The 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games got underway on Sunday with 6,000 athletes from 65 countries – 45 countries across Asia and 19 countries from Oceana with one contingent of the refugees taking part in 21 disciplines.
Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berimuhamedov, Olympic Committee of Asia PresidentSheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, World Sports Journalist Body (AIPs) President Gianni Marlo, AIPS Secretary General Amjad Aziz Malik (Pakistan) along with other dignitaries formally inaugurated the games.
A traditional 500 horse rally marking the opening day, followed by a colourful ceremony held at the newly built Ashgabat Olympic Stadium with a cost of US$ 5 billion, it was packed with spectators, as Turkmenistan became the first Central Asian country organizing the event under the supervision of the OCA and IOC.
The 135-member Pakistan contingent led by Chef de Mission Amjad Ali Khan, Secretary IPC and President Pakistan Olympic Association Lt. Gen (Retd) Arif Hassan marched past the main arena. The Pakistani flag was carried by Shahzeb Janjua, who won the first gold medal along with Muhammad Rafique Siddique in Men Duo Show event of the Ju-Jitsu on Saturday.
In his speech, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said that the opening ceremony had become one of the most memorable moments of any international multi-sports Games.
He said that it gave the host city and the country the chance to display their proud history and culture. It also brought together the athletes from various countries and regions to share the special experience.
He said, “The ceremony sets the scene for what is to come over the next few days, highlighting not only the sports action but the feeling of unity and solidarity among all participants to make the Games a success.”
He said that this included the athletes, coaches, team officials, media and sponsors and of course, the spectators – who play such an important part in an event, like this. On behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia it is truly an honour for me to greet everyone on the occasion. Tonight is truly a moment that Turkmenistan has been looking forward since we have the honour of being awarded the Games in Dec 2010.
In his speech, President of Turkmenistan said the sports was very much important for the youth and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games would bring more to the youth of Ashgabat, besides helping in spreading brotherhood and exchange of culture.
Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that the horse run would be a great reflection of his country’s rich cultural, historical and cultural heritage. Pakistani athletes on Saturday put in a great show, especially in Jujitsu where they grabbed a gold, two silver and three bronze medals, besides a bronze in traditional wrestling (by Ambareen). Pakistan has a good chance of winning more medals in athletics, relay and men’s hurdles.
Olympians Maria Maratab, Mehboob Ali and Rabia Ashaq, and Zeenat, made a good athletic side. Pakistan will begin its athletic journey on Monday, as many as seven male and four female athletes will part of the action. Secretary Athletic Federation of Pakistan Muhammad Zafar is hopeful of solid show from the athletes.
“We have done a lot of hard work and I am sure enough the athlete would spring surprise,” he added. After winning a bronze medal a senior official of the Pakistan Wrestling Federation told APP that the country would be looking for more medals in belt wrestling to be starting on (Monday). Similarly, Pakistan Weightlifting side would start its expedition from Sept. 20, Furqan Ahamd, Usman Amjad Rathor, Jamil Akhtar are part of the Pakistan Squad.
Meanwhile, Isra Ilyas and Muhammad Faheem will begin medal quest in Taekwondo on September 18-22. In the Traditional Wrestling, Pakistan only won one medal as Adnan Rana in -62kg, and Muhammad Saeed in -57kg were disqualified and Benish Khan lost to Gulmira of Turkmenistan in -70kg and Basit lost in 100kg weight against Samandar of Tajikistan by 2-0 points.
Pakistan stands overall at fourth at the medal table on the second day, winning seven medals, one gold, two silver and four bronze. Turkmenistan with 16 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze leading at the top with 37 medals, Uzbekistan with two gold, three silver and eight bronze, Thailand is third with two gold, two silver and three bronze.
