10-26-2003, 09:06 AM
[url="http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031025/sports.htm#1"]http://www.tribuneindia.com/2003/20031025/sports.htm#1[/url]
Spectacular show marks Afro-Asiad opening
Amardeep Bhattal
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, October 24
A spectacular show, unprecedented in the annals of Indian sports, provided the ideal kickstart to the first Afro-Asian Games amidst a riot of colour and pageantry at the GMC Balayogi Stadium here tonight.
The multi-crore budgeted opening ceremony, attended by a host of foreign and Indian dignitaries, with Priyanka Chopra as host, left the massive gathering in the city of pearls spellbound. Spread over two hours, 40 minutes, the ceremony had almost everyting that exists in the realms of excitement. Synchronised pyrotechnics, dazzling lights, lasers, space canons, a multitude of dancers and China's Imperial Circus kept the large gathering on the edge of their seats. The amazing laser show, Son-et-Lumiere, marked the climax.
With Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishan Advani as chief guest, the ceremony started well in time after a breathtaking paradiving show by personnel of the Air Force. Among those present on the dais were the Andhra Pradesh Governor, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi, secretary-general Randhir Singh, and Chairman of the Miniorities Commission Tarlochan Singh. Also present were India's tennis star Leander Paes and film star Sanjay Dutt.
After buglers from the armed forces livened up the proceedings at the far end followed by the National Anthem, three helicopters carrying the Tricolour, and flags of the Asian Olympic Association and the African Olympic Association flew over the stadium. Another sprinkled flower petals soon after. This was followed by a colourful march past. However, the Indian contingent was without the hockey and football players.
Later, when the Charminar, symbolising dynamism of the capital city which also is the logo of the Games, appeared on the giant screen, a loud cheer went up in acknowledgement. The giant lotus in the middle lit up and the petals opened, followed by spectacular fireworks that lit up the night sky.
Leading vocalist SP Balasubramaniam accompanied by Usha extended the traditional welcome through rendition " Atha Swagat" to the accompaniment of dancing schoolchildren. Mr Advani then declared the Games open. With the arrival of the sacred torch, the chakra rose from the receptacle before ascending the waterway to the torch tower and lighting the flame. With the introduction of 'Sheroo' ,the mascot, by Priyanka Chopra, Sonu Nigam took centrestage accompanied by 1000 children. And then the great continental story amidst chants of peace unfolded.
After some time it was the turn of Shaolin monks to perform kung-fu. This was followed by an unprecedented show depicting Emperor Ashoka circling the track before taking centrestage. The war ballet performed by 1000 dancers, an enchanting experience for most present, followed by the act of laying down arms by Emperor Ashoka drew loud applause with the entire stadium reverberating with the sounds of claps. Enactment of the Dandi march by an actor dressed like the Mahatma, a recorded speech of Dr Nelson Mandela followed by a "mashaal" dance ushered in the spirit of celebration.
Later, the breathtaking performance by China's Imperial Circus and performances by folk artists added colour. Shankar Mahadevan's presentation of the theme song and Priyanka's open invitation to performers to ascend the stage was lustily cheered. And then followed the mesmerising Son-et-Lumiere.
With a duration of nine minutes, the laser show left a lasting impression not only on the average Hyderabadi but also on all every visitor. As the colourful rays lit up the night sky, the stands reverberated with cheers in every corner. After all it was something unprecedented.
Spectacular show marks Afro-Asiad opening
Amardeep Bhattal
Tribune News Service
Hyderabad, October 24
A spectacular show, unprecedented in the annals of Indian sports, provided the ideal kickstart to the first Afro-Asian Games amidst a riot of colour and pageantry at the GMC Balayogi Stadium here tonight.
The multi-crore budgeted opening ceremony, attended by a host of foreign and Indian dignitaries, with Priyanka Chopra as host, left the massive gathering in the city of pearls spellbound. Spread over two hours, 40 minutes, the ceremony had almost everyting that exists in the realms of excitement. Synchronised pyrotechnics, dazzling lights, lasers, space canons, a multitude of dancers and China's Imperial Circus kept the large gathering on the edge of their seats. The amazing laser show, Son-et-Lumiere, marked the climax.
With Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishan Advani as chief guest, the ceremony started well in time after a breathtaking paradiving show by personnel of the Air Force. Among those present on the dais were the Andhra Pradesh Governor, Mr Surjit Singh Barnala, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, IOA chief Suresh Kalmadi, secretary-general Randhir Singh, and Chairman of the Miniorities Commission Tarlochan Singh. Also present were India's tennis star Leander Paes and film star Sanjay Dutt.
After buglers from the armed forces livened up the proceedings at the far end followed by the National Anthem, three helicopters carrying the Tricolour, and flags of the Asian Olympic Association and the African Olympic Association flew over the stadium. Another sprinkled flower petals soon after. This was followed by a colourful march past. However, the Indian contingent was without the hockey and football players.
Later, when the Charminar, symbolising dynamism of the capital city which also is the logo of the Games, appeared on the giant screen, a loud cheer went up in acknowledgement. The giant lotus in the middle lit up and the petals opened, followed by spectacular fireworks that lit up the night sky.
Leading vocalist SP Balasubramaniam accompanied by Usha extended the traditional welcome through rendition " Atha Swagat" to the accompaniment of dancing schoolchildren. Mr Advani then declared the Games open. With the arrival of the sacred torch, the chakra rose from the receptacle before ascending the waterway to the torch tower and lighting the flame. With the introduction of 'Sheroo' ,the mascot, by Priyanka Chopra, Sonu Nigam took centrestage accompanied by 1000 children. And then the great continental story amidst chants of peace unfolded.
After some time it was the turn of Shaolin monks to perform kung-fu. This was followed by an unprecedented show depicting Emperor Ashoka circling the track before taking centrestage. The war ballet performed by 1000 dancers, an enchanting experience for most present, followed by the act of laying down arms by Emperor Ashoka drew loud applause with the entire stadium reverberating with the sounds of claps. Enactment of the Dandi march by an actor dressed like the Mahatma, a recorded speech of Dr Nelson Mandela followed by a "mashaal" dance ushered in the spirit of celebration.
Later, the breathtaking performance by China's Imperial Circus and performances by folk artists added colour. Shankar Mahadevan's presentation of the theme song and Priyanka's open invitation to performers to ascend the stage was lustily cheered. And then followed the mesmerising Son-et-Lumiere.
With a duration of nine minutes, the laser show left a lasting impression not only on the average Hyderabadi but also on all every visitor. As the colourful rays lit up the night sky, the stands reverberated with cheers in every corner. After all it was something unprecedented.