Japan Says 'Sayonara' As Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Comes To A Close

From Muhammad Afiff Md Adnan

NAGOYA, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The curtain on Aichi-Nagoya 2026 finally came down as Japan said 'Sayonara' to the 20th Asian Games through a colourful, emotional, and symbolic closing ceremony after 16 days of watching Asia's best athletes chase success.

The culmination of the games' journey arrived when the Asian Games flame was extinguished at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, officially marking the end of the competition that gathered athletes from across Asia, before the baton was handed over to Doha, Qatar, as the host of the upcoming edition.

The official ceremony began at 6 pm local time with the arrival of guests of honor, Crown Prince Akishino Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, along with Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan Hamad Al Thani.

The event then continued with the raising of the Japanese flag accompanied by the country's national anthem, before a performance themed "Hearts Beating as One with Athletes" opened the event.

Contingents from across Asia then took part in the athletes' parade, marking the final appearance of participants who endured competition, pressure, disappointment, and success on the Aichi-Nagoya stage.

The parade also served as a symbol that although they arrived as competitors, the athletes were ultimately united by the spirit of sportsmanship and Asian brotherhood.

The atmosphere then shifted to the "Gratitude and Emotion Celebration Heart" segment, which featured highlights of key moments from Aichi-Nagoya 2026 as a token of appreciation to the athletes, volunteers, and all parties who worked tirelessly to make the games a success.

The segment relived the 16-day journey of the Asian Games, from the moments of victory and success of the athletes to the challenges faced throughout the games held in Aichi-Nagoya.

OCA President and Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) President Hideaki Omura then delivered a speech before the OCA flag was lowered, officially marking the end of another edition of Asia's largest sports games.

The moment also symbolised the conclusion of Japan's responsibility as host for the third time after Aichi-Nagoya served as a meeting stage for athletes from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and countries over 16 days.

Focus then shifted to the handover ceremony to Doha, Qatar, which will host the next Asian Games.

Doha's representatives received the OCA flag and torch from the Aichi-Nagoya hosts before Qatar's flag was raised to the accompaniment of the country's national anthem.

A special Doha performance segment then introduced the culture and identity of the upcoming Asian Games host to spectators in the stadium and across Asia.

The performance served as a symbolic bridge from Aichi-Nagoya to Doha, simultaneously signaling the start of a new journey toward the next edition of the Asian Games.

The pinnacle of the ceremony arrived with the extinguishing of the Asian Games flame, symbolically closing the journey of the games that took place for 16 days in Aichi-Nagoya.

As a grand finale, the athletes were united through the "One Asia, One Heart" performance, a massive bon-odori dance gathering participants regardless of generation or country as a symbol of Asian unity.

-- BERNAMA