Rome (AsiaNews) – The official Opening Ceremony of the 28th Olympiad of the modern era is set for 7 pm EET Day Light-Saving (GMT +3). Around 10,500 athletes are expected to take part in the numerous competitions representing 201 countries before an estimated world-wide TV audience of 4 billion spectators.

Although terrorism may be a paramount concern, security for the Games is impressive. The Greek government has spared nothing to ensure the safety of those present. About 45,000 policemen, soldiers, and firemen are securing the various Olympic venues.

In last Sunday's Angelus Pope John Paul II spoke of the coming Games "as a chance for peace in a world troubled and sometimes traumatised by all sorts of hatred and violence."

The Holy Father called on "the Most Holy Virgin to extend her maternal protection to the Olympics and the entire sports world."

Among Asian nations China has already scored two records, that of the largest delegations (407 athletes) participating in the most disciplines (26).

With 28 gold, 16 silver, and 15 bronze the Middle Kingdom came in third in the medal score after the US and Russia in the Sydney Olympics. Concerns about doping are however never too far from many Chinese athletes some of whom remain under suspicion, especially in swimming.

For Li Furong, deputy director-general of the Chinese State General Administration of Sports, the goal in Athens is to repeat the third place finish. More importantly, he wants to "understand how the organisation works and acquire the necessary experience to better plan the 2008 Beijing Games."

Marksman Wang Yifu is the oldest athlete in the Chinese delegation. At the age of 43 he is participating in his 6th Olympiad and going for his second gold medal. Zhang Tianyi is the youngest athlete. At 14 she will be swimming for glory. But Yao Ming best embodies the spirit of China's athletes. The 2.26 m (7 ft. 6 in.), 134 kg (300 pound) giant gave up his holidays to lead China's basketball team. "Playing for my country," he said, "is a great honour that goes beyond sacrifice."

Who knows better the meaning of sacrifice than Bahrain's sprinter Roqaya al-Ghasra, who in deference to Islamic precepts, will run wearing a chador. Who said that faith and the laws of aerodynamics do not mix! For Bahrainis she has become so much a symbol that King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa invited her to his court to express the affection and esteem the country feels towards her.

Another woman athlete who will be a symbol for many is Afghanistan's Nima Suratges. Just three years ago, under the Taliban regime, women were not free to walk the streets. This Friday, Ms Suratges will carry her country's flag in the Games' opening ceremony.

Life is still hard in the Afghanistan and training even harder. Yet, fellow Afghan sprinter Rubina Mugimyar reached her goal of going to the Games despite bomb craters and lack of training facilities. She will run the 100 m wearing long, close-fitting, blue leotard pants instead of the somewhat unbecoming and seemingly un-Islamic shorts of other female athletes.

For Iraq's 5 men, 1 woman, 1 soccer team delegation, the Olympic Games will taste sweet. Iraqi soccer players qualified defeating Saudi Arabia back in May. The other athletes will compete in track and field, boxing, swimming, weight lifting, and Taekwondo.

With its 300 medals (98 gold, 97 silver, and 105 bronze) Japan is Asia's top ranking Olympic winner. Among the athletes from the Land of the Rising Sun, 21-year-old World champion breast-stroke swimmer Kosuke Kitajima has good chances to go for gold in what is his second Olympiad.

After missing the Games four years ago because of injuries, India's long jumper Anju Bobby George has something to prove. Anju, a Catholic, is her country's best hope in track and field and has worked hard to get to Athens. She has also prayed hard and was in Rome with her husband where she received a special blessing from the Holy Father.

Some Asian nations – Philippines, Afghanistan, Malaysia, Bhutan, Taiwan, Vietnam and East Timor– might not have won any medals yet. But, by their presence, they have already won gold in the Olympic spirit category.