TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The opening ceremony of the World Masters Games took place at the Taipei Dome on Saturday, featuring a star-studded lineup and performances celebrating Taiwan’s cultural and athletic pride.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) welcomed international guests and wished them a joyful stay in Taiwan. Nvidia CEO and "AI godfather" Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) also drew applause as one of the evening’s torchbearers, per Liberty Times.
Athletes entered the stadium at 8 p.m. and were treated to a vibrant performance by Golden Melody Award winner Aljenljeng Tjaluvie, better known as Abao (阿爆), who performed a medley of indigenous songs with her backing group, Nanguaq Girls (那屋瓦少女隊). Dancers and eye-catching visuals added to the spectacle.
A large screen displayed greetings in multiple languages and slogans such as “on the same ground” and “share the same sky,” emphasizing the inclusive spirit of the games, which run until May 30.
Other musical guests included popular rock group Accusefive (告五人), as well as singer Billie Wang (王比莉) and her son Nich Chou (周湯豪), who delivered a high-energy performance with cheerleaders from the Taiwan Professional Baseball League.
Top Taiwanese athletes, including table tennis stars Chuang Hung-chieh (江宏傑) and Chuang Chih-yuan (莊智淵), joined the opening festivities alongside the performers.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) addressed the crowd, thanking the teams behind the scenes for helping bring together 25,000 athletes from 107 countries. He said the event was a powerful symbol of how sport can transcend racial, cultural, and linguistic barriers.
Chiang added that the World Masters Games showcased Taipei’s ability to host large-scale international sports events and invited guests to experience the city’s vibrancy and warmth.
New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) also gave remarks, saying New Taipei residents would serve as the athletes’ “most enthusiastic cheerleaders” over the next 14 days. He encouraged competitors to challenge themselves and build lasting memories.
The Olympic flame was lit by five torchbearers: Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Yuting (林郁婷), baseball legend Peng Cheng-min (彭政閔), 104-year-old badminton world record holder Lin Yu-mao (林友茂), Golden Horse Award winner Sylvia Chang (張艾嘉), and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.
