Asian Games 2026 Concludes, Qatar to Host 2030 Edition
The 20th Asian Games closed in Nagoya, Japan, on October 4 with a simple ceremony that passed the hosting flag to Qatar for the 2026 edition. Thai athletes were represented by flag bearers Musya Dungsri in sepak takraw and Burinpob Boonsaton in athletics. The event featured performances highlighting Aichi Prefecture and concluded with Qatar set to host the 21st Asian Games in 2030.
The 20th Asian Games concluded officially on October 4 at Nagoya’s Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, with Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko presiding. Thai delegation was led by flag bearers Musya Dungsri, a national sepak takraw athlete, and Burinpob Boonsaton, a leading Thai track and field athlete. The ceremony included a countdown video, a solo performance of Japan’s national anthem by the Self‑Defense Forces, and a segment titled “Hearts Beating as One with Athletes” featuring dancers in elaborate costumes. After the athletes’ parade, a video montage highlighted memorable moments under the theme “Celebration Heart”. Governor Hideaki Omura of Aichi handed over the Asian Games torch and flag to Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al‑Thani of the Olympic Council of Asia, who then passed them to Qatar’s representative Mutaz Essa Barshim. The Qatari flag was raised, a Qatari performance followed, and the flame was extinguished, closing the “Aichi‑Nagoya 2026” Games. The 21st Asian Games will be held in Qatar from November 4 to 19, 2030.
