DOHA, Dec. 1 (Xinhua) -- Colorful cultural extravaganza and beautiful fireworks marked the opening ceremony Friday night at the Doha's Khalifa Stadium despite heavy rain.

    Nearly 50,000 spectators poured into the stadium to watch the eye-catching ceremony marking official inauguration of the 15th Asian Games, the biggest ever continental sporting festival held in Qatar.

    Songs, dances, thousands of artists in glittering costumes and a dazzling fireworks production gave a good start of the big event.

    Heavy rain did not seem to hamper the show, and the spectators were thrilled by the three-hour ceremony which depicts a mixed blend of tradition and modernity with stunning beauty.

    Many foreign journalists were deeply impressed.

    "I must say it is the best," said Amer Issad from Lebanon.

    The organizers have spent 2.8 billion U.S. dollars on the largest ever Asian Games, which drew more than 10,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions.

    Athletes will vie for gold and glory in 39 disciplines in the next two weeks.