Asian Games 2026 close after fortnight of records and controversies

NAGOYA - The Asian Games in Japan drew to a close on Sunday after two weeks of outstanding sporting performances, record-breaking feats, but the 20th edition was overshadowed by organisational problems, poor attendances, heavy rain and a series of embarrassing mishaps. More than 17,000 athletes and officials gathered in Nagoya and Aichi for the continental multi-sport spectacle, with China once again dominating the medal table with 169 golds. Hosts Japan finished second with 83 gold medals. China’s 13-year-old swimming sensation Yu Zidi emerged as one of the Games’ biggest stars, winning three gold medals in Games-record times. Her victories in the 200m butterfly and both individual medleys underlined her potential ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Yu was also named one of the Games’ most valuable performers.

Japan’s 17-year-old Shin Ohashi produced another memorable home performance by breaking the world record in the men’s 200m breaststroke. In athletics, Thailand’s 20-year-old Puripol Boonson completed the 100m-200m sprint double and earned the men’s MVP honour.

The closing ceremony featured music, colour and celebration before Japan handed hosting duties to Doha, which will stage the 2030 Asian Games. Yet sporting excellence was accompanied by organisational criticism. The absence of a traditional athletes’ village, with competitors accommodated in temporary wooden units, hotels and the Costa Serena cruise ship, created difficulties. Some teams complained about cramped accommodation and short beds, while the shortage of rooms led to chaotic arrangements.

Transport problems added to the frustration. Some buses arrived late or failed to appear, while two teams were reportedly taken to the wrong venue, causing a volleyball match to be delayed. South Korea’s sports chief Ryu Seung-min criticised the arrangements.

Attendance was another concern, with large numbers of empty seats visible at the opening ceremony. A women’s football semi-final between Japan and South Korea attracted fewer than 1,000 spectators in a 50,000-seat stadium. Other incidents included the wrong national anthem being played for a South Korean hockey team and South Korea’s flag failing to rise during the men’s football victory ceremony.

Despite the setbacks, the Games produced historic moments, including North Korean weightlifter Ri Song Gum setting three world records in one day. Japan’s 11-year-old Yuki Kurihara also made history as the youngest Asian Games champion after winning gold in esports. With new sports such as padel, MMA and virtual taekwondo making their debut, the Nagoya-Aichi Games left a mixed legacy.

PAKISTAN’S ASIAN GAMES MEDAL TALLY

2026 --- 2 silver 8 bronze 10 medals2023 --- 1 silver 2 bronze 3 medals2018 --- ---- 4 bronze 4 medals2014 1 gold 1 silver 3 bronze 5 medals2010 3 gold 2 silver 3 bronze 8 medals2006 --- 1 silver 3 bronze 4 medals2002 1 gold 6 silver 6 bronze 13 medals