Aichi Asian Games Close With Sparse Crowds and Uneven Medal Distribution

Athletes bade farewell to Aichi Prefecture after 15 days of competition as the 2026 Asian Games concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating sporting achievements and looking ahead to the next edition in Doha.

The ceremony highlighted the rivalries, relationships and new champions that emerged during the Games, which sought to present Asia as one. Attendance, however, was sparse, with nearly three-quarters of the venue empty when the program began.

The turnout reflected the limited spectator attendance seen at several competitions during the Games. Some accredited journalists also chose to watch the ceremony on large television screens at the media center.

Restrictions on vehicle access to roads leading to the venue and tight security arrangements complicated access for spectators. Opening and closing ceremonies traditionally attract large crowds, but the response in Aichi was subdued.

Large screens at the venue displayed instructions for responding to medical emergencies in the event of an earthquake. Parts of Japan had experienced tremors several weeks earlier.

The final medal standings underscored the substantial gap between Asia’s leading sporting nations and those further down the table. Of the 1,410 medals awarded, China claimed 341, nearly a quarter of the total. Host Japan finished with 261 medals, followed by South Korea with 150. Fourth-place India secured 85.

China, Japan and South Korea together won 291 of the 470 gold medals. China finished with 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze medals. Japan collected 95 silver and 91 bronze medals, while South Korea earned 43 silver and 68 bronze.

In his closing address, the president of the Olympic Council of Asia expressed satisfaction that 40 of the 45 participating nations had won medals. He invited athletes to gather again in Doha in four years before declaring the Games closed.

Before the program began, announcements instructed spectators to remain seated during the ceremony and observe restrictions on leaving the venue. They were also told that exits would be closed between 7:30 and 7:50 p.m. because of anticipated VIP movements.

The ceremony began at 6 p.m. with the arrival of Japan’s crown prince, prime minister and foreign minister, followed by the raising of the Japanese flag.

Flag bearers from the participating nations then entered the stadium, followed by a procession of athletes, continuing one of the closing ceremony’s central traditions. A video shown on the venue’s large screens revisited memorable moments from the competition.

The ceremonial handover to Doha followed, with the next host city presenting a preview of its edition of the Games.

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