New Delhi, Nov. 22 -- On a cloudy winter afternoon, with a mild sun, this ancient city sprang to life to the strains of music and dance as President Zail Singh formally declared open the Asian Games amidst thunderous applause from 75,000 spectators at the ultra-modern Nehru Stadium on November 19, 1982.

Seldom have Indian crowds witnessed such a magnificent show as the solemn and colourful opening ceremony.

The ninth Asian Games has brought to this city about 5,000 participants to vie for supremacy in 21 disciplines in the spirit of "friendship and fraternity forever". For 15 days, it is going to be high voltage drama replete with thrills and excitement as the fate of each gold medal is decided.

The spectacular opening ceremony that ca...