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.