Panama was originally scheduled to stage the Games only to withdraw in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Salvador in El Salvador was chosen as the replacement host in May 2021 and is now set to stage 31 of the 37 sports, with the others due to be held in the Dominican Republic.

Centro Caribe Sports President Luis Mejía Oviedo heaped praised on El Salvador for stepping into the breach during his speech at the Opening Ceremony.

"I let it be known that the granting of a host is given six years in advance," said the International Olympic Committee member.

"El Salvador arrived with the challenge of being able to do it in a year and a half, and told us: 'we can do it'.

"You saved our Games.

"This is a feat that leaves a historical reference, because it is the first and only time that we will grant a host in such a short time."

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele also gave speech at the ceremony which was staged at the Estadio Nacional Jorge "El Mágico" González before declaring the Games officially open.

"We are brother nations, we are Central America and the Caribbean," said Bukele.

"Getting here, at the start of these Games, has not been easy.

"When the previous host declined, we saw an opportunity to save these Games and guarantee that thousands of athletes could shine and fulfil their dreams of participating in a sporting event of this level.

"What is normally done in six years, we did it in a year and a half.

"It was a great challenge for everyone, especially for the thousands of workers, but we can say: 'we did it'.

"Our country did not have any stage worthy of football, but today we are inaugurating the first one.

"Our athletes will finally have adequate spaces to compete in these Games.

"Being here, in this stadium, is proof that everything has been worth it.

"In the following days we will witness everything they have achieved."

Mágico González, who the national stadium is named after, was given a raucous welcome when he appeared at the Opening Ceremony.

The former Salvadoran footballer scored 21 goals in 62 appearances for his country and starred for Spanish side Cádiz.

He presented the Flame to Paralympic powerlifting bronze medallist Herbert Aceituno who lit the cauldron.

More than 5,000 athletes from 37 countries are set to compete at the Games that are due to run until July 8.

The first medals were also awarded today, with Cuba and Puerto Rico both clinching table tennis golds.

Cuba defeated Puerto Rico 3-1 in the women’s team final to become the first gold medallists of San Salvador 2023.

The Dominican Republic and Mexico earned bronze medals after reaching the semi-finals.

Puerto Rico then gained revenge in the men's team final, seeing off Cuba by the same scoreline to seal their first gold.

Venezuela picked up bronze along with a team of Guatemalan players that are competing under a neutral flag due to the suspension of their National Olympic Committee.

Competition is due to continue tomorrow.