A performance at the 18th Asian Games’ closing ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia on September 2, 2018 (Source: Xinhua/VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – The 2018 Asian Games (ASIAD) closed in a glittering ceremony in Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on September 2, delivering a message of solidarity in the region as athletes were not grouped by their countries and territories, but by the sports.
The ceremony began with the national anthem Indonesia Raya, followed by a marching band parade by the police academy and military academy, as well as a procession of ASIAD 2018 contingents.
Addressing the event, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who is also Chairman of the Steering Council of the 2018 Indonesian Asian Games Organizing Committee, expressed his hope that all the athletes had unforgettable memories in this year’s ASIAD.
President of the Olympic Council of Asia Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Admed Al-Sabah praised the success of ASIAD 2018 and hoped for the success of the next event. Indonesian President Joko Widodo delivered a speech via a televised broadcast.
The ASIAD 2018 opened on August 18 with the participation of 11,646 athletes from 45 countries and territories, who competed for sets of medals in 40 sports.
Vietnam finished 17th out of 45 countries and territories in the medal tally of the continental sporting event, with four gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze medals.
In addition, the Olympic football team made history by earning a ticket to the semi-finals of the men’s football and winning praise from international experts, and the support and love of millions of fans.
At the closing ceremony, the ASIAD flag and torch was handed to China, which will host the next Asian Games in 2022 in Hangzhou.-VNA
VNA
