Why does world hate us: Chinese media

A day after, China basked in the glow of all-round praise for a visually enchanting opening ceremony show of the 29th Olympics that left over 100,000 spectators and participants breathless for its technological wizardry as well as for the sophisticated organisational execution.

Even its worst critics conceded that the country had indeed put up a dazzling performance that showcased its ancient 5,000-year culturally rich history while projecting a super-modern face that few had associated with it previously.

The occasion provided an unprecedented surge of nationalism in a people who for years had seen themselves being at the receiving end of Western, and free world, criticism for their repression of political dissidents, for stifling of personal and religious freedom and for its support to heretical nations like Sudan, Myanmar, Iran and North Korea.

Tian'anmen Square, the city's most prominent public square, was a sea of people till midnight, when the opening ceremony ended, who had their faces painted with colours of China and the Olympic Games, waved their flags and screamed and chanted "Go China" while watching the nearly four-hour ceremony that turned the 'Bird's Nest' National Stadium into a cauldron of Chinese civilisation and patriotic fervour.

The sky-streaking fireworks, numbering over 30,000 that set the Beijing firmament aglow, brought roars from wildly cheering spectators as well as the largest 639-member home contingent that brought up the rear of the 208 participating Olympic committees and delegations at the Games whose actual competition begin on Saturday.

However, the loudest roar of admiration and wonder no doubt came when Li Ning, winner of three gymnastic gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, almost flew around the rim of the Bird's Nest, albeit with the help of a little visible taut wire, to light the sacred flame in the cauldron at the top in a flashing bit of acrobatic and technical daredevilry.


Courtesy:ndtv.com
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