Asian Games Close in Japan, Qatar Receives Flag

Sam Okafor · 2026-10-04T12:20:11.985Z

The Philippines hitting 29 medals is their strongest showing in years and a sign their training programs are paying off.

Asian Games Close in Japan, Qatar Receives Flag — Photo: Lê Minh / Wikimedia Commons (Pexels)

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The 20th Asian Games concluded Oct. 4, 2026 at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko attended with representatives from 45 nations. Flags of participating nations entered the arena as athletes from Japan, Qatar, India and the Philippines marched. Jassim Al Kuwari rode with the Olympic Council of Asia flag. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani handed it to Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for Qatar as next host, Doha expected 2030 or possibly 2031. Fireworks exploded from the roof and Ken Matsudaira performed. China was set to top the gold-medal and overall standings. The Philippines, with flag bearer Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape and athletes including Carlo Paalam and EJ Obiena, sent 446 athletes in 38 sports for 29 medals (4 gold, 8 silver, 16 bronze), the biggest haul since 1966 and 16th place up from 17th, golds matching Hangzhou. Patrick Gregorio said: We're very happy we won so many medals in so many sports. In China (2023 Hangzhou Asian Games), we won in 11 sports. 'Yan po ang malalaking pagbabago, at 'yan po ang importante sa ating development ng Philippine sports sa ating grassroots program. Contested: The record contains no attributed factual disputes.