Qatar Concludes Nagoya Asian Games with 18 Medals as Official Countdown to Doha 2030 Begins

The 2026 Asian Games officially came to an end in Aichi-Nagoya on Sunday after more than two weeks of intense sporting action, with Qatar formally receiving the Asian Games flag to mark the start of its journey toward hosting the 21st Asian Games in Doha in 2030.

Qatar’s 243-strong delegation competed in 26 sports and 32 disciplines in Japan, finishing 14th in the final medal table with six gold, six silver, and six bronze medals, totaling 18 medals.

The handover ceremony took place at Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya during the closing ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, featuring senior Qatari and Japanese officials.

In his closing address, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, praised the athletes and organizers of Aichi-Nagoya 2026, noting that the Games created a legacy extending far beyond sports and Japan.

Sheikh Joaan highlighted that more than 350 records had been broken, including over 50 world records, while 40 of the 45 National Olympic Committees achieved medals.

Addressing the transition to Qatar, Sheikh Joaan stated that as the flag of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 is lowered, the bar for Asian sports is raised, inviting everyone to Doha in four years.

Hideaki Omura, Governor of Aichi Prefecture, also praised the athletes for their sportsmanship and friendship displayed throughout the competitions.

The handover involved three symbolic items—the Torch, the old OCA Flag, and the new OCA Flag—which were presented by Japanese representatives and eventually entrusted to Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim, who began the artistic section of the ceremony.

Barshim described carrying the Asian Games flag as a great honor, emphasizing that Doha 2030 will offer a new generation an opportunity to compete and be inspired.

Qatari equestrian Jassim Al Kuwari then carried the flag on horseback, echoing Qatar's sporting heritage and the Doha 2006 opening ceremony when Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani carried the torch on horseback.

The Qatar National Flag was also raised during the ceremony as Qatari singer and composer Dana Al Meer performed the national anthem live in the presence of the Military Defence Corps.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the handover as a gesture of trust between hosts and a reminder of the power of sport to unite nations, cultures, and communities, noting that Doha 2030 will build upon the legacy of Doha 2006.