Excitement brews outside Asiad

The ongoing 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea, has captured the attention of Asian audiences since its extravagant opening ceremony on Sept. 29 at the Asiad Main Stadium.

For 16 days, thousands of athletes from 44 countries have fought hard for the glory to win the 420 gold medals at stake in the 38 sporting events.

Bearing the quadrennial event motto: "New Vision, New Asia", the Games have proven their worth as the second largest major sporting event after the Olympics.

Athletes are sweating it out on the field and in the courts, while spectators -- both local or foreign, from infants to the elderly -- flock to the venue to lend their support in so many ways. They come with the same anticipation: to see their national athletes attain glory.

-- Text and photos by Arief Suhardiman