The 20th Asian Games closed in Nagoya on Sunday after logistical problems and strong teenage performances, with China on 169 golds and the next Games set for Doha in 2030.
The 20th Asian Games closed on Sunday in Nagoya after a fortnight Reuters described as marked by youthful sporting performances, logistical dysfunction and subdued public interest. Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declared the Games closed at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium and passed the flag toward organizers of the next edition in Doha in 2030.
About 17,000 athletes and officials took part, more than at the Paris Olympics, in 469 gold-medal events spread from Tokyo to Osaka, Reuters reported. China finished first with 169 golds and 341 medals overall, its best haul at an overseas Asian Games. Japan was second with 83 golds and 269 medals, above its previous record from Hiroshima 1994. Yonhap's final top-10 table listed South Korea third with 39 golds and India fourth with 21.
Reuters highlighted swimming: Zhang Zhanshuo, 19, became the first swimmer to win seven golds at an Asian Games, and Japan's 17-year-old Shin Ohashi broke the 200-metre breaststroke world record.
The OCA called the Games a success and praised the frugal organization despite the logistical problems. Qatar is the next host.
No further medal revisions were reported at the close. The formal handover to Doha 2030 is the immediate follow-on from Sunday's ceremony.