The Aichi Nagoya Asian Games came to a close in Japan on Sunday after 16 days of competition, with athletes setting 54 world records during the event.
More than 15,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries and regions took part. Athletes competed across 43 sports, including Olympic events and traditional Asian sports such as kabaddi and sepaktakraw.
China finished at the top of the medal table. They won 341 medals, including 169 golds.
Hosts Japan finished second with 269 medals. Their 83 gold medals were a national record at the Asian Games. Japan also sent its largest ever team to the event with 932 athletes.
South Korea took third place with 150 medals, including 39 golds. North Korea also competed in Japan despite the two countries having no diplomatic ties. They finished with 29 medals, including seven golds.
Athletes from Iran and Palestine also took part in the Games. Thailand’s Puripol Boonson and China’s Yu Zidi were named the most valuable players by the Olympic Council of Asia.
The 20 year old Boonson won gold in both the men’s 100 metres and 200 metres. Yu, who is only 13, claimed three swimming titles.
Japan’s Yuki Kurihara also made history. The 11 year old won gold in the puzzle category of esports and became the youngest Asian Games champion.
“You, the athletes, have sent an inspirational message to the millions of young people across our continent … what matters most is the joy of competition, the bond of friendship, and the pursuit of excellence,” Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani said at the closing ceremony.
Japan will next host the Asian Para Games for a week from October 18.
The Asian Games first took place in New Delhi in 1951. Doha will host the next edition in 2030.
