Kazan welcomes world at Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 2015 FINA World Aquatics Championships kicked off at the Tatneft Arena’s ice palace in Kazan, Russia on Friday night. It is the first time that Russia has hosted the FINA Worlds, where 2400 athletes will compete from 190 countries in water polo, swimming, sychro, open water swimming, and diving.

Russian president Vladimir Putin was present at the opening ceremony, residing next to a huge Russian flag. Putin even mentioned that he'd love to give water polo a go. The ceremony lasted about two and half hours, which saw the New Zealand Women get amongst the festivities. The Kiwis posted the follwoing on their Facebook page: "The Opening Ceremony tonight was more than any of us could have imagined! It's so amazing to be there! We all feel so proud to be representing our country at an event like this!" The action will took place in cascade of swimming pools from five to three meters deep. About 200 circus performers, ballet dancers and professional athletes participated in the show which will continue to run throughout the championships. Check out the New Zealand Women's photos from the opening ceremony here. Focus now shifts to the first game of the tournament which will see New Zealand clash with Canada on Sunday at 6:30pm (NZT).