Fireworks, bike stunts and more - Asian Games 2018 opens in energetic fashion

A presidential dig at their traffic woes, a colourful display of their cultural heritage and a message for world peace -- Indonesia mixed it up all for a vibrant and slick opening ceremony for the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta on Saturday. Raising the emotional quotient was the unified Korean delegation, repeating the touching images from the Winter Olympics, to once again deliver the message of world peace amid the recent diplomatic breakthroughs. Young Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the flag bearer, led the Indian contingent with players arriving in blue suits, smiling and with small flags in their hands, waving to the crowd.

Updated on: Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM IST

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Fireworks explode over the Gelora Bung Karno main stadium during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta on August 18, 2018. (AFP)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

A participant carries the flame during the Opening Ceremony. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

An actor impersonating Indonesian President Joko Widodo rides a motorbike during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games. (AFP)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra bears the tricolour as he leads the Indian contingent. (PTI)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Athletes from the Unified Korea team march. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Performers wait to get on stage during the opening ceremony. (AFP)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

A traditional dancer balances bowls on her body. (AFP)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Fireworks explode over the Gelora Bung Karno main stadium. (AFP)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Fireworks explode over the stadium. (REUTERS)

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Updated on Aug 22, 2018 12:30 PM

Fireworks explode over the Gelora Bung Karno main stadium. (AFP)