The 19th Asian Games concluded successfully in Hangzhou

On the evening of October 8th, the 19th Asian Games successfully concluded in Hangzhou. Premier Li Qiang attended the closing ceremony. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

The Asian Games brings joy and brilliance together at this moment. The 19th Asian Games concluded successfully in Hangzhou on the evening of the 8th. Premier Li Qiang attended the closing ceremony.

In the past 16 days, more than 10000 athletes from 45 countries and regions in Asia have united here to exchange ideas, gain friendships, fight bravely, and surpass themselves. They have broken the world record 15 times, the Asian record 37 times, and the Asian Games record 170 times, jointly creating new brilliance and glory in Asian sports. China adheres to the concept of "green, intelligent, thrifty, and civilized" in hosting competitions, and has won widespread praise from the Asian Olympic Council family and the international community with first-class venue facilities and excellent organizational services. The Chinese sports delegation won 201 gold medals and 383 medals, achieving the best performance in the history of participating in the Asian Games and topping the gold medal table for the 11th time in a row.

By the banks of the Qiantang River, the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium shines brightly at night, like a beautiful "big lotus". The venue was filled with laughter and singing and dancing. Athletes from various countries and regions in Asia gather here to share their own sports and cultural feast.

Amidst the joyful music, Premier Li Qiang, acting Chairman of the Asian Olympic Council Singh, and others walked into the podium and waved to the audience.

At 20:00 sharp, the closing ceremony with the theme of "Hangzhou is the most memorable" began. All stood up and sang the national anthem of the People's Republic of China, the bright five star red flag slowly rising.

The opening short film "Asian Games Gathering and Happy Tide" played on the big screen opened the night of joyful songs. The program "Shining Together" creates an "Asia" logo that emerges from the river and stands above the Qiantang River, along with the visual effect of the tide "coming from the sky" and falling into the scene. On the CNC lawn, 19 giant osmanthus flowers, surrounding dazzling flowers, and the "Asia" lettering platform form a thriving "Asian Garden". Street dance teenagers and car stage actors step on songs and dance, sports actors showcase various sports postures, and the mascot "Jiangnan Memory" jumps joyfully, igniting the passion of the entire audience.

The flags of each delegation and representatives of athletes enter the venue. The entire audience expressed congratulations and respect to the athletes with warm applause and cheers.

The short film "Amazing Moments of the Asian Games" recreates scenes full of sports beauty on the Asian Games field. The program "Lotus and Gui Bring Prosperity Together" is staged, embodying the "Asian Games Memory Flower" of hard work and glory, rising and blooming, conveying the profound friendship of "climbing flowers to give friends" and the beautiful vision of harmonious coexistence. The short film "Asian Games Moved Moments" presents touching scenes such as victory and failure, excitement and regret, unity and friendship, laughter and tears.

In his speech, Gao Zhidan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Hangzhou Asian Games and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, stated that President Xi Jinping has high expectations and clear requirements for the successful hosting of the event. Through unremitting efforts, we have fulfilled our solemn promise to hold a grand Asian Games event with Chinese characteristics, Asian style, and exciting diversity. Let us use sports to promote peace, unity, and inclusiveness, and work together to continue writing a new chapter in the Asian community with a shared future.

The Acting President of the Asian Olympic Council, Singh, said in his speech that the current Asian Games are unparalleled, unforgettable, and have achieved unprecedented success. Thank you to the Chinese government, the Chinese Olympic Committee, Hangzhou citizens, and the Hangzhou Asian Organizing Committee for their meticulous preparations. Singh announced the closure of the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games and issued an invitation to gather at the 20th Aichi Nagoya Asian Games three years later.

Accompanied by the anthem of the Asian Olympic Council, the flag of the Asian Olympic Council slowly lowered.

Subsequently, a handover ceremony will be held. Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Organizing Committee of the Hangzhou Asian Games and Mayor of Hangzhou, Gao Yao, handed over the torch and flag of the first Asian Games, as well as the flag of the Asian Olympic Council, to the Acting President of the Asian Olympic Council, Singh. Singh handed the torch and flag of the first Asian Games and the flag of the Asian Olympic Council to the governor of Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and the deputy mayor of Nagoya, Hideo Nakata.

After raising the national flag of Japan and playing the national anthem of Japan, Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya City presented a wonderful 8 minute performance.

Jiangnan is good, and love lasts for a long time. The short film "The Most Memories of Hangzhou" takes "farewell" as the main theme, with foreign tourists, Asian Games volunteers, and Hangzhou citizens as the main characters, showcasing their reluctance to part with this time, waving goodbye and wishing each other good wishes.

At 21:16, the "digital torchbearer" who appeared at the opening ceremony ran into the scene. Representatives of the volunteer "Little Qinghe" from the Asian Games and participants from various industries came forward to witness the extinguishing of the main torch with the "Digital Torchbearer". As the flames slowly extinguished, the "digital torchbearer" marched towards the distance, transforming into stars in the sky, scattering towards Asia, illuminating countless homes

Bright lights illuminate the night sky. A float parade showcasing the unique elements of six cities hosting the event, including Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Huzhou, Shaoxing, and Jinhua. The singing, applause, and cheers echoed through the sky, and the atmosphere reached a climax time and time again. In the ocean of joy, people's hearts blend together and look forward to seeing each other again.

The international distinguished guests attending the closing ceremony were Uzbekistan's Prime Minister Aripov and Timor Leste's Deputy Prime Minister Li Fafang.

Wu Zhenglong and Shen Yiqin attended the closing ceremony.

Officials from the Asian Olympic Council and others attended the closing ceremony.