Asian Games 2018 opening ceremony: Multi-sport extravaganza officially begins

Image Courtesy: Reuters

Indian contingent of 804 athletes and officials will be present at the opening ceremony for Asian Games 2018 at Indonesia's Jakarta. The 18th Asian Games is a multi-sport event which will be co-hosted by Indonesian cities Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2. The opening ceremony will commence at 5.30 pm IST.

The ceremony will be held in Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) main stadium in Jakarta. 

An abundance of Indonesian cultures will be showcased through dance, songs, drama, and stage decoration.

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will be India's flag-bearer at the opening ceremony. 

India was the first country to host Asian Games in 1951. 

Live updates of Asian Games 2018 Opening Ceremony:

* The Opening Ceremony comes to an end. Fireworks and cultural performances mark the end of a magnificent night.

* The cultural performances are underway. 

* The Asian Games torch enters the stadium. Susi Susanti lights the flame for Asian Games 2018.

* Putri Ayu enthralls people with her voice. Cultural performances underway. 

* Jazz pianist Joey Alexander begins his performance at the ceremony. 

* Indonesian singer Raisa begins her performance in the ceremony show. 

* Indonesia's Flag Hoisting Troop will be hoisting the Olympic Council of Asia flag. The flag is being carried by Indonesia's Olympic medalists.

*  Indonesia President Joko Widodo addresses everyone. Widodo declares the 18th Asian Games Jakarta & Palembang Open!

* Singer Tulus sings the national anthem "Indonesia Raya". It seems like the whole stadium is singing along.

Tulus sings the Indonesia national anthem, "Indonesia Raya", with the entire stadium singing along! #OpeningAG2018 #AsianGames2018

— Asian Games 2018 (@asiangames2018) August 18, 2018

* The flag hoisting ceremony takes place. Indonesia's national anthem is being played.

* Indonesian singer Via Vallen begins with her performance at the ceremony. 

* The host nation Indonesia is the last to enter the stadium. 

* The mascots for Asian Games - Bhin Bhin, Atung, Kaka - make their way to the stadium.

* Former host Qatar marches in the stadium.

* The 18th Asian Games witnesses around 6000 athletes who will be welcomed to the stage after the performance of Tari Saman.

*  Iran, Japan, Jordan and Kazakhstan are the next to enter the stadium led by their respective flag bearers.

* India arrives at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) main stadium in Jakarta. CWG 2018 gold medallist Neeraj Chopra leads the contingent.

* Maldives, Brunei and Combodia enters the stadium.

* Afghanistan is the first nation to begin their march followed by Bahrain and Bangladesh.

* Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrives at the Opening Ceremony of the Asian Games 2018. He makes a spectacular entry on a motorbike. 

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

* This year, around 12,000 athletes from 45 countries will compete in 40 disciplines.

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

* Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will be leading the Indian contingent at the opening ceremony. 

* The Opening Ceremony for the 18th Asian Games have begun!