The fifth edition of the Asia Para Games concluded in Nagoya on Saturday following a colorful ceremony. The event celebrated seven days of athletic achievement, unity, and determination.
Approximately 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions participated in these Games, competing in around 500 disciplines across 18 sports. The Aichi-Nagoya Games ended with a presentation, flag handover, and the extinguishing of the Olympic flame.
The closing ceremony brought together athletes, officials, artists, and volunteers at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya. Participating delegations entered the venue to warm reception, marking the end of the week of competition.
During the ceremony, Chinese athlete Chun Saichun, who won six gold medals at the Games, carried the national flag of China on a wheelchair fencing.
Hidaki Omura, President of the Organizing Committee of the Asia Games and Asia Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, thanked the athletes and everyone involved in organizing the event, emphasizing the inspiration they provided. He stated: 'Your determination to give your all, overcome limits, and cope with difficulties—while competing and facing adversity—has inspired and touched people around the world.'
Majid Rasheed, President of the Asian Para Games, also acknowledged the achievements of the athletes, stressing that the impact of the Games must extend beyond the competitions themselves. Rasheed noted: 'But the true legacy of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will be measured by what we do next. More athletes will unlock their potential. More countries will develop their talents. More people with disabilities will find their rightful place in sports and society.'
Rasheed officially declared the end of the Games before the Asian Para Games flag was lowered and handed over to Ahmad Abdullah Al Bunain, Director General of the Doha 2030 Asia Games Organizing Committee, as Qatar's capital prepares to host the next edition in four years.
The ceremony concluded with cultural performances and the extinguishing of the Games' flame, bringing Aichi-Nagoya 2026 to a close. China demonstrated dominance in the medal tally, securing 207 gold, 117 silver, and 111 bronze medals, totaling 435 awards—China's best performance at the Asia Para Games held outside of China. The Chinese delegation of 312 athletes also set 11 world records and 18 Asian records.
The host country Japan finished second in gold medals with 64 titles, while Uzbekistan ranked third with 45 gold medals. These results concluded a triumphant performance at an event that celebrated both athletic excellence and greater inclusivity for people with disabilities.