Asian Games: Japan leaves, Doha takes over in 2030

Qatar will host the 2030 Games. (Image credit: X) NAGOYA: It’s been three weeks of testing for Japan. Accommodation problems, transport and logistical nightmares, poor management and uncooperative weather – the challenges faced by the organizers of the Asian Games were many.Still, there was plenty to celebrate as the games drew to a close. Records were broken, medals were won, friendships were made, and on Sunday the baton was passed to Doha, where Japan said goodbye to representatives of 44 countries at the Mizuho Park athletics stadium.India finished fourth on the medal table, while China led by a distance, collecting 341 medals, including an amazing 169 golds.Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani described the Games as an event that “shapes the next generation of Asian sport” before welcoming another chapter in his home country.“Tonight, as we lower the flag for Aichi-Nagoya 2026, we are bringing these Games to a close but raising the bar for Asian sport,” he said.“More than 350 records were broken, including more than 50 world records. Forty out of 45 NOVs achieved medals. This is a record for our Asian Games,” added the 40-year-old competitor.In a symbolic handover to the next hosts, Qatari equestrian Jassim Al Kuwari entered the stadium on horseback and took the OCA flag on behalf of Doha, which will host the 2030 Games.