China played host to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, extending invitations to approximately 12,000 athletes hailing from 45 Asian nations. Over a span of about 23 days, this sporting extravaganza showcased 40 different sports, making it the second-largest multi-sport event globally, second only to the Olympic Games.
As the dust settles on this remarkable event, attention now shifts to the 20th edition of the Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Nagoya, Japan in 2026, where athletes from across Asia will once again unite in the spirit of competition.
One noteworthy achievement in this year's Asian Games came from the Kingdom of Bahrain. Their historic performance catapulted them to ninth place in the overall medal standings, a remarkable climb from their twelfth-place finish in the previous edition held in Jakarta in 2018. Bahrain also emerged as the leading nation in the Arab world, securing an impressive total of 20 medals, including 12 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze. This achievement marked a pinnacle in Bahrain's history of participation in the tournament since their inaugural appearance in New Delhi back in 1982.
The spectacular "Big Lotus" Olympic Stadium, which set the stage for the opening ceremony, bid a fond farewell to the Asian athletes in a captivating closing ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of notable Chinese political figures, alongside Randhir Singh, Acting President of the Indian Olympic Council of Asia, and various high-ranking officials from China and Asian sports leadership, as well as representatives of National Olympic Committees.
Leading the Bahraini delegation in the closing ceremony was Ali Munfardi, a member of the national jiu-jitsu team, who had the honor of carrying the Kingdom's flag. The delegation, including mission director Ahmed Abdul Ghaffar and members of the administrative and media teams, participated in the festivities, which featured a vibrant showcase of art, music, fireworks, and a parade representing each country.
With the conclusion of the tournament, China claimed the throne of the Asian continent, securing the top spot in the overall medal tally with a staggering 383 medals, including 201 gold. Japan followed in second place with 188 medals, including 52 gold, while South Korea secured the third position with 190 medals, including 42 gold.
In a testament to the competitive spirit on display, a total of 87 countries out of the 45 participating nations reached the podium and proudly took home colorful medals, underscoring the depth and breadth of talent across Asia.
