#AsianGames2018 concludes with glittering ceremony; India bags rich haul of 69 medals including 15 gold
Jakarta, September 3: Indian contingent bagged a rich haul of 69 medals including 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze medals with standing on an eighth place at the 18th Asian Games which concluded on Sunday.
Notably, the Asian Games concluded with a glittering ceremony in Jakarta as hosts Indonesia dreamed of stepping up to host the Olympics in 2032. Women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal became India's flag-bearer for the closing ceremony.
India ended their Asian Games campaign with a bang, winning two gold medals on Day 14. While debutant Amit Panghal clinched gold in boxing by defeating Olympic champion Hasanboy Dusmatov of Uzbekistan in the final, India won a gold in men's pair bridge event.
PM Modi in a series of tweet said, “As the #AsianGames2018 come to a close, I once again congratulate the Indian contingent for their excellent performance. The 2018 Games have been the best for India in the history of the Asian Games. Every athlete who took part in the Games is India’s pride.”
He said in another tweet, “During the #AsianGames2018, we consolidated our position in events where we have historically been strong and won laurels in those games in which we have not won much previously. This is an extremely positive sign and it augurs well for Indian sports.”
“I salute the coaches, support staff, parents, family and friends of the athletes. Thank you for constantly supporting our champions. My best wishes to all our athletes for their future endeavours. #AsianGames2018,” PM Modi concluded.
While Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore in a tweet said, “With a total of 15 GOLD 24 SILVER & 30 BRONZE medals, India has recorded it's BEST EVER RUN in the history of #ASIANGAMES at #ASIANGAMES2018. Hats off to our athletes, who accomplished this feat with sheer tenacity, determination and hard work. We r all proud of them! #KheloIndia.”
More than 10,000 athletes gave their best at the Asian Games 2018, winning medals for their respective countries. 465 gold medals were won by the athletes of 28 countries. 37 out of 45 participating nations were able to win medals at the Asian Games 2018. China finished on top of the medal tally with 132 gold medals.
Lauding Indonesia, viewers and athletes across the world, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, president of the Olympic Council of Asia said, "You did it! You made the energy of Asia come through." "Jakarta has the capability to host any such major international event," added the sheikh, who performed the heart-shaped "Mobot" by placing both hands on top of his head.
It added to the relaxed atmosphere of the ceremony, which was mainly devoted to music acts from Indonesia, India and South Korea while booming fireworks lit up the night sky. Indonesia has defied expectations to host a smooth Games, which with 17,000 athletes and officials is second in size only to the Olympics.
The closing ceremony was having superstars performing and enthralling the audience. Superstars like Isyana Sarasvati, iKon, Ran, Denada, GIGI, Dira Sugandi, and many more will be on the stage.
With a total of 69 medals, this was India's best performance in the Asian Games till now. In 2010, India bagged a total of 64 medals including 14 gold, 17 silver and 34 bronze.