Energy of Asia: 2018 Asian Games begins in Jakarta

After a glitzy opening ceremony that showcased the nation's traditional cultures, President Joko Widodo officially opened the 18th Asian Games.

"I hereby declare the 18th Asian Games 2018 open," Widodo said in front of a 50,000-plus crowd at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.

At the time of opening ceremony, Widodo promised that the upcoming days will be full of breathless sporting action featuring the best of the continent's athletes.

The 18th Asian Games, also known as Jakarta Palembang 2018, is a pan-Asian multi-sport event in which 45 nations are participating.

Welcomed by the dancers started to walk into the arena in front of a grandiose stage designed to resemble a mountain.

Each contingent was led by a representative that wore a bird-shaped costume designed by Dynand Fariz, who is famous for his creations from the Jember Fashion Carnaval, an annual parade.

Thousands of athletes will compete in 40 sports and 67 disciplines, including new additions such as bridge, jet skiing and roller skating in the biggest multi-sport extravaganza outside the Olympics.

The event is scheduled to be held from August 18 to September 2 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.

For the first time in history, Asian Games are being co-hosted in two cities the Indonesian capital of Jakarta (which is hosting the Games for the first time since 1962), and Palembang, the capital of the South Sumatra province.

Also, for the first time, eSports and canoe polo will be contested as demonstration sports. 

It is expected that eSports will be a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games.

The 2018 Asian Games, whose motto is Energy of Asia which is also the official music for the tournament, will conclude on September 2, 2018.