PHNOM PENH, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Magnificent lights, lasers, and fireworks filled the night sky over the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh as Cambodia opened the fourth National Games on Wednesday, with a spectacular ceremony directed by a Chinese expert.

At the two-hour event, a dazzling show of light and sound, together with vivid performances by reputable artists, was presented before a crowd of about 30,000 spectators, including Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.

Despite rain throughout the evening, the opening ceremony of the biennial games proceeded smoothly and successfully as planned.

It featured uniquely spectacular traditional performances, songs, martial arts demonstrations, a parade of athletes, the athlete's and referee's oaths, speeches, the Games torch lighting ceremony, and a stunning display of colorful fireworks.

Spectator Sin Nou Visakha said China's assistance has significantly enhanced Cambodia's image in the sports sector on the international stage.

"It was a splendid opening ceremony because the stunning show of light and sound went perfectly with performances by local artists," she told Xinhua. "This was a great opportunity to showcase the development of Cambodia's sports sector to the world."

Visakha added that under China's support, Cambodia has enjoyed remarkable development in the sports sector and that the China-aided Morodok Techo National Stadium, inaugurated in December 2021, has raised Cambodia's profile on the regional and international stages.

"China is our great friend, who has always been with us, sending top-rated experts to help us construct and renovate stadiums and organize major sports events," she said.

Chen Weidan, the Chinese director of the opening ceremony, said he was elated to be invited by Cambodia's Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports to help direct the Games' opening ceremony.

"This is my second time in Cambodia after the Southeast Asian Games (in 2023), to guide the work as an artistic director," he said.

"This time we designed the ceremony process, the lighting link, and the stage design for the entire Games," he added.

Chen hopes that his contribution will not only promote Cambodia's sports sector but also help deepen the bonds of friendship between the peoples of China and Cambodia, injecting fresh impetus into building a high-quality, high-level, and high-standard community with a shared future in the new era.

In his opening speech, Hun Manet extended warm welcome to all athletes, coaches, and sports officials from across the country, saying that the Games reflected the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation.

"It is a great opportunity to show the progress and development of Cambodia's sports sector and to prepare for the fifth Asian Youth Games in 2029, when Cambodia plays host," he said.

Hun Manet said the Games promoted not only sports but also the economy, trade, culture, and tourism.

Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron said more than 2,500 athletes, coaches, arbitrators, and sports officials are taking part in the Games, which run from October 29 to November 8, featuring 36 sports and 238 events. Enditem

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