The Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games concluded on Sunday with a 90‑minute closing ceremony at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, featuring music, lights, laser displays and traditional Japanese elements under the theme “One Asia.” The event celebrated unity among the 45 participating nations and was attended by Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino.
Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani officially closed the Games, noting that more than 350 records, including over 50 world records, had been broken. He highlighted remarkable comebacks, last‑second victories, dramatic near‑misses, and the rise of new teenage superstars alongside seasoned champions.
A symbolic handover to Doha, the host of the 2030 Asian Games, was staged with the OCA flag passed to Qatari representatives. Olympic and world high‑jump champion Mutaz Barshim led the segment, followed by equestrian rider Jassim Al Kuwari who rode into the stadium on horseback. The performance, titled “Al Makan Makanukum” (“This Place Is Yours”), portrayed Doha as the first guest of the 2030 Games. India also joined the festivities, with double‑gold and silver medalist Neeru Dhanda carrying the flag and about 30 athletes and officials marching in white and blue.
China finished first in the medal table with 341 medals, including 169 gold, followed by Japan with 269 medals and South Korea with 150. India ended the Games in fourth place, earning 85 medals—21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze—21 fewer than its record haul of 106 at Hangzhou. The next Asian Games will be held in Doha in 2030.
