Asian Games begin in Jakarta today

The 18th edition of the Asian Games officially kick off in Indonesian capital Jakarta today. The opening ceremony will begin at 5:30 PM Indian Time, with most of the events scheduled to commence from tomorrow. Some of the events, including Handball and Football, began last week.

Around 11,000 athletes from 45 countries will be seen competing in 40 sports and 67 disciplines consisting of 28 Olympic sports, 4 new Olympic sports, and 8 non-Olympic sports. 

For the first time, eSports (a



form of competition using video games) and canoe polo will be contested as demonstration sports. Over 570 Indian athletes will be vying for top honours across 36 sports which will take place in Jakarta as well as in Palembang.

Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra will be India's flag-bearer at the expected-to-be-glittering opening ceremony. Renowned Indonesian singers like Anggun, Raisa and Tulus and a total of 4,000 dancers are expected to perform at the ceremony.