Asian Beach Games closes in Da Nang

Da Nang (VNA) - The 5th Asian Beach Games (ABG5) wrapped up with a closing ceremony after 10 days of competition in Da Nang on October 3, with more than 3,200 athletes having competed.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Ngoc Thien; vice president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Timothy Fok and chairman of the city’s people’s committee Huynh Duc Tho joined hands to extinguish the ceremonial flame.

A total of 172 medal sets were awarded across 14 sports and 22 events from September 24 to October 3.

Vietnam finished first in the medal table, bagging 52 gold, 44 silver and 43 bronze medals.

Thailand came second with 36 golds, 24 silvers and 30 bronzes, while China was third with 12 golds, 18 silvers and 19 bronzes.

Addressing the closing ceremony, minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Ngoc Thien applauded efforts made by athletes, coaches and officials at the ABG.

“The games are officially closed after 10 days of competition. Over 3,000 athletes and 1,200 officials, technical experts and referees took part in tough competitions and showed friendship, solidarity and common emotions at the games,” Thien said.

“Although not every athlete won a medal, the participants were the real winners of the games for their patience, solidarity and friendship,” he said.

Vice president of the OCA, Timothy Fok, said the ABG5 was a new chapter in Asian sport.

“Congratulations Da Nang, Vietnam. The ABG5 has been completed successfully. We enjoyed the weather, beach and sea of Da Nang as well as the history and culture of Vietnam and Da Nang.”

The closing ceremony ended with fireworks and a performance from artists, dancers and athletes from participating countries and territories.

Vietnam topped the medal tally with 52 gold, 44 silver and 43 bronze medals in 14 sports.

Thailand came in second in terms of the medal tally with 36 golds, 24 silvers and 30 bronzes, while China was third with 12 golds, 18 silvers and 19 bronzes.-VNA