China Triumphs at 19th Asian Games
The 19th Asian Games came to a triumphant close in Hangzhou, China, with the host nation dominating the competition. China’s victory was evident as they secured the top spot on the medal tally, with Japan and South Korea following closely behind. This multi-sport event, uniting over 40 nations, showcased a grand display of athletic prowess.
China’s consistent strength in the Asian Games was on full display as they leveraged their home advantage in Hangzhou. The games featured a remarkable number of competitors, surpassing the expectations for next year’s Summer Olympics in Paris. Approximately 12,500 athletes participated, whereas France anticipates around 10,500 participants.
Traditional Olympic sports took center stage during the Asian Games, and the event also gave a glimpse of two upcoming sports. Breakdancing, also known as breaking, will make its debut in the 2024 Paris Olympics, while cricket is set to feature in either the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics or the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Additionally, the Asian Games introduced unique sporting competitions not typically found in multi-sport events. These included dragon boat racing, kabaddi, sepaktakraw (foot volleyball), 3×3 basketball, and roller skating.
China invested approximately $30 billion in preparing Hangzhou as the venue, aiming to showcase its economic strength to neighboring countries, leave a lasting impression on the local population, and promote the city on a global stage. The event’s organization was extended by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing ample time for meticulous preparation.
While China, Japan, and South Korea emerged as dominant forces in the Asian Games, the event also offered smaller nations and territories, with a representation of 45, a unique opportunity to compete for medals. This chance often eludes them in the larger Olympics.