Asian Games close in Nagoya after 16 days of competition

NAGOYA, Japan — The 20th Asian Games closed Sunday in Nagoya after 16 days of competition involving about 10,000 athletes and officials from 45 nations, The Korea Times reported.

The Games underscored Asia’s broad sports calendar, with 469 gold medals awarded across 43 sports and 71 disciplines. South Korea placed third in the medal standings, while China led the table and Japan set a national Asian Games gold-medal record.

The Korea Times reported that the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games were the third edition of the event held in Japan since the Asian Games began in 1951.

Events were staged across Aichi Prefecture and, in some cases, beyond the prefecture, according to The Korea Times. Organizers mostly used existing and redeveloped venues in an effort to reduce costs.

South Korea finished with 39 gold medals, 43 silver and 68 bronze. Sport climber Seo Chae-hyun carried the South Korean flag during the athletes' parade, The Korea Times reported.

China topped the standings with 169 gold medals and 341 total medals. Japan won 83 gold medals, its best national total at an Asian Games, according to The Korea Times.

The event also drew persistent criticism over a shortage of accommodations for athletes and transportation problems, The Korea Times reported. The Games were held under the slogan "Imagine One Asia."

Doha, Qatar, will host the next Asian Games, with a possible move to 2031 if approved, according to The Korea Times.