Hangzhou(China): The Asian Games 2023 was inaugurated on Saturday in China's Hangzhou city, marked by a spectacular artistic performance in the presence of Chinese President Xi Jinping and other distinguished guests.

Xi Jinping officially inaugurated the Asian Games 2023.

The audience was enthralled by a captivating display of songs and lights at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium.

The Indian contingent was led by Harmanpreet Singh, men's hockey team captain, and Olympic bronze medallist boxer Lovlina Borgohain in the athletes' parade.

Conceived and uniquely designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology, the dress for the Indian contingent included a khaki textured saree with white floral printed for women and a khaki kurta for the male players.

The torch was lit and it was followed by a final performance and this is how the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2023 ended.

A superb dance show amid pleasing music and some great light effects are together making it a spectacular watch, showcasing the China's cultural heritage and romantic imagery.

The Olympic Council of Asia flag was hoisted with the crowd on its feet.

Gao Zhidan, the president of Asian Games organising committee, gave a speech.

A total of 45 countries and regions are expected to participate, with over 10,000 athletes competing in 40 sports and 61 disciplines.

The sports program for the 2023 Asian Games includes a mix of traditional and emerging sports. The disciplines included are Athletics, Aquatics, Archery, Artistic gymnastics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Billiards and snooker, Bowling, Boxing, Canoeing, Chess, Cricket, Cycling, Dancesport, Dragon boat racing, Equestrian, Fencing, Field hockey, Football, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Judo, Kabaddi, Karate, Kayaking, Modern pentathlon, Rowing, Rugby sevens, Sailing, Sepak takraw, Shooting, Skateboarding, Softball, Sport climbing, Squash, Surfing, Table tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu.

Around Indian 655 athletes are participating in the 2023 Asian Games, competing in 41 disciplines.

India had its best-ever medal haul at the 2018 Asian Games, winning 69 medals, including 15 gold.

The Indian contingent will be hoping to improve on that performance in Hangzhou.

The Asian Games are the second largest multi-sport event in the world, after the Olympic Games.

They are a prestigious event that brings together athletes from all over Asia to compete in a wide range of sports.

The Games will end on October 8, 2023.