2023 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou Officially Opened, Indonesian Contingent is in the Spotlight for Their National Clothing

The opening ceremony of the 2023 Asian Para Games. (photo: Instagram.com/@ag2022official)

JAKARTA - The 2023 Asian Para Games officially opened in Hangzhou China on Sunday, October 22 at 18.00 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB). The opening ceremony was lively.

Hundreds of athletes attended and contributed to the opening of this fourth disability sports event.

Javelin throwing athlete, Riadi Saputra, had the honor of being the flag bearer for the Indonesian contingent. Apart from Riadi, there are also 32 athletes who are included in the Indonesian contingent, representing five sports, namely athletics, blind judo, lawn bowls, powerlifting, and shooting.

At the opening, the delegates from the Indonesian contingent appeared stunning in regional clothing from the archipelago. This was also mentioned by the Indonesian Chef de Mission (CdM), Angela Tanoesoedibjo, as an effort to show the rich culture of the Indonesian nation.

"There is something special, the clothes we wear, there will be Indonesian customs that we carry and this is a symbol of Indonesia and also a prayer and hope for our athletes," said Angela in a previous NPC Indonesia release.

The opening ceremony of the 2023 Asian Para Games carried the theme "Bright, harmonious, persistent and sharing". Performances highlight culture, empower technology, and are emotionally engaging.

The key element that will unite all these themes is the osmanthus flower. At the opening there was a property displaying 22 enormous golden osmanthus bouquets.

With the help of technology, the appearance of the flower displays different configurations. The flower which is the symbol of the event this time was displayed like water, sometimes like a curved bridge - before finally turning into a giant crown, floating in the air, welcoming each athlete as they entered the stadium.

Previously it was also stated that when the opening ceremony of the 2023 Asian Games is held there will be a fragrant osmanthus flower that will waft through all the spectators present.

The Indonesian contingent at the 2023 Asian Para Games consists of 130 athletes who will appear in 12 sports.

The Red and White Team also set out with a big target, namely being able to finish in the top 10 of the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games with details of winning 19 gold, 23 silver, and 25 bronze medals.