Asian Games 2023 Closing Ceremony Highlights: Asian Games Officially Conclude With A Promise To Return

The colossal torch within the arena ignites, symbolizing a sense of continuity. Subsequently, the enormous holographic figure gently fades away, offering a salute. The 'Eternal Fire' will return

With a "See you again in Hangzhou" in keeping with tradition, the inaugural Asian Games Torch, the original Asian Games Flag, and the Olympic Council of Asia Flag have been officially transferred to the upcoming hosts, Japan.

Artistic performance by artists for the Aichi-Nagoya Games 2026.

The flag of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has been hoisted in a ceremonial flag hoisting. Officials have conducted the ceremonial exchange of the torch and flag.

The Asian Games 2023 officially concludes with a promise to return in 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

Raja Randhir Singh, Acting President of Olympic Council of Asia is on the podium.

Pain, Tears, Victory. We saw it all, we felt it all! And now it is time to celebrate and appreciate the greatness of these marvelous athletes.

In the second act, the stadium has transformed into the shape of a lotus, embracing the themes of sports, natural elements, and a captivating dance performance by Chinese women, creating a cultural masterpiece.

The stadium is adorned with various sports logos, creating a breathtaking spectacle unlike anything seen before. Are we in heaven?

Gossebumps as we are seeing the highlights of everything that unraveled in past 2 weeks. 

The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium is fully packed. Athletes from different nations gathered at the arena's center, receiving warm applause and cheers from the enthusiastic fans. The athletes are now taking their seats as the event progresses.

Here you go! Team India is here.

Everywhere you see, nothing but celebration. These athletes have given their all in these past two weeks. Now it is time to let go of all the pressure, loosen their shoulders and celeberate. 

The Indian athletes are parading through the arena with big smiles. They have earned it!

The Lotus has transformed into a mesmerizing spectacle, featuring live holographic technologies and breathtaking performances by exceptionally talented artists.

PR Sreejesh with Indian Flag in his hands. Proud moment for the nation.

Iran lead the way as athletes march for the final time in this edition of Asian games.

Chenchen, Congcong and Lianlian, the official mascots of Asian Games 2023 dance to the tunes of Chinese music as crowd cheers for them.

"What a historic achievement for India at the Asian Games!

The entire nation is overjoyed that our incredible athletes have brought home the highest ever total of 107 medals, the best ever performance in the last 60 years.

The unwavering determination, relentless spirit and hard work of our players have made the nation proud. Their victories have given us moments to remember, inspired us all and have reaffirmed our commitment to excellence."

-Prime Minister Narendra Modi

It all starts with national anthem of People's Republic of China.

At the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, the Indian team secured an impressive 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze medals, securing a historic 4th place in the overall standings.

China emerged as the table topper, securing a total of record 383 medals, including an impressive 201 gold medals, surpassing their previous record of 199 golds achieved in Guangzhou 2010.

A look at medal standings for the last time- 

The closing ceremony will revisit special moments from the Asian Games 2023 on these screens and will conclude with the digital torch bearer, who also played a significant role in the opening ceremony.

The Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, also known as the Big Lotus, will have its floor transformed into a screen with thousands of luminous points.

The ceremony is expected to last approximately 75 minutes and will feature a combination of ceremonies and performances showcasing China's technological and cultural advancements.

Under the theme of 'Heart to Heart' for Hangzhou 2023, the closing ceremony will focus on promoting love and respect among participants, with a particular emphasis on athletes and volunteers.

The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and will be available for live streaming and telecast in India.

The Asian Games 2023, which have provided two weeks of thrilling sporting action, are set to conclude with a closing ceremony at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in China.

India's Chess Men's team of Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala clinches silver medal.

India's Chess women's team of Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Vantika Agrawal, and Savita Shri clinches silver medal.

Deepak Punia settles for the silver medal as he suffers defeat against Olympic Champion & 3-time World Champion Hassan Yazdani 0-10 in Final (FS 86kg).

India's women's hockey team has defeated Japan 2-1 to clinch Bronze Medal as the overall tally rises to 104.

After a gold medal in Cricket, India won another gold in Kabaddi (Men's). The medal tally now stands at 103.  

To simplify the situation: India's Pawan Kumar Sehrawat, during his raid, went out of lobby without touching any defender. Subsequently, the Iranian defenders followed him and also went out of lobby. Now, the question is whether Iran should get a point in defense because Pawan went out of bounds, or if India should get four points because four defenders went out after Pawan.

In this scenario, typically, India would earn four points because the four Iranian defenders went out of bounds after Pawan. This would be considered a successful raid for India, resulting in four points for the team.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty beat the Korean pair to lift gold medal for India in men's doubles.

At the end of first half, India lead by 16-13 against Iran. An exciting 2nd half in pursuit.

India are leading for the first time against Iran as the end of first half of the game approaches. It is a marginal lead but effective at the same time.

Deepak Punia confirms another MEDAL. He will face Iran's Hassan Yazdanicharati in the GOLD medal match

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Team has won the bronze medal as they defeat Pakistan by 6 wickets in a last-bail thriller. 

Deepak Punia beats Japan's Shirai Shota to enter men's 86kg freestyle semifinals

India's 100th medal in Asian Games 2023 confirmed! India's women Kabaddi team beats Chinese Taipei by the barest of margins 26-25. Incidently, this is India's 100th gold medal in the history of Asian Games.

India's Ojas Deotale win India's 2nd gold of the day. But it doesn't stop, he defeated compatriot Abhishek Sharma who settled for silver. India's medal tally reaches 99.

India women's Kabaddi side is leading 13-9 against Chinese Taipei in half time in the gold medal match.

India vs Chinese Taipei women's final match for the gold medal is underway.

An all India final between Abhishek Verma vs Ojas Deotale in compound men's gold medal match. India to get another gold and a silver in the event.

India's campaign on the final day has started on a great note with Archers Aditi Swami and Jyothi Surekha winning bronze and gold medal taking India's medal count to 97. Can athletes continue this further? Will India bring more golds?

India's Jyothi Surekha Vennam defeated South Korea's archer with a a score of 149-145.  

Indian archer Aditi Swami wins bronze medal in compound women's individual event. India's 96th medal in total. 

For the first time in history of Asian Games, India are all set to cross the coveted 100-medal mark for the first time in the history of the games.

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the final day proceedings of the Asian Games 2023 here at the city of Hangzhou in China.