20th Asian Games Conclude in Japan Amid Sporting Success and Organisational Challenges
The 20th Asian Games closed in Japan on Sunday after two weeks of competition marked by outstanding performances from young athletes, but also complaints over transport, accommodation and low spectator numbers.
The closing ceremony was held at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, with the Olympic Council of Asia formally passing the Games to Doha, Qatar, host of the 2030 Asian Games.
According to Reuters, around 17,000 athletes and officials took part in the Games across 469 gold-medal events.
China topped the medal table with 169 gold medals, while Japan won 83 golds, its best-ever performance at an Asian Games held outside Japan.
The Games also featured several outstanding teenage athletes, including 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, who won three individual gold medals and was named the women’s Most Valuable Player.
