The Hindu : Sport : Qatar showcases its history, culture

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 02, 2006
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Qatar showcases its history, culture

Kamesh Srinivasan

DOHA: Al-Salam Alaikom! Peace be upon you. Welcome to the warm sands of Arabia.

In a breathtaking opening ceremony, Qatar reached out to Asia, celebrating its history and culture, and the spirit of the 15th Asian Games.

In a spectacular show that was on par with the best of ceremonies at the Sydney and the Athens Olympics, the host was able to present its story, the story of the sea and the desert, the glorious Arabian tradition of long journeys of summer and winter, in a captivating fashion that had the audience in awe.

It was all about the narration of the tales of the forefathers, who loved the salty water of the sea despite the sting it gave to their wounds, and turned the country's treasures of sea and desert into the building blocks of a prosperous future.

Arab heritage

The astrolabe, the first computer and the most important scientific invention until the 15th century, symbolising the Arab heritage of science, technology and the quest for knowledge, was the central theme, as Qatar told its story to the world in a colourful and spectacular fashion.

There were also stories of the pearl divers, the silk road, depicting the famous trade route, and so much more that presented the rich past, reminding the world the sacrifice and dedication that had gone behind the success of the country.

Lest one forget, there was also the Indian flair as Sunidhi Chauhan, who has sung more than 2000 songs in films, cast a spell, along with the likes of Jacky Cheung of Hong Kong, Jose Carreras of Spain and Magida El Roumi of Lebanon.

Focus on the torch

Of course, despite all the stories of Arabia, the focus was on the torch that had travelled more than 50,000 kilometres, through 15 countries, and carried by 3500 torch-bearers, by plane, bicycle, train, tram, camel, elephant, passing through some of Asia's breathtaking scenery and some of the world's ancient's monuments.

It was spectacular climax on to the gigantic cauldron, that burns 300 kilograms of gas an hour, and need air-conditioning rings around to blow cold waves on to it.

It was an evening to remember for the athletes. The oath was taken on behalf of the athletes and the judges after the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) flag was brought with the orchestra playing the OCA hymn.

It is time to return from the world of dreams and get on with the games. `The games of your life', as they promise.

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