Curtain falls on Asian Games

The Asian Games in Japan closed on Sunday after a fortnight lit up by record-smashing young stars. A celebratory closing ceremony full of colour and song saw Japan hand over hosting duties to Doha 2030. "Tonight we close a Games that will shape the next generation of Asian sport," said Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who declared the Games closed at Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. China once again led the way in this year's Games with 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze medals, its best haul at an overseas Asiad. Hosts Japan ranked second with 83 gold, 95 silver and 91 bronze medals, followed by South Korea with 39 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze medals. Hong Kong, China sat ninth in the standings, garnering 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals for its best showing ever. Rugby sevens gold medallist Cado Lee was the flag bearer for the SAR at the closing ceremony. Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson and Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi were named the men's and women's Most Valuable Players of the Games. The Thai sprinter completed the 100m-200m double. Yu, just 13, is on track for a huge Los Angeles Olympics two years later after claiming three individual...