The bright and colourful opening ceremony of the 26th Southeast Asia Games (SEA Games 26) took place in Palembang city in the South Sumatra province of Indonesia on the evening of November 11.



The ceremony began with a show of folk activities of Indonesians under colourful laser lighting. About 100 children and 3,500 young people dressed in traditional costumes staged the show.
 
The ceremony was also resplendent with fireworks show, laser lights and a traditional music performance given by more than 3,000 dancers and performers.

As Indonesia hosts the SEA Games for the fourth time, this year’s event attracted thousands of participants from 11 regional countries.

More than 600 Vietnamese athletes will compete in 37 events and are aiming for a top three spot at the largest regional sporting event.

The opening ceremony in pictures:












The ceremony opens by the performance of over 3,500 dancers.










Fireworks and lazer light show.





The symbols of participating countries appear on traditional boats of South Sumatry,
with Palembang as the capital.





Singer Agnes Monica of the host country, Lea Salonga of the Philippines and Malaysia Idol
Jacklyn Victor perform the official song of the games, entitled "Kita Bisa".
 




Giant LED screens.





The flags of participating countries.












The Vietnamese delegation.





Vietnam's high-jumper Ngo Duy Bang.






The torch is lit.





The ceremony is closed by a firework show.

VNN/VNE