Hangzhou, China – China celebrated a successful 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, marked by a record gold medal haul for its athletes and an absence of major security incidents. However, the event faced challenges ranging from diplomatic tensions to officiating controversies, raising questions about accountability within the organizing bodies.
Diplomatic tensions marred the Games even before the dazzling opening ceremony, as a visa dispute prevented three Indian athletes from competing. These athletes hailed from a region in India contested by China, prompting India’s sports minister to cancel his planned visit to the Games in protest. While the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) acknowledged the issue, it remained largely unaddressed.
The official slogan of the Games was “Heart to Heart, @Future,” but observers suggested that a more fitting motto might have been “Let things slide.”
North Korea, making its first major sporting appearance since the 2018 Asian Games, faced criticism for its lack of compliance with the global anti-doping code. Despite being banned from displaying its flag at multisport events outside the Olympics, the nation’s flag flew at Hangzhou with the support of the OCA.
With approximately 12,400 athletes from 45 countries, the 40-sport program exhibited pockets of world-class quality, especially in swimming, where China excelled. Swimmers like Zhang Yufei and Qin Haiyang captured 11 gold medals, earning the Games’ MVP awards.
China’s traditional strengths in badminton, diving, and table tennis contributed to their topping the medal table for the 11th consecutive Games, with 201 gold medals. Japan secured second place with 52 golds, followed by South Korea with 42. India marked significant progress, finishing fourth with a national record of 28 golds and surpassing its goal of 100 medals overall.
The 19th Asian Games showcased breakdancing as a preview of its debut at the Paris Olympics and featured esports as a medal event, drawing a substantial local audience.
However, the athletics events faced controversy and officiating errors. An official was injured by a misthrown hammer, and Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra had to retake his first javelin attempt due to a recording error. The women’s 100m hurdles saw a clear false start by China’s Wu Yanni, but the disqualification initially targeted Indian rival Jyothi Yarraji before it was corrected.
Officiating disputes disrupted the men’s kabaddi final between India and Iran, causing sit-down protests by both teams. In cricket, the final between India and Afghanistan was abandoned due to rain, leading to India’s gold award based on their higher world ranking.
Security staff intervened in the men’s soccer quarter-final between North Korea and Japan when several North Korean players mobbed and manhandled the referee after their loss.
Despite these challenges, the Games demonstrated moments of resilience and hope, as women represented Afghanistan in cycling, volleyball, and athletics, defying the Taliban’s ban on women’s sports. Afghan volleyballer Mursal Khedri noted that women athletes offered hope to the nation.
In summary, while the 19th Asian Games were marked by China’s sporting achievements and overall success, they were also characterized by diplomatic disputes, officiating issues, and moments of controversy.
