Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games close as Doha receives handover for 2030

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games ended on Sunday after more than two weeks of competition, with the Olympic Council of Asia handing over the event baton to Doha, scheduled to host the 2030 edition. OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani declared the 20th Asian Games closed at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. The closing ceremony was held under the theme “One Asia” and featured music, lights and traditional Japanese performances.

The OCA flag was handed to Qatar during the ceremony. Olympic and world high-jump champion Mutaz Barshim took part in the handover, which also showcased Qatar’s preparations. The OCA may consider moving the event to 2031 so it can serve as a continental Olympic qualifying event before the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

India finished fourth in the medal table with 85 medals: 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. The result matched India’s fourth-place finish at the previous Games in Hangzhou, although its total was lower than the 106 medals won there, including 28 gold. Shooter Neeru Dhandha carried India’s flag at the closing ceremony after winning two gold medals and a silver.

She became the first Indian athlete to win an Asian Games individual trap gold medal and was among the country’s leading performers. China topped the standings for a 12th consecutive edition with 341 medals, including 169 gold. Japan was second with 269 medals, including 83 gold, while South Korea placed third with 150 medals, including 39 gold.

India won 11 gold medals during the final two days to retain its position in the top four. Shooting and athletics produced fewer medals than at the previous edition, while the Games included a record 43 sports and debuted padel, mixed martial arts, teqball and surfing. The OCA said more than 350 records were broken, including over 50 world records.

The baton now passes to Doha, where Asia’s next major continental multi-sport competition is scheduled to take place.