Asian Games close in Japan with records and controversy

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games concluded on Sunday with a 90-minute closing ceremony at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, where OCA President Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani officially declared the Games closed and handed the flag to Doha 2030 organizers. More than 17,000 athletes and officials from 45 nations participated, exceeding Olympic participation numbers. China topped the medal table for the 12th consecutive edition with 341 total medals, including 169 gold, while host Japan finished second with 269 medals and India placed fourth with 85 medals, 21 fewer than in Hangzhou. Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 13, won three gold medals in Games-record times and was named female MVP, while Japanese swimmer Shin Ohashi, 17, broke the men's 200m breaststroke world record. Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson, 20, claimed the 100m-200m double and male MVP honors. Despite the athletic achievements, the Games were marred by the absence of a traditional athletes' village, with participants housed in temporary wooden units, hotels, and a cruise ship. Teams complained of cramped quarters, short beds, and insufficient bedding, with one Thai official describing the situation as "like musical chairs." OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam defended the organization, citing 50 world records as proof of adequate conditions.