With record participation levels and a message of inclusiveness at its core, the historic Hangzhou Asiad raises the bar for global sports community

With the biggest field of competitors in the event's history, the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou uphold the cherished values of openness, unity and harmony, as excitement levels reach their peak on the opening day.

Recognized as the world's largest sporting gala in terms of scale, a new chapter begins on Saturday when all of the continent's 45 national and regional Olympic committees — represented by a record total of 12,417 athletes — march into Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium for the opening ceremony. They will compete in 481 medal events, another record for the Games.

The numbers speak volumes for the Asiad's unifying power as perfectly embodied by the Hangzhou Games' official slogan "Heart to Heart, @Future", said Raja Randhir Singh, the acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia.

"The slogan by itself means everything," Singh added during an OCA press briefing on the eve of the grand opening.