Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 Concludes with Unprecedented Success

In a grand culmination, the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou drew to a close with a vibrant and technologically mesmerizing closing ceremony. The ceremony, held at the 'Big Lotus' Stadium, celebrated the outstanding feats of athletes and showcased China's rich cultural heritage.

The festivities unfolded in a dazzling 75-minute display of light, sound, and laser, bidding farewell to more than two weeks of intense sporting competition.

Unprecedented Indian Success:

Ahead of the closing ceremony, India's achievements took center stage. The Indian delegation wrapped up its 19th Asian Games journey with an unparalleled success story, securing a record-breaking 107 medals.

This impressive feat, comprising 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals, marks the largest-ever medal haul for India in the history of the Asian Games, surpassing their previous record set in 2018 Jakarta.

Closing Ceremony Highlights:

The 'Big Lotus' Stadium witnessed a festive atmosphere as athletes from 45 participating countries bid farewell in a celebration of sports and culture. The closing ceremony aimed to achieve a harmonious convergence of 'Culture and Sports,' creating a fitting conclusion to the Games.

OCA Chief's Declaration:

Acting Chief of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Randhir Singh, officially declared the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games closed. In the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and other dignitaries, Singh called upon the youth of Asia to assemble in three years in Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) for the 20th Asian Games, adhering to the ideals of the Olympic Council of Asia.

China's Premier Li and Closing Spectacle:

China's Premier Li Qiang, along with thousands of spectators, participated in the colourful and "joy"-themed closing ceremony. Hundreds of dancers adorned in glittery outfits showcased the highlights of the competition, with a focus on joy and celebration.

The ceremony concluded amidst tight security, symbolizing the handover to the next hosts of the Asian Games in 2026, the city of Nagoya, Japan.

Yogeshwar Dutt's Perspective:

Indian Wrestler and Olympic Medalist Yogeshwar Dutt congratulated Team India for their historic run at the Hangzhou Asian Games. Yogeshwar expressed pride in the Indian athletes' achievement, emphasizing the crossing of the 100-medal mark for the first time.

He also revealed the team's ambition to win more than 15 medals in the upcoming Paris Olympics.

Future Aspirations:

Yogeshwar Dutt, at the 'Ekal Run 2023' marathon, articulated the Indian athletes' determination to surpass their Asian Games success in the upcoming Olympics. With 107 medals at the Asian Games, the Indian contingent is poised for greater glory on the global stage.

Important Statements:

• "I declare the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games closed and as per the tradition call upon the youth of Asia to assemble in three years time in Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) to celebrate the 20th Asian Games there in accordance with the ideals of the Olympic Council of Asia." - Randhir Singh, acting chief of the Olympic Council of Asia

• "Our players have created history at the Asian Games. This is the first time, we have crossed the 100 medal mark. We got 70 medals in the previous Asian Games and this year we got 107 medals. Our target is to win more than 15 medals in the Olympics this time and fulfil the dreams of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi." - Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian wrestler and Olympic medallist

Latest facts:

• India's 107 medals at the Asian Games 2023 is the highest number of medals won by the country at a single Asian Games.

• China's 256 medals at the Asian Games 2023 is the second-highest number of medals won by the country at a single Asian Games.

• India's 28 gold medals at the Asian Games 2023 is the highest number of gold medals won by the country at a single Asian Games.

• China's 103 gold medals at the Asian Games 2023 is the lowest number of gold medals won by the country at a single Asian Games since 1994.