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Spectacular opening for Olympics
OLYMPIC Gold medallist in ‘judo’ Ilias Iliadis had led the Greek atheletes out during the impressive parade. China has presented a dramatic display of fireworks, music and dancing to mark the opening of its Beijing Olympics.
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Cyprus’s “flag-waving” team was led out by sports hero George Achilleos, the “world's No. 1 skeet shooter” - also in the squad – high jumper Kyriakos Ioannou, the bronze medalist in the 2007 World Championships in Athletics in Japan. Cyprus had submitted a total of 18 atheltes.
Some 10,000 performers took part in the ceremony, watched on TV by an estimated one billion people, before athletes paraded around the national stadium.
Security was tight in the capital, and three US activists were arrested after holding a pro-Tibet protest. Larger rallies took place in Nepal and India.
Analysts say it is the most politicised Games since the Cold War era.
The build-up to the event was dogged by worries over pollution and criticism of China's rights record.
Beijing has faced pressure to improve civil liberties - with US President George W Bush among several world leaders to express concern over a crackdown on dissidents.
But after the controversy of the run-up, the opening ceremony certainly changed the focus of attention.
Some 90,000 fans packed the new national stadium - known as the Bird's Nest because of its steel lattice construction - and cheered the performers.
The choreographed show took seven years to plan, and costs are estimated to have hit a record-breaking $40bn (£20bn).
It began at eight minutes past eight on the evening of 8 August, reflecting the belief widespread in Asia that eight is a lucky number.
More than three hours later, China's President Hu Jintao officially declared the Games open.
And in a theatrical finish to the day's activities, champion gymnast Li Ning was winched up to the rim of the stadium carrying the Olympic torch - the end of its journey around the world.
He used the torch to light the Olympic cauldron - in the form of another huge torch - and an explosion of fireworks ensued.
Meanwhile, security has remained a pressing concern for the Chinese authorities.
An extra 100,000 troops and police have been deployed in the capital. Areas including Tiananmen Square - which could provide a rallying point for protesters - were closed off.
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