While Indonesian capital Jakarta held the opening ceremony of the Asian Games, athletes who will compete in the cohost city Palembang also gathered Saturday to celebrate the start of the largest multisport event in the continent.

In Palembang, more than 400 kilometers from Jakarta, athletes enjoyed a relaxing evening with their teammates at a ceremonial event featuring a traditional dance performance and band music.

Guests were served with food and drinks at an outdoor field in Jakabaring Sport City in the capital of the South Sumatra province, while they watched live footage of the opening ceremony held in Jakarta on two large screens. They cheered and clapped as members of their delegation marched under their flag at the opening ceremony.

Bowler Shabbir Dhankot of India came with his teammates to build his excitement ahead of his first competition next week. Representing his country is a huge responsibility, he says, but he is pumped to return home with a medal while competing in three events.

Jakarta hosted the games in 1962, but it is the first time for Palembang to host the quadrennial event. This time in the eighteenth edition, there will be more than 10,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions competing over 40 sports and games.

The Indonesian capital will host most of the events, including traditional summer sports like athletics and swimming, but Palembang will also be a focus of attention by holding 10 sports including sport climbing and skateboarding, which will make their debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.