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Asian Games opening ceremony “absolutely fantastic”, says Rogge

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International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge heaped praises on the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Guangzhou, describing it as "absolutely fantastic".

Rogge, who is here on a three-day, whirl-wind visit to the southern Chinese city, attended the Asiad opening ceremony held Friday night on Haixinsha Island along the Pearl River. For the first time in the history of sports, the ceremony was not held inside a stadium.

"I think it was an absolutely fantastic opening ceremony. It was technically very well. There were a lot of emotions, a lot of startling beauties," said Rogge.

"And I like also very much the activities in using the water and using the river and also the backdrop of the city behind the scene. It was very nice."

But the IOC chief refused to compare the opening ceremony for the Asian Games to that of the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

"It's like you ask a father to compare his kids," said Rogge. "You cannot compare different opening ceremonies. You cannot compare Guangzhou with Beijing, you cannot compare Guangzhou with other cities. Let me just say, this is a unique and good opening ceremony."

Although Rogge could not spare time to watch the competitions and venues, he exuded with confidence about the successful hosting of the event.

"I think it's going to be a very good organization," he said.

"Like always, you can only judge the organization after the last day...But I am very confident because I know my Chinese friends are masters of organizing major events, and definitely, sports events."

Guangzhou is the second Chinese city to host the Asian Games. Beijing had staged the event in 1990.

When asked about Guangzhou's ability to host an Olympics, Rogge said, "Guangzhou definitely has the skill to do that."

"Guangzhou would have the expertise and experience from these games. Whether it will become an Olympic city, it's something that will depend on my Chinese friends, not on me," he added.