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Published on August 9, 2007

HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana fired up the grand cauldron in the eagerly awaited lighting of the Royal Flame, sparking a dazzling and unforgettable series of unfolding images in the eyes of the awed audience and millions of viewers glued to their televisions around the world. It was worth the wait.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn graciously presided over and declared open the 24th World University Games.

It was the first time such state-of-the-art production technology had been employed here.

A nine-metre-wide LED cyclorama - the biggest video screen ever seen in the Kingdom - a giant slide projector displaying images about the height of a 10-storey building on screen-like plates carried by more than 7,000 students in the grandstands, and fantastic video graphics and lasers were among the hi-tech effects delighting the spectators.

On the arrival of the Crown Prince, the athletes followed their flag bearers into the stadium. Colourful uniforms and national costumes drew long ovations.

The biggest cheer was reserved for the last team to enter, the host country. The 389 Thai athletes, along with their officials, paraded around the field, stopping briefly for a welcome by the Crown Prince.

Footballer Thirathep Winothai, tennis star Danai Udomchoke and taekwondo wonder Yaowapa Boorapol-chai carried the flame around the arena, passing the torch between them, while the athletes gathered in the centre.

The flame lighting completed the symbolism of the night before badminton ace Boonsak Ponsana led the oath-taking ceremony.

A sense of excitement filled the stadium before the  show really swung into action with a flurry of light and sound, graphics and lasers. However, this was merely the appetiser. The performances were divided into seven segments: Parade of Nations: All Become One, Grand Opening, Sound of Unity, Soul of the Nation, Sports Build the World, One Flame Forever and Fire in the Sky.

The highlight was in the Soul of the Nation. The dramatic show was to honour His Majesty the King's great dedication to taking care of Thais from all walks of life. His images were displayed on the gigantic hexagon screen.

The organisers saved the best for last. The Fire in the Sky saw all performers gather again to reflect the power of unity in line with the Univer-siade slogan of "All Become One". The following fireworks show left the spectators spellbound.

The grand opening owed its memorable success to CM Organiser, which is working with a Bt70-million budget to stage both the opening and closing ceremonies.

The hunt for gold starts today, with 15 medals up for grabs - four in athletics, six in swimming, one in artistic gymnastics and four in taekwondo.

Thailand has high hopes for three golds in the men's and women's 4x100m relays, with promising Rapatkorn Prasopsuk expected to win the women's heavyweight taekwondo event.

Preechachan

Wiriyanupappong

The Nation