Chief Minister Patnaik, who declared the championship open, said Bhubaneswar, the capital city of the state, is fast becoming a global sporting destination. Throwing light on the preparation for the championship, he stated, "It was on March 30, 2017 that Odisha was named as the host of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championships. We always had the resolve, and prepared a world-class event in just 90 days. I am certain that this event marks the golden era of sports in Odisha.’’

After the formal declaration of the opening of the championship, athletes from 44 participating countries, including a 95-member Indian squad did the match past, while Odisha woman sprinter Srabani Nanda took the oath on behalf of the athletes amidst thunderous cheers.

It was followed by attractive cultural programme, which featured the art, culture, heritage and maritime trade of Odisha. The ‘Sun Act’ by Prince Dance Group, ‘Waterways’, Kalinga War, ‘1000 Hands of Buddha’, ‘Temple Act’ by Zenith Troupe; lazer show and helium act provided were feast of the eyes. The icing on the cake turned out to be the Sambalpur song `Rangabati’ by Shankar Mahadevan. The opening ceremony ended with breathtaking show of firworks.

Odisha Sports Minister Chandra Sarthi Behera, Government of India Sports Secretary Injeti Srinivas and State Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi were among other dignitaries present in the opening ceremony.
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TOP: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 5th July, 2017.
RIGHT: Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on 5th July, 2017.