By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 5, 2017 : Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday declared the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships open at the Kalinga Stadium followed by an elaborate extravaganza, depicting a blend of the state’s rich history and culture.

“I declare the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships open,” Patnaik said in Odia, in front of a capacity crowd with international athletics federation president Sebastian Coe and Asian body chief Dahlan Al-Hamad in attendance.

Athletics Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla and Union Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas were also present to witness ceremony, which was turned into a spectacular show of light, sound, song and dance.

With “Hello Asia, Welcome to Bhubaneswar” Patnaik inaugurated the event as balloons and fireworks lit up the skyline declaring the games open.

Odia athlete Srabani Nanda had the honour of taking the oath on behalf of athletes at the inaugural ceremony.

Kalinga Stadium looked at its glittering and majestic best to welcome the athletes, visitors and dignitaries for the inaugural event.

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.

Bollywood singer Shankar Mahadevan belted out the rendition of popular Sambalpuri folk song ‘Rangabati’ in an enthralling performance. Original team of ‘Rangabati’ also shared the stage with Shankar during the ceremony.

Shankar Mahadevan and ‘Thousand Hands’ dance troupe from Thailand also enthralled the audience during the opening ceremony.

The central arena of the Kalinga Stadium turned into a big stage with four slanting screens which showed, along with three other such screens round the stadium, showed everything from world famous sand artist Sudarshan’s works to Konark temple to ancient king Kahravela to other famous monuments.