Asian Games Conclude in Japan as Qatar Receives Flag for 2030

Double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and bronze medalist Alex Eala were notably absent from the Filipino athletes’ parade at the closing ceremony.
The Games’ male and female MVP awards were due to be decided by a five-member jury weighing factors including gold medals and records; each winner would receive US$25,000.
Equestrian events were scheduled to award the Games’ final two gold medals on the last day of competition.
The 20th Asian Games closed in Nagoya, Japan, on October 4 with a formal ceremony led by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko. AP News reported that Qatar received the Olympic Council of Asia flag, signaling that Doha will host the Games in 2030—though planners have discussed a possible 2031 date. Over 15,000 athletes from 45 nations competed across 43 sports during the two-week event.
China dominated the medal count heading into the final day. Nippon.com noted that Japan posted a record medal haul for the host nation. Philippine flag bearer Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, a taekwondo medalist, led his country's athletes in the closing parade, though notable champions Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala were absent from the ceremony.
China was positioned to finish atop both the gold-medal table and the overall medal count. Nippon.com reported that Japan achieved a record medal haul as the host nation, surpassing its previous performance at an Asian Games. The tight competition between the two nations shaped much of the Games' narrative across the two-week competition.
The Philippines sent multiple medalists to the closing parade, including boxing champion Carlo Paalam and pole vaulter EJ Obiena. Taekwondo medalist Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape carried the Philippine flag during the ceremony. However, two major medal winners—double gold medalist Carlos Yulo and bronze medalist Alex Eala—notably did not participate in the athletes' procession.
Male and female MVP awards were decided by a five-member jury evaluating gold medals, records set, and overall performance. Each MVP winner would receive $25,000 as a prize. On the closing day, equestrian events were scheduled to award the Games' final two gold medals, bringing the competition to a formal conclusion.
AP News reported that Qatar received the Olympic Council of Asia flag, officially designating Doha as the next host city. The Games are expected to take place in 2030, though planning officials have raised the possibility of moving the event to 2031. The handoff marks the continuation of the Asian Games' cycle across the continent's major cities.
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