The ceremony began with the procession of the flags of the 11 participating countries, followed by a parade of contingents and athletes as well as the raising of the SEA Games Federation and the KL2017 flags.
President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, and Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin, delivered their welcoming address.
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia, Sultan Muhammad V, then declared the Games officially open, followed by an oath-taking ceremony read by Malaysia’s national high jumper Nauraj Singh Randhawa.
The 29th edition of the Games, which runs from August 19 to 30, brings together some 4,900 athletes from 11 countries, namely Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Timor Leste and hosts Malaysia.
A total of 404 gold medals in 38 sports are up for grabs, with ice skating, ice hockey, indoor hockey and cricket being held for the first time.
As of 10.30pm on August 19, Vietnam is sitting seventh in the provisional medal tally with three silvers and one bronze. Meanwhile, Malaysia still remains on top with seven gold medals, followed by Singapore and Thailand with three each.
Here following are some photos concerning the opening night of the 29th SEA Games:
Malayan tiger Rimau, the official mascot of the 29th SEA Games, appears at the National Stadium.
Members of the Vietnam sport delegation march on the Games opening night.
Art performances by Malaysian artists on the opening night.
The cauldron is lit up, marking the official start of the 12-day Games.
