If exhibiting China’s might as the leading technology-powered nation was the message from the opening ceremony, the theme of the Hangzhou Asian Games closing ceremony was about celebrating solidarity within the continent.
The 19th Asian Games – postponed from 2022 after the COVID-19 outbreak in China — officially came to a close on Sunday after two weeks of thrilling sporting action. China, which won the first gold, finished top of the table with 201 gold medals and a combined total of 383, a Games record.
Roads were cordoned off and subway lines heading towards the Olympic Stadium were closed as the Premier Li Qiang marked his presence at the event, where there were plenty of empty seats at the nearly 80,000-capacity venue.
