Over two hours of spectacular dance, music and sporting action athletes from around Asia and Oceania were welcomed to Ashgabat for the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games.

A reception took place beforehand in the Olympique Hotel where excellent food and drinks were served to the delegates and guests of Ashgabat 2017. In the stadium everyone in the audience had a LED device which lit up at certain key points including the Athletes’ Parade – a fantastic sight for all and great excitement for all from all participating sports to experience.

Among the highlights acts were the traditional equestrian show, showcasing a central part of Turkmen culture. The cauldron is now lit for the duration of the Games!

AIMS President, Stephan Fox said the event was a great tribute to the hard work of the Ashgabat Committee, and he was proud that there are 3 sports from AIMS have the opportunity to be a part of such great event.

The Chairman of the 5th AIMAG Executive Committee, Mr Dayanch Gulgeldiyev, called the Opening Ceremony an important event in country’s history.

“As well as bring the Opening Ceremony for the biggest edition of the Games to date, it is a proud moment for all of us that have been involved in working towards this day over the past seven years,” he said.

 

And now for the athletes’s turn to shine. Over the 12-days of competition at Ashgabat 2017, 4500 athletes from 65 delegations will compete in 347 medal events across 21 sports

More stunning images from the Opening Ceremony on Ashgabat 2017.