Opening ceremony of 5th Asian Indoor and Marital Games kicks off at Olympic Stadium

The official opening ceremony of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games is well underway in the Turkmen capital. It is attended by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, heads of state and government of some countries, foreign leading figures and other honorary guests.

In the afternoon, the head of state arrived at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Among those who gathered to mark the event were Cabinet Deputies Chairman, Ashgabat city khyakim, senior officials of military and law enforcement agencies, and local and foreign media representatives.

After exchanging greetings, the Turkmen leader invited the high-ranking guests to proceed to a VIP hall to hold an official reception hosted by the President of Turkmenistan in honor of the opening ceremony of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.

At the official dinner, the head of our country Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and President of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah made speeches.

Turkmenistan is making its meaningful contribution to the promotion of the international Olympic Movement as a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia. Our country’s active participation in the OCA activities is seen as a key area of international cooperation in sport. We are completely committed to stimulating Asian countries’ interest in the world Olympic movement, and are convinced that sport and noble Olympic traditions are regarded as one of the important and effective instruments for understanding and friendship among nations.

We are delighted that Oceania countries have the opportunity to join the event thanks to the support and warm hospitality offered by Turkmenistan. Combined efforts of the countries of Asia and Oceania to successfully run the Asian Games in the capital of our country will contribute to world sport development. The fact that one third of the world’s nations are participating in the Ashgabat 2017 Games is highlighted by their noble peace-promoting mission. The Games will certainly play a significant role in strengthening friendship and understanding between the nations and ensuring peace on the planet.

After leaving the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan and heads of the state delegations headed for the Olympic Complex.

Upon arrival, the event participants posed for photographs in the square in front of the VIP entrance to the Olympic Stadium.

Then, everyone took their seats at the stands. The entire nation of Turkmenistan and millions of people in other countries are watching the impressive start of the event of global importance.

The venue was enigmatically tinged with the bright blue color of the early morning sky. With the countdown to the final 17 seconds before the start of the opening ceremony, the figures coming and going were projected on the arena, and all the event attendees were counting down loudly.

When the figure 0 appeared on the arena, the entire stadium was beautifully colored in emerald green; the show participants standing around the perimeter of the arena, lined to shape the official emblem of the Ashgabat 2017 Games. A light dynamic depicted the Akhalteke horse silhouette on the richly patterned field – the main symbol of the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.

Then, the show participants reshaped to form another emblem of the Games – the many-colored symbol which artistically tells about our country’s history and culture. Gradually disappearing, the image turned into the octagonal star of Oguzkhan. Such animated stars can be seen on the grandstands.

The official part of the grand ceremony began. The announcers greeted the audience in the Turkmen and English languages and congratulated President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, the whole nation of Turkmenistan, and the event participants on the official opening of the Games.

Then, the Guard of Honor was solemnly carrying the State Flag of Turkmenistan to the stadium.

After that, the Flag of the Olympic Council of Asia appeared on the arena.

The audience gave President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov a long and thunderous standing ovation. The head of state delivered a welcoming address to the event attendees, guests and participants of the Games, and his fellow citizens.

The green Flag of Turkmenistan was raised above the stadium to the accords of the State Anthem of Turkmenistan.

Then, President of the Olympic Council of Asia Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah took the floor. The white OCA Flag with its logo was unfurled atop the flagpole.

President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov declared the Ashgabat 2017 Games open.