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The 19th Asian Games opened in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province of China, on September 23.

An opening ceremony took place at Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was present at the opening ceremony together with the acting chairman of the Asian Olympic Council and the chairman of the International Olympic Committee.

A delegation of the DPRK Olympic Committee led by Minister of Physical Culture and Sports Kim Il Guk attended the ceremony.

The national flag of China was hoisted amid the playing of the national anthem of the People's Republic of China.

Teams from 45 countries and regions participating in the games including the DPRK's team entered the stadium.

The chairman of the organizing committee of the Hangzhou Asian Games, the chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee and the acting chairman of the Asian Olympic Council made speeches at the opening ceremony.

President Xi Jinping declared the 19th Asian Games open.

Amidst the playing of the music of the Asian Olympic Council, the flag of the council was hoisted and a ceremony of setting fire to the torch was held.