HANGZHOU, Sept 22 — A themed lightshow for the Asian Games on the banks of Qiantang River here was held as the build-up to the opening ceremony, drawing delegates and tourists.
As the lightshow glittered under the night sky, many Games volunteers and officials, tourists, and locals gathered on the riverside to witness the eye-catching show as the LED and laser lights danced to music.
The lights illuminated the surroundings of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center, which will host the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Local media said the Asian Games opening ceremony is going to set a milestone in greater care for the environment, with the digital lightshow replacing fireworks.
Despite being the birthplace of fireworks, where the combustibles are widely used for ceremonies and celebrations, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee wanted to ensure this edition would be the pioneering carbon-neutral Asian Games.
“The main torch fuel for the opening ceremony uses zero-carbon methanol, which is the first in the world, towards the first carbon-neutral Asian Games in history. Green methanol regenerated from carbon waste will be used as fuel for the main flare tower in the ceremony,” said Li Yiqing, Hangzhou Asian Games Opening and Closing Ceremony Command Centre spokesman.
The 19th Asian Games is set to host around 12,000 athletes from 45 countries, who will compete in 481 events from 40 sports.
— Bernama
