Rote And Betawi Traditional Clothing Steals Attention At The Opening Of The Asian Games

The Indonesian contingent attended the defile during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Hangzhou, China, Saturday (23/9/2023). BETWEEN PHOTOS/Hafidz Mubarak A/pras.

JAKARTA - The traditional Rote clothes worn by Henta Zulfi and the traditional Betawi brackets worn by Nandhira Mauriska stole the attention of spectators who witnessed the athlete defile at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Asian Games, at the Hangzhou Olympic Stadium.

Both Hernandez and Nandhira are two athletes who are trusted to carry the Indonesian flag, as well as lead the ranks of Indonesian athletes.

The Indonesian contingent appeared in tenth place in the athlete parade. Like other contingents, they did not circle the stadium completely, but only moved towards the center of the stadium and walked in line at the center from one side to the other.

When the Indonesian contingent appeared, the entire Hangzhou Olympic stadium gave a warm welcome with applause. Especially when Hernandez and Nandhira were caught on camera and displayed on the giant screen inside the stadium.

In addition to the two flag bearers, other figures who also wear traditional clothes are Chef de Mission of the 2022 Asian Games contingent So Rajagukguk, Deputy 1 Chef de Mission Jovinus Calvin Legawa, and Deputy 2 CdM Thomas Setiabudi.

The Indonesian athletes participating in the defile were all compact wearing black jackets and black trousers, which at first glance made them look like military special forces.

The Asian Games in Hangzhou, which is the third time China has hosted, broke the athlete's participation record, sports number, and overall event in the history of the Asian Games.

As confirmed by the HAGOC organizing committee, there are 45 National Olympic Committees with 12,500 athletes.

This number is the highest number of athletes in the history of the Asian Games, breaking the previous record of 11,300 athletes at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018.

They will compete to be the best in the 40 sports competed in Hangzhou and five supporting cities namely Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing, and Jinhua.