The 15th Asian Games unveiled its opening ceremony in Khalifa
Stadium in Doha on Friday. For most of the spectators who witnessed
the flamboyant celebration, it's a time deeply rooted in mind and a
time worthy of long time memory.
For natives like Reem Al Lanjawi who had flown back from
England, this is the time for life.
"This is a big event in my country and I want to be part of it.
Now I am so proud of being here as a staff to witness the great
opening ceremony."
"I just can not control my enthusiasm in the stadium although I
am feeling a little shivering in the rain," said the engineering
student in her third year of telecommunications at the University
of Essex in England.
"The segment of Sea of Life reminds me of a lot of old stories
from my mother when I was a little girl," said Lanjawi.
"And the scenario of Arabic history is very well showcased in a
penetrating and gallant way both on the ground and on the big
screen. It's not only a retroversion of the Arabic provenance, but
a selection of Arabic culture and historic heritage."
"I am very proud of the opening ceremony and proud of the
mastermind of those programs, and I think it's really fantastic and
unforgettable," she added.
For horse owner Kuo Chih Hui from Chinese Taipei equestrian
team, the opening ceremony is a vivid picture of Qatari
history.
"I just enjoy the strong flavor of Arabic culture in the opening
ceremony. It tells you what's the background culture and historic
origin in the gulf country, so it's a time to learn the history, to
learn the country rather than a get-together only," said Kuo.
"It's a prolific lesson, for you can learn different things from
different segments all through the ceremony. The Journey Begins and
Sea of Life tell you the origin of Qatar; Wonders of Asia indicates
the exchange between Asian countries, so I take it as a time to
study and to remember," Kuo commented.
Maxwell Silva, the head of Sri Lanka delegation, gave his credit
to the design and creativity.
"The design of Islamic and Arabic culture is great. Respect for
Qatari culture and the Islamic religion underpinned the design
approach, so it's a very successful opening ceremony for Asiad and
for the viewers," Silva said.
"The colors, symbols and clothes have cultural and religious
significance and implications. I think it's a typical ceremony of
setting out cultures through outstanding imagination and high
technology. It's a ceremony worth your value and your long memory,"
said Silva.
(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2006)