In Pictures: Opening Ceremony of 32nd SEA Games: impressions from the careful preparations

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attends the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games.

The first images at the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games, with the first performance titled “The Birth of Khmer Kingdom”.

The performances were carefully prepared.

The impressive light system at the opening ceremony.

Cambodian women wear traditional costumes and perform an Apsara dance.

Morodok Techo National Stadium is filled with colourful lights.

Cambodian people filled the stands for the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games.

Cambodia's thorough investment and preparations for the 32nd SEA Games are reflected in the opening ceremony.

The story of Cambodia's history is re-enacted.

A performance in the second chapter entitled “Smile of the Khmer”, at the opening ceremony for the 32nd SEA Games.

The Vietnamese sports delegation marches at the opening ceremony. Swimmer Nguyen Huy Hoang, who won eight SEA Games gold medals, holds the Vietnamese flag.

The organising committee uses a modern projection screen to show the national flags of the countries.

The athletes from the host country of Cambodia.

The Cambodian flag-raising ritual at the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games, at Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Representatives of athlete and referee forces read the oath.

The firework display at the opening ceremony of the 32nd SEA Games.