"VAN" (Sports Desk - 23.10.2023) :: Hearts Meet, Dreams Shine. True to the Games' slogan, the opening ceremony of the 4th Asian Para Games on Sunday was touching and impressive enough to connect the hearts of viewers all across the continent, while raising the curtain on a stage where Asia's finest para athletes are ready to shine.

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang officially declared the start of the Games at the opening ceremony in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province.

The showpiece featured strong elements of osmanthus, the city flower of Hangzhou, which symbolized the warm invitation extended to all athletes and participants.

A golden osmanthus appeared inside Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, which was suddenly filled with its sweet fragrance and flying osmanthus petals. The petals then came together to form a bridge, symbolizing the host city and the connection of people all over Asia.

"Today, with the sweet smell of osmanthus in the October air, Hangzhou celebrates another grand sporting event. As the very successful 19th Asian Games came to an end, the 4th Asian Para Games begin, continuing the city's passion for sports," said Wang Hao, president of the 4th Asian Para Games Hangzhou Organising Committee and governor of Zhejiang Province.

"We have been committed to hosting a streamlined, safe and splendid Asian Para Games and dedicated ourselves to making all preparations, in order to deliver an unforgettable celebration of sport, sportsmanship and life, which is centered on people with impairments in Asia."

The Asian Para Games have attracted around 3,100 para athletes and 2,090 delegation officials from across Asia to Hangzhou, while more than1,550 technical officials and 3,090 media personnel are also attending the Games. That makes the Hangzhou edition the largest-scale Asian Para Games in history.

A total of 564 medal events across 22 sports will take place in 19 competition venues in Hangzhou. According to the Games' organising committee, as of Saturday, more than 326,000 tickets had been sold, with ticket revenue exceeding 7.4 million yuan ($1 million).

"In front of me, I can see thousands of athletes from NPCs across Asia. You are magnificent! You have given blood, sweat and tears to make it here and over the next six days, you will give your all to put in the performances of your lifetimes," said Majid Rashed, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, during the opening ceremony.

"This is the power of the Paralympic Movement and you athletes are at the very heart of it, and here in Hangzhou is the stage where you can showcase your amazing talents.

"And what a stage Hangzhou is! The city is beautiful, the venues are first class and the people are fantastic hosts. Thank you to HAPGOC for your tireless efforts which will make these the best-ever Asian Para Games I'm sure!"