Русская версияThe Olympic Games have begun in Beijing amid tight security and
political controversy, watched by an estimated one billion
television viewers worldwide.
Fireworks exploded across the Bird's
Nest Stadium and across the city as Greece led the parade of
athletes from 204 nations. The Games were declared open by Chinese
President Hu Jintao in the presence of 80 foreign heads of state.
The Game's cauldron was lit by Chinese triple gold medalist Li
Ning. International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge
called for rejection of doping. Over the next 16 days, 10,500
athletes will compete for 302 gold medals. The Games will cost an
estimated 40 billion dollars, dwarfing the 15 billion dollars spent
in Athens four years ago. Overshadowing the event are fears about
air quality in Beijing, controversy over China's human rights
record and Internet restrictions. China has rejected criticism,
calling it interference in its internal affairs.
(Deutsche Welle)
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