Hosts Indonesia bid emotional farewell to 18th Asian Games

JAKARTA: Indonesia bid an emotional farewell to the 18th Asian Games, exhibiting the similar gritty spirit with which it organised the 15-day wearing extravaganza as 1000's braved heavy rain to turn up for a spectacular closing rite right here on Sunday.

The 76,000 capacity Gelora Bung Karno stadium did not attract many of us when the monitor and box events have been on however they made a beeline to observe the two-hour lengthy closing rite that was once high on leisure.

Indonesia's love for Bollywood was once additionally on complete show as singer Siddharth Slathia and Denada sang widespread numbers 'Koi Mil Gaya', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hain' and 'Jai Ho'.

As expected, the closing rite was once now not as spectacular as the opening when Indonesian President Joko Widodo made headlines together with his motorcycle stunt to go into the venue. But it was once amusing nevertheless with a heady mix of song, dance and fireworks.

Widodo's video message to his countrymen and all the Asian continent additionally added to the joy.

For the organisers, it was once the end of an intense and successful campaign, having got four years to organize for the second one biggest multi-sporting match on the earth following Vietnam's withdrawal. Having two towns - Jakarta and Palembang - as co-hosts was once a primary in Games' history, making the herculean task the entire more difficult.

(PTI Photo)

Hosting greater than 11,000 athletes from 45 international locations across two contrasting towns was once no imply feat however a determined Indonesia pulled it off, overcoming the triple danger posed through terrorism, crime and its notorious visitors.

"Everyone supported, that's the key. The whole of Indonesia became one and supported the Games. We had a plan since March, 2016. As an organisation we made sure we implemented that plan. We also got the best Indonesian talent to support the Games. Did everything work? Not 100 percent. But we tried to solve the issues and did not run away from them," said Erick Thohir, leader of organizing committee INASGOC.

The successful staging of the Games, taking place for the primary time in Indonesia since 1962, has additionally given the rustic the confidence to bid for the 2032 Olympics.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who was once on the VIP area alongside OCA leader Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah and Indonesian Vice-President, has additionally given a thumbs up to the rustic's Olympic bid.

While the grand opening rite showcased Indonesia's wealthy cultural heritage, the closing of the Games was once a modest affair however still scored high on liveliness. The spectators revelled within the united spirit of Asia as artists from India, China and Korea carried out.

India's Slathia, one in all the six singers who sang the Games anthem in their native language, enthralled the spectators alongside the reputed Ikon and Super Junior from Korea besides Indonesia's very own like Isyana Saraswati, Dira Sugandi, RAN and Bunga Citra Lestari.

For the physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted athletes, the rite gave them an opportunity to let their hair down. Forgetting the serious pageant for the moment, the wearing champions mingled to rejoice the instance somewhat than parading one by one.

China and Japan, who finished an expected first and 2d within the medals tally, have been welcomed vociferously however the roar got louder when the Indonesian contingent marched in. Indonesia finished fourth within the medals tally, a drastic development from a top-20 finish in Incheon four years ago.


The Indian contingent was once led through ladies hockey crew's captain and flag-bearer Rani Rampal. It was once additionally a memorable Games for India as it produced the best ever efficiency with 69 medals together with 15 gold, 24 silver and 30 bronze.


The loudest cheer, alternatively, was once reserved for the 13,000 volunteers who labored tirelessly to contribute to the Games' luck.


The rite culminated with Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah calling on the athletes to satisfy in four years in Hangzhou, the host for the 2022 Asian Games, sooner than the symbolic delivering of the OCA flag to the Mayor of the Chinese town, Xu Li Yi.


A sneak peek video of the next host town was once additionally performed out on the large display screen, adopted through a short cultural efficiency.
Hosts Indonesia bid emotional farewell to 18th Asian Games Hosts Indonesia bid emotional farewell to 18th Asian Games Reviewed by Kailash on September 02, 2018 Rating: 5
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