Olympic Council of Asia President H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani delivers a speech during the closing ceremony.
Nagoya: President of the Olympic Council of Asia H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani yesterday invited the youth of Asia to reunite in Doha in four years for the 21st Asian Games, saying Qatar’s welcome would extend to all corners of the continent.
Speaking at the Closing Ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Sheikh Joaan said: “Our hearts and homes are open to all of Asia, and we welcome everyone to Doha, a home for all.”
He added: “We invite the youth of Asia to carry this spirit with them, and to meet again in four years’ time at the 21st Asian Games, Doha 2030. From East to West, from Japan to Qatar, we will carry our values forward and ensure that every part of our continent experiences this celebration of sport.”
Sheikh Joaan said the transition of the Asian Games from Japan to Qatar reflected the continued reach of the Games’ message and values across the continent.
He praised the outstanding performances witnessed during Aichi-Nagoya 2026, where more than 350 records were broken, including more than 50 world records, marking a record for an Asian Games.
The OCA President also highlighted the remarkable comebacks and last-second victories during the Games, as well as the emergence of a new generation of young stars and the continued achievements of seasoned champions.
He said athletes had also set an outstanding example of sportsmanship and respect throughout the competitions.
Sheikh Joaan congratulated the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Organising Committee, the Japanese Olympic Committee, Aichi Prefecture, the City of Nagoya and the Government of Japan for organising the Games and providing Asia’s athletes with the opportunity to perform at their best.
He also commended the efforts of Asia’s 45 National Olympic Committees in supporting their athletes and praised the contributions of partners, sponsors and broadcasters in bringing the Games to audiences across the continent.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani receives the OCA flag from President of the Olympic Council of Asia H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani during the closing ceremony of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Sheikh Joaan paid tribute to the people of Aichi, Nagoya and the co-host cities for their support, while also praising the efforts of the thousands of volunteers who contributed to the success of the Games.
He stressed that the closing of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 was not the end of what the Games had achieved, but the beginning of a new chapter for Asian sport.
“Tonight, as we lower the flag on Aichi-Nagoya 2026, we close these Games, but we raise the bar for Asian sport. The flame may be extinguished, but the hopes it has ignited will continue to shine across our continent,” he said.
Qatar formally received the Asian Games flag during the Closing Ceremony, marking the official handover from Aichi-Nagoya 2026 to Doha 2030 and the beginning of Qatar’s journey towards hosting the Games for the second time.
