Games ended with impressive cultural extravaganza, which enthralled the spectators
Indonesian dancers, hosts for the 2018 Games, perform during the closing ceremony of the 17th Asian Games in Incheon on Saturday. (Photo:AP)
Incheon: Curtains were brought down on the 17th Asian Games here as this South Korean coastal city bid goodbye to the athletes and officials from 45 countries in a dazzling closing ceremony after a fortnight of high-voltage action on Saturday.
An impressive cultural extravaganza, which enthralled the spectators who braved cold winds to make it to the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, preceded the formal closing delivered by Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.“I declare the 17th Asian Games closed and as per the tradition I call upon the youth of Asia to assemble in four years time in Jakarta, Indonesia, to celebrate the 18th Asian Games there in accordance with the ideals of the Olympic Council of Asia. May the youth of Asia ever celebrate the Asian Games in the spirit of brotherhood and for the good of humanity,” OCA chief Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah said to herald the end of the Incheon Games.
China topped the medals table for the ninth time on the trot in the 36-discipline Games with yet another staggering haul of 342 medals, that included 151 gold, though 48 less
than what they pocketed at home four years ago in Guangzhou.
India, second only to China in population, finished 8th on the medals table with a total haul of 57, comprising 11 gold, 9 silver and 37 bronze. Four years ago, the country had finished higher in 6th position with 14 gold meals, 17 silver and 34 bronze.
( Source : PTI )
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