Although the spectacle was on an unsurprisingly smaller scale than at other multi-sport events this year, such as the Winter Olympics in Sochi and the Asian Games in Incheon, it was similarly well constructed, with a strong blend of performances and speeches along with the obligatory parade of athletes from the 42 nations due to compete here over the next 11 days.

It so nearly got off to the worst possible start as, with minutes to go until the scheduled beginning, a storm which had been brewing all day finally broke, a nightmare scenario considering all areas of the area except the VIP booth were fully open to the elements.

But, rather than dampening proceedings in a metaphorical as well as in a physical sense, it fostered a sense of unity, as everyone combined to share umbrellas and waterproof coverings, as well as predictions on how long the downpour was likely to last.

As it happened, after the shortest of delays, the sky cleared and the rain stayed away for the rest of the evening, with even the weather seemingly respectful of an event that, with the World Beach Games now on the horizon, has never seemed more significant. 

A homage to Thailand and the King during the Opening Ceremony ©Instagram



After the first of many spectacular displays of fireworks and the introduction of Royal Representative, General Surayuth Julanon, a former Prime Minister of Thailand, the Ceremony began with several performances showcasing both Phuket and the rest of the host nation.

Unsurprisingly, given the island location, there was a strong nautical theme, with symbols representing fish and other sea creatures featuring in a parade, along with a large boat to represent a strong naval and military history.

This was followed by a parade of athletes, beginning with Afghanistan and ending with the host nation, whose arrival was greeted by the loudest cheer of the evening.

One interesting aspect was, due to the fact three days of medals action have already taken place, the Ceremony also contained the unusual feature of athletes wearing gold medals during their parade.

Squash player Harinder Sandhu carried the Indian flag at the Opening Ceremony ©Twitter







Athletic success was one element cited by Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah when he spoke about the "joyous occasion" created by the Games, while "sun, sea and sand" were also cited as unique to the Beach Games concept.

His words were followed by General Surayuth Julanon describing the Games as "a symbol of unity for Asian countries" before declaring Phuket 2014 officially open.

After a final flurry of entertainment, the Asian Beach Games Flame was lit by Thailand's beach volleyball stars Varapatsorn Radarong and Tanarattha Udomchavee, before being passed to extreme sports BMX rider Chokchai Wanitsakul.

He used an RC model aircraft to carry the Games Flame through the air before landing to light the cauldron in spectacular fashion. 

All that is required now is for the sport to live up to this standard, as action begins in earnest tomorrow with medals being won in the six sports of beach wrestling, sport climbing, foot volley, kurash, marathon swimming and triathlon. 

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