The 22nd Asian Athletics Championships was inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar. Mascot of the meet, Olly led the march-past of the athletes into the stadium.
Athlete Tintu Luka was the flag bearer for the Indian contingent which received a rousing welcome from the crowd. Odia athlete Srabani Nanda had the honour of taking the oath on behalf of athletes at the inaugural ceremony.
Over 1,200 athletes and officials from 43 countries in Asia witnessed the largest sporting event.
While, Delhi had hosted the event in 1989, Pune had the opportunity to organise the tournament in 2013.
