TEHRAN – Iranian shooter Elaheh Ahmadi carried her country’s flag at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games on Saturday.

The Ceremony was held at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) main stadium in Senayan, Jakarta.

Iran delegation participate in the prestigious event with 378 athletes.

About 18,000 athletes and officials from 45 Asian countries will be at the Asiad, organizers said, looking to make their mark across a range of sports from swimming to sepak takraw and bridge.

Iran’s upward trajectory since the 2002 Busan Games stalled at Incheon four years ago when they finished fifth on the medal table but the Persian Gulf state’s officials are confident of another push forward in Indonesia.

Iran’s chef de mission Nasrollah Sajjadi also attended the ceremony.

The 2018 Asian Games began on Saturday, Aug. 18, and will end on Sept. 2.

TEHRAN – Iranian shooter Elaheh Ahmadi has been chosen to replace Kimia Alizadeh as the country’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony for the 2018 Asian Games, the country’s National Olympic Committee said on Tuesday.

Ahmadi will carry Iran’s flag as an athlete and a mother.

The 36-year-old shooter won two silver medals in 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou and a silver and a bronze in 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.

Ahmadi was among the original shortlist of candidates to carry the flag along with Alizadeh and discus thrower Ehsan Haddadi.

“First of all, I have to say I am sad due to Kimia and I hope and pray that she recovers quickly,” Ahmadi said.

“I am also glad to be given this chance to carry Iran’s flag in opening ceremony. I will do my best in the games to win a gold medal,” she added.

Alizadeh suffered the horror injury in the training and an MRI confirmed the worst – a torn ACL.

The 18th edition of the Asian Games will be held in Indonesia between August 18 and September 2.