HANGZHOU, Oct 8:
The curtains were brought down on a memorable Asian Games with the celebration of the athletes’ stupendous feats and China’s cultural heritage at a colourful and technologically mesmerising closing ceremony here on Sunday.
A festive atmosphere descended on the 80,000 capacity ‘Big Lotus’ Stadium in the 75-minute show of light, sound and laser with the athletes of the 45 participating countries bidding farewell after more than two weeks of intense sporting competition.
The closing ceremony was a celebration of sports and culture, and it sought to realise a harmonic convergence of ‘Culture and Sports’.
Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) acting chief Randhir Singh declared the 19th edition of the Asian Games closed in the presence of Chinese premier Li Qiang and other dignitaries.
“I declare the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games closed and as per the tradition call upon the youth of Asia to assemble in three years time in Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) to celebrate the 20th Asian Games there in accordance with the ideals of the Olympic Council of Asia.
“May the youth of Asia ever celebrate the Asian Games in the spirit of brotherhood and for the good of humanity,” Singh said.
“Over the past 16 days, we have shared many unforgettable moments in this magnificent city. And it is time to say ‘Shay Shay, Hangzhou’ for a wonderful and memorable Asian Games,” said the veteran administrator.
“Asia and the world loves Hangzhou! You have been the perfect host – and the OCA will never forget this. I would like to thank the Chinese Government, the Chinese Olympic Committee, the people of Hangzhou and HAGOC for what you have done and ensured that the Hangzhou Asian Games were an unprecedented success.” (PTI)
The biggest Asian Games ever was brought to an end with China dominating the medals table once again, the 201 gold (along with 111 silver and 71 bronze) beating the 199 they collected at 2010 Guangzhou Games.
Japan (52 gold, 67 silver, 69 bronze) and South Korea (42 gold, 59 silver, 89 bronze) were second and third with India finishing at fourth with a record haul of 107 medals (28 gold, 38 silver, 41 bronze).
Thirteen world records, 26 Asian records and 97 Games records were broken during the Games, according to OCA acting director general Vinod Kumar Tiwari.
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