{
  "id": 11909554,
  "title": "Sayonara Aichi-Nagoya, welcome to Doha",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/sayonara-aichi-nagoya-welcome-to-doha",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T11:08:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/10/1547592/sayonara-aichi-nagoya-welcome-doha"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Sunday, the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded following 16 days of intense competition, with athletes from across Asia vying for medal triumph. Malaysia secured the 11th overall ranking, having earned nine gold, seven silver, and 16 bronze medals. China was crowned the champion with an impressive tally of 169 gold, 89 silver, and 83 bronze medals, followed by Japan in second place with 83-95-91. South Korea rounded out the top three with 39 gold, 43 silver, and 68 bronze medals.\n\nThe closing ceremony commenced at 6:00 pm at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium, with Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko in attendance, along with OCA president Sheikh Joaan Hamad Al Thani. The proceedings saw the raising of the Japanese flag, followed by the national anthem, as spectators witnessed an artistic performance celebrating the unity of athletes. Contingents from various nations then paraded alongside the athletes, symbolizing the upcoming handover of hosting duties to Doha, Qatar.\n\nThe ceremony transitioned to a segment highlighting memorable moments from the Games, paying tribute to the athletes and organizers. OCA president and AINAGOC president Hideaki Omura delivered speeches before the lowering of the OCA flag, officially signaling the end of the quadrennial event. The spotlight then shifted to the handover ceremony to Doha, with Qatar's representatives accepting the OCA flag and torch, and Qatar's national flag being raised to its anthem. A special cultural presentation by Doha showcased the country's heritage and its aspirations as the incoming host.\n\nThe Games concluded with the extinguishing of the Asian Games flame, symbolically marking the 16-day journey in Aichi-Nagoya. Athletes came together for a final performance titled \"One Asia, One Heart,\" a mass bon-odori dance that united participants across borders and generations, serving as a lasting emblem of Asian solidarity.",
  "summary": "NAGOYA: The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games drew to a close on Sunday after 16 days of thrilling action that saw Asia's finest athletes battle for medal glory, paving the way for Doha, Qatar to take over hosting duties for the next edition.",
  "key_points": [
    "2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded after 16 days of competition",
    "Malaysia finished 11th with 9 gold, 7 silver, 16 bronze medals",
    "Qatar accepted OCA flag, becoming new host for 2030 Asian Games"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Sayonara Aichi-Nagoya, welcome to Doha [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/sayonara-aichi-nagoya-welcome-to-doha-watch",
        "published": "2026-10-04T11:08:51.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}