The closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games in Japan ended more than two weeks of competition, with Doha set to host the event in 2030.
After more than two weeks of competition, the 20th Asian Games ended in Nagoya, Japan, with a closing ceremony themed “ONE ASIA” on the afternoon of October 4. The national flags of 45 countries and territories appeared on stage one after another as the sports delegations gathered for the farewell ceremony. Only a small number of Vietnamese athletes and officials remained for the ceremony because most members had returned home after completing their events.
The Vietnamese sports delegation at the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games. Photo: Quý Lượng.
The program then revisited memorable moments from the Games before moving to the main ceremonies. Hideaki Omura, chairman of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organizing Committee, thanked the athletes, officials, referees, volunteers and others who contributed to the 20th Asian Games, saying that the competitive spirit of more than 10,000 athletes had made the event memorable. OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani also thanked host Japan and emphasized sport’s role in connecting Asian countries and promoting friendship among them.
After the OCA flag-lowering ceremony, the flag and torch were handed over to Qatar, and the Qatari flag was raised to the national anthem. The Doha 2030 presentation combined virtual reality with a performance by horse-riding athlete Jassim Al Kuwari, showing the Asian Games flag traveling through landmarks in Qatar. Fireworks and the extinguishing of the Asian Games flame concluded Aichi-Nagoya’s Games and opened the way to Doha in 2030.
The Asian Games flame before it was extinguished during the closing ceremony. Photo: Getty.
One of the program’s highlights was Bon Odori, a traditional dance performed at Japan’s Obon festivals. Dancers in traditional clothing moved to the music in group formations, creating a festive atmosphere and conveying the theme of “One Asia”.
Sources: Dân Trí
