Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games End With Spectacular Closing Ceremony
A dazzling display of lights, music and Japanese culture brought the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to a spectacular close at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium on Sunday. The 90-minute ceremony celebrated more than two weeks of competition, record-breaking performances and sporting achievements by athletes from 45 Asian nations.
The Games produced more than 350 records, including over 50 world records, although the build-up was marred by logistical challenges and organisational concerns.
India finished fourth in the medal standings with 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. The country’s tally was 21 medals fewer than its haul at the previous edition in Hangzhou.
India Finishes Fourth As China Tops Medal Table
China continued its dominance at the Asian Games, topping the medal table for the 12th consecutive edition. The Chinese contingent secured 341 medals, including 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze, marking its best performance at an overseas Asian Games.
Host nation Japan finished second with 269 medals, comprising 83 gold, 95 silver and 91 bronze. South Korea placed third with 39 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze.
India’s contingent was led by trap shooter Neeru Dhanda during the athletes’ parade. The two-time gold medallist, who also won a silver, joined around 30 Indian athletes and officials in white and blue kits as they waved the tricolour.
Only the flag bearers marched into the stadium before the contingents of all 45 participating countries entered the arena amid music and colourful lighting.
Spectacular Show Celebrates Japanese Culture
The closing ceremony revolved around the theme of “One Asia”, with a hexagonal stage decorated with lanterns taking centre stage during the grand finale.
The performances showcased Japan’s cultural traditions, including the bon-odori dance, which has gained popularity across Asia. The ceremony also featured “Matsuken Samba II”, a song associated with Nagoya and cherished by Japanese audiences.
Artists from the Nagoya School of Music and Dance performed in costumes adorned with cherry blossoms, while a dazzling laser display added to the celebrations.
The ceremony also revisited memorable moments from the Games, with visuals highlighting outstanding performances and dramatic contests from the competition.
OCA President Declares Games Closed
Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani officially declared the Games closed in the presence of Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino.
“Tonight, as we lower the flag on Aichi-Nagoya 2026, we close these Games, but we raise the bar for Asian sport. The flame may be extinguished, but the hopes it has ignited will continue to burn brightly across our continent,” Al Thani said.
He highlighted the record-breaking performances and sporting spirit displayed throughout the event.
“We have witnessed remarkable comebacks, last-second victories and dramatic near-misses. We have celebrated the rise of new teenage superstars and seasoned champions as they added to their impressive legacies,” he added.
Al Thani said the Games had set a new benchmark for Asian sport, with more than 350 records broken, including over 50 world records. He also called on Asia’s youth to carry the spirit forward ahead of the next edition in Doha in 2030.
Doha 2030 Takes Centre Stage
The closing ceremony also featured the traditional handover of the OCA flag to Qatar, host of the 2030 Asian Games.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received the flag from the OCA president. Olympic and world champion high jumper Mutaz Barshim then took centre stage as part of the handover presentation.
The giant screen showed digital imagery of Barshim competing in high jump, watching from the stands, riding a horse and lighting the cauldron.
Qatari equestrian rider Jassim Al Kuwari later entered the stadium on horseback and took the OCA flag from Barshim, riding around the central platform before departing.
The handover concept, “Al Makan Makanukum” or “This Place Is Yours”, reflected Qatar’s message of hospitality and its preparations to welcome Asia’s athletes and visitors in four years.
As the Aichi-Nagoya Games came to an end, the ceremony celebrated the unity of Asian nations and looked ahead to the next chapter of continental sport in Doha.
