The TIO Stadium in Darwin was packed to the rafters from the begging till the end of the events. The opening ceremony was spectacular with over 2700 athletes, from 45 nations, waiting to march proudly into the arena in front of a delirious crowd of about 7000 people.

The show kept on surprising the fans, starting with 6 aircrafts performing acrobatic stunts and followed by the representative of the Larrakia signing the traditional Waltzing Matilda to welcome all visitors to their land.

For the first time in Arafura Games history an official Arafura Games anthem was also sang.

The Games were then officially opened by the Commonwealth Governor-General, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce and Chief Minister Paul Henderson.

The Arafura Games are with no doubt one of the biggest sporting events in the Asian Pacific region and muaythai is one of its main sports.