out abd support the Indian team.

The #AsianGames2018 are here. The best way we can support our athletes representing India is to watch them do what they do best. Let's show them our true mettle and with pride bring home some metal, guys! — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 18, 2018

16:35 IST: Hello and welcome to the live updates of the 2018 Asian Games opening ceremony.

The stage has been built manually by artists from Bandung and Jakarta and will witness around 4,000 dancers who will perform on dance choreographed by Denny Malik and Eko Supriyanto. The dancers are expected to perform "an energetic and elegant show" with the presence of an orchestra that will feature at least a hundred musicians with its two conductors Addie MS and Ronald Steven, who are well recognised amid Indonesian music culture. The main Gelora Bung Karno stadium will be transformed into a verdant mountain, organisers say, and Indonesian celebrity singer Anggun Cipta Sasmi will take to the stage.

Around 50,000 people are expected inside the stadium, Games organising committee INASGOC said Saturday, adding that tickets -- which range in price from to $50-$350 -- had sold out. Indonesian Gunawan Tri Wasisto, who works in finance, said tickets were costly but worth it. </s> The Asian Games 2018 kicks off with a spectacular opening ceremony that will be held on Saturday (August 18) at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) main stadium in Jakarta. The Asian Games opening ceremony will feature renowned Indonesian singers, such as Anggun, who is already internationally recognised, Raisa, Tulus, Edo Kondologit, Putri Ayu, Fatin, GAC, Kamasean and Via Vallen. The ceremony stage -- with features of 120-metre length, 30-metre width and 26-metre height -- will showcase a towering mountain as its background, accompanied by plants and flowers unique to Indonesia. Commonwealth Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will be India's flag-bearer in the opening ceremony. The Indian sports ministry has cleared an 804-member Indian contingent, including 572 athletes, for the Asian Games . The sporting extravaganza will see around 10,000 athletes from 45 countries compete in 58 games.

17:15 IST: Commonwealth Games gold medallist Neeraj Chopra will be India's flag-bearer in the opening ceremony.

17:00 IST: Indonesian culture will be at full display today at the opening ceremony.

16:41 IST: India's batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has urged everyone to come out abd support the Indian team.

16:35 IST: Hello and welcome to the live updates of the 2018 Asian Games opening ceremony.

The stage has been built manually by artists from Bandung and Jakarta and will witness around 4,000 dancers who will perform on dance choreographed by Denny Malik and Eko Supriyanto. The dancers are expected to perform "an energetic and elegant show" with the presence of an orchestra that will feature at least a hundred musicians with its two conductors Addie MS and Ronald Steven, who are well recognised amid Indonesian music culture. The main Gelora Bung Karno stadium will be transformed into a verdant mountain, organisers say, and Indonesian celebrity singer Anggun Cipta Sasmi will take to the stage.

Around 50,000 people are expected inside the stadium, Games organising committee INASGOC said Saturday, adding that tickets -- which range in price from to $50-$350 -- had sold out. Indonesian Gunawan Tri Wasisto, who works in finance, said tickets were costly but worth it. </s> New Delhi [India], September 17 (ANI): Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will today be travelling to Turkmenistan for a day to attend 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.

The ten-day event, beginning on on September 17, will be held at Ashgabat.

"Travelling to Turkmenistan for a day to attend the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Art Games in Ashgabat," Pradhan tweeted.

He also wished the Indian athletes participating in the event under various categories.

"172 athletes will be representing India in 13 disciplines at this international event. My best wishes to them," he added.

Ashgabat is the first city in the former Soviet Central Asian region, which has won the right to host the Asian Indoor Games.

The opening ceremony will be held at the newly built Olympics stadium in Ashgabat.

All the 45 member-countries of the Olympic Council of Asia will attend this event, apart from the first-timers - 17 Oceania National Olympic Committees. (ANI) </s> Jakarta, Aug 18 (IANS) The 18th Asian Games opened amid a spectacular ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in this Indonesian capital on Saturday night.

A day after celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the country's independence, Indonesian President Joko Widodo declared the Games open following a speech by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) chief Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, reports Xinhua news agency.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was India's flag bearer in the opening ceremony, with 568 athletes marching behind him.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy and Vice Premier Sun Chunlan attended the ceremony, standing up from her seat and waving to the Chinese delegation as the Asian sports powerhouse was led into the stadium by Rio Olympics taekwondo gold medallist and flagbearer Zhao Shuai in the athletes parade.

China sent a relatively young delegation, with 631 out of their 845-athlete squad participating in neither the Olympics nor the Asian Games.

"The Asian Games can serve as a mid-term exam for us in build-up to the Tokyo Olympics," Chinese delegation general secretary Liu Guoyong said prior to the opening ceremony. "The Games could let them have a feel for major international sporting events."

The Chinese squad also features 19 Olympic champions, including Rio Olympics women's volleyball MVP Zhu Ting, world's famous shuttler Lin Dan and swimming king Sun Yang.

To highlight the athletes parade, the North and South Koreas marched together under a unified Korean flag, just like that during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February. They will also field joint teams in women's basketball, rowing and canoeing events.

The athletes' parade was followed by a stellar art performance, which was full of Indonesia's diverse cultures, history, legendary folklore and traditional dance with an immense volcanic mountainscape as the storytelling canvas.

The cauldron for the Asian Games was lit by Indonesia's first ever Olympic gold medallist, famous shuttler Susi Susanti.

China will try to become runaway leaders again in Jakarta after they have led the medals table in the past nine editions. They will be competing in 376 medal events in 38 sports.

The Jakarta Asiad will stage 465 events out of 40 sports, among which 330 events from 32 sports will feature in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Games will also showcase climbing and skateboarding, the two sports being added to the schedule of the Tokyo Olympics. The Indonesian martial art of pencak silat will be among 10 events making their Asian Games debut.

Jakarta has had less than the normal amount of time to prepare for the Games. It was selected only four years ago after Vietnam, the original host, pulled out due to financial setbacks.

The Asian Games, attracting more than 10,000 athletes, will run through Sept. 2. Jakarta will be the main venue while several sports will take place in Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra Province.

It's the second time for Jakarta to host the Asiad, which had its fourth edition in the Indonesian capital in 1962. The inaugural Asian Games were held in New Delhi, India in 1951. </s> ASHGABAT, (Turkmenistan), Sept 17 (APP): The 5th Asian Indoor

 and

 Martial Arts Games got under way on Sunday with 6000 athletes from 65 countries – 45

 countries across Asia and 19 countries from Oceana with

 one contingent of the refugees taking part in 21 disciplines.

 President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berimuhamedov, Sheikh Ahmad

 Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President Olympic Committee of Asia, President of Pakistan

 Mamnoon Hussain, President World Sports Journalist Body (AIPs)

 Gianni Marlo (Itlay), Secretary General AIPS Amjad Aziz Malik (Pakistan) along with other

 dignitaries formally inaugurated the Games.

 President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berimuhamedov and Sheikh

 Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President Olympic Committee of Asia delivered

 their speeches. A traditional 500 horse rally marking the opening day, followed by

 colourful ceremony held at the newly built Ashgabat Olympic Stadium with a cost of US$

 5 billion, it was packed with spectators, as Turkmenistan became the first Central Asian

 country organizing the event under the supervision of the OCA and IOC.

 The 135-member Pakistan contingent led by Chef de Mission Amjad

 Ali Khan, Secretary IPC and President Pakistan Olympic Association Lt.

 Gen (Retd) Arif Hassan marched past the main arena. The Pakistani flag

 was carried by Shahzeb Janjua, who won the first gold medal along

 with Muhammad Rafique Siddique in Men Duo Show event of the Ju-Jitsu on Saturday.

 In his speech, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said that the

 opening ceremony had become one of the most memorable moments of any

 international multi-sports Games.

 He said it gave the host city and the country the chance to

 display their proud history and culture. It also brought together the athletes from various

 countries and regions to share the special

 experience.

 He said: “The ceremony sets the scene for what is to come over

 the next few days, highlighting not only the sports action but the

 feeling of unity and solidarity among all participants to make the Games

 a success.”

 He said, this includes the athletes, coaches, team officials,

 media and sponsors and of course, the spectators – who play such an important part in

 an event, like this. On behalf of the Olympic Council

 of Asia it is truly an honor for me to greet everyone on the occasion. Tonight is truly a

 moment that Turkmenistan has been looking forward

 since we have the honor of being awarded the Games in Dec 2010.

 In his speech, President of Turkmenistan said the sports was

 very much important for the youth and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games would

 bring more to the youth of Ashgabat, besides helping in

 spreading brotherhood and exchange of culture.

 President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that

 the horse run would be a great reflection of his country’s rich cultural, historical and

 cultural heritage.

 Pakistani athletes on Saturday put in a great show, especially in Jujitsu where they

 grabbed a gold, two silver and three bronze medals,

 besdies a bronze in traditional wrestling (by Ambareen). Pakistan has

 a good chance of winning more medals in athletics, relay and men’s hurdles.

 Olympians Maria Maratab, Mehboob Ali and Rabia Ashaq, and Zeenat, made a good

 athletic side.

 Pakistan will begin its athletic journey on Monday, as many as

 seven male and four female athletes will part of the action. Secretary Athletic Federation

 of Pakistan Muhammad Zafar is hopeful of solid show

 from the athletes.

 “We have done lot of hard work and I am sure enough the athlete

 would spring surprise,” he added. After winning a bronze medal a senior official of the

 Pakistan Wrestling Federation told APP that the country would be looking for more

 medals in belt wrestling to be starting on (Monday). Similarly, Pakistan Weightlifting side

 would start its

 expedition from Sept. 20, Furqan Ahamd, Usman Amjad Rathor, Jamil Akhtar

 are part of the Pakistan Squad.

 Meanwhile, Isra Ilyas and Muhammad Faheem will begin medal quest

 in Taekwondo on September 18-22. In the Traditional Wrestling Pakistan

 only won one medal as Adnan Rana in -62kg, and Muhammad Saeed in -57kg

 were disqualified and Benish Khan lost to Gulmira of Turkmenistan

 in -70kg and Basit lost in 100kg weight against Samandar of Tajikistan

 by 2-0 points.

 Pakistan stands overall at fourth at the medal table on the

 second day, winning seven medals, one gold, two silver and four bronze. Turkmenistan

 with 16 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze leading at the top

 with 37 medals, Uzbekistan with two gold, three silver and eight bronze, Thailand is third

 with two gold, two silver and three bronze. </s> The Asian Games — which are organised by the Olympic Council of Asia every four years — are the second largest multi-sport event in the world, behind only the Olympic Games.

While usually the Asian Games are held only in one city, this time around the Asian Games will see events happening in Indonesian capital Jakarta and the country’s oldest city, Palembang. While Jakarta will host most of the events, sports like shooting and tennis will be played in Palembang.

The first Asian Games were held in India in 1951.

At the 18th Asian Games, athletes from 45 countries will compete in 55 events. While events like boxing, wrestling, shooting and badminton will represent India’s best chances of getting golds, unusual events like bridge, pencak silat and kurash will also see Indian athletes compete.

The event will also have unconventional events like jet skiing while eSports (video games) will be a demonstration sport. eSports are expected to be medal events at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

The size of India's contingent at the Asian Games stands at 572 — 312 men and 260 women. These athletes will compete across 36 disciplines.
The opening ceremony of the Asian Games takes place.