China tops medal table as 2026 Asian Para Games close

NAGOYA, Japan, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- The fifth Asian Para Games concluded with a closing ceremony here on Saturday, as China topped the medal standings for the fifth consecutive edition with 207 gold medals.

The delegation of China enters into the stadium before the closing ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, Oct. 24, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

Nearly 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions competed in approximately 500 events across 18 sports at the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

China sent a delegation of 312 athletes and finished with 207 gold, 117 silver and 111 bronze medals, totaling 435 for its best performance at an Asian Para Games held outside China.

Chinese athletes also set 11 world records and 18 Asian records during the competition. Host Japan finished second in the medal standings, followed by Uzbekistan in third.

The closing ceremony took place at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, where flagbearers from participating delegations entered the venue to a welcome from performers and volunteers.

Para fencer Zhong Saichun, who won six gold medals at the Games, carried China's national flag.

Hideaki Ohmura, president of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games organizing committee, thanked the athletes and those involved in staging the event.

"Your determination to give it your all, push beyond your limits, and take on challenges -- as you competed and faced adversity -- has inspired and moved people around the world," Ohmura said.

"It has reaffirmed my strong belief that human potential is limitless, and that continuing to take on challenges is the path to forging a brighter future."

Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed praised the athletes' performances and determination, while emphasizing the importance of building on the Games' legacy.

"But the true legacy of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will be measured by what we do next," Rashed said. "More athletes discovering their potential. More countries developing their talent. More people with disabilities finding their rightful place in sport and society."

The APC flag was lowered and handed to Ahmad Abdulla Al Buenain, CEO of the Doha 2030 Asian Games organizing committee, ahead of the Qatari capital's hosting of the next Asian Games and Asian Para Games.

The ceremony concluded with a performance and the extinguishing of the Games cauldron.