President Asif Ali Zardari was amongst the distinguished leaders and dignitaries who witnessed the spectacular opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games in Haixingsha Island in capital city of Chinas Guangdong province Friday night. President Zardari, who specially flew into Guangzhou to participate in the inaugural ceremony of this mega sporting event on the invitation of Chinese leadership joined the dignitaries at the VIP enclosure along with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. He also had an informal interaction with them and appreciated the grand arrangements made for the grand opening ceremony. Athletes of 45 countries and regions including Pakistan are participating in the event. Pakistans contingent comprises over 200 athletes and players. Other members of the Presidents entourage including Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan, Chairman BOI Saleem Mandviwala and Spokesman to the President Farhatullah Babar were also present to witness the grand opening ceremony. Wrestler Azhar Hussain, who bagged one gold and a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games in India last month, carried the national flag and lead the Pakistani contingent during the opening ceremony. Hussain earned countrys first gold medal in the Commonwealth Games in the freestyle 55 kg category. He also seized a silver medal in the Greco-Roman style wrestling. Pakistan will contest Asian Games in 17 disciplines including baseball, snooker, boxing, hockey, judo, kabaddi, karate, sailing, shooting, squash, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, wushu, cricket (men and women) and football.A total of 476 events in 42 sports will be contested by athletes in the 2010 Asian Games also known as the XVI Asiad, making it the largest event in history of the Games. 2010.
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