Asian Games 2023: Harmanpreet and Lovlina-led Indian contingent make grand entrance at opening ceremony; Watch

India men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and boxer Lovlina Borgohain led the Indian contingent as they made a grand entrance at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

India will be fielding 655 athletes across 40 sporting disciplines, and will be hoping to better their overall medal tally from 2018, which was 70.

Watch the video of the Indian contingent’s entrance at the opening ceremony here:

INDIA has officially arrived at the 19th #AsianGames

ISS BAAR PAAR #SonySportsNetwork #TeamIndia #Cheer4India #IssBaar100Paar #Hangzhou2022 | @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/hv1OfAEVv1

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 23, 2023

The opening ceremony in Hangzhou on Saturday witnessed something new, including a virtual torch bearer and 3D animations. These were to promote an environment-friendly Asian Games in Hangzhou.

India’s campaign, though, kickstarted even before the opening ceremony. Harmanpreet Kaur-led women’s cricket team qualified for the semi-finals after a washed out game against Malaysia, which meant the Indians advanced by virtue of a higher seeding.

The India men’s volleyball team have also had an impressive campaign so far, having reached the quarter-finals with stunning wins over South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

In the coming days, India will pin hopes on Neeraj Chopra, the men’s hockey team, Satwik-Chirag pair in badminton among others to bring glory to the nation and help them enjoy a successful Asian Games campaign.