Nagoya barely embraced the Asian Games. Then everyone turned up to say goodbye

On the final night of the Asian Games in Nagoya, the city finally embraced the sporting festival that had been so quietly present. The stadium was not completely full, but as the two-week competition drew to a close, more people turned up to bid farewell. When Qatari equestrian rider Jassim al Kuwari won the closing ceremony, the crowd roared and celebrated. The noise grew louder, and the city seemed to have discovered the Games that had been sitting on its doorstep.

For much of the event, Nagoya felt like a host city reluctantly accommodating the Asian Games. The organizers opted for sustainability, using existing venues and temporary structures rather than constructing grand new facilities. However, early problems such as accommodation mix-ups, transport issues, and accreditation challenges marred the Games' start.

Athletes and organizers alike struggled with the logistics, but slowly, the Games improved. Buses arrived on time, competitions ran smoothly, and athletes shifted their focus from where they were staying to what they were trying to achieve.

The compact venues created an intimacy that larger stadiums could not, with 54 world records, 11 junior records, and 89 Asian records set during the Games. However, the empty seats in these venues highlighted the low attendance, as a few hundred missing spectators could make an arena feel half-empty. Despite the challenges, the Asian Games did not consume Nagoya as an Olympics might, with life continuing as usual outside the arenas. The organizers had succeeded in making the Games a part of the city rather than a separate entity.

The closing ceremony brought the biggest crowd of the Games, suggesting that the events had finally captured the attention of Nagoya's residents. The atmosphere was celebratory, with locals, athletes, and spectators joining together to bid farewell. The two weeks had been a learning experience, with the Games leaving a lasting impression on the city and its people.