The fifth Asian Para Games came to an end on Saturday following a colorful ceremony in Nagoya City, celebrating seven days of sporting achievements, determination and unity. China finished atop the medal standings for the fifth consecutive edition.

Nearly 3,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions competed in approximately 500 events across 18 sports at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, which concluded with performances, a flag handover and the extinguishing of the Games cauldron.

The closing ceremony brought athletes, officials, performers and volunteers together at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. Flagbearers from participating delegations entered the venue to a warm welcome, marking the end of a week of competition.

Chinese wheelchair fencer Zhong Saichun, who won six gold medals at the Games, carried China's national flag at the ceremony.

Hideaki Ohmura, president of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games Organizing Committee, thanked the athletes and everyone involved in staging the event, highlighting the inspiration they provided.

"Your determination to give it your all, push beyond your limits, and take on challenges – as you competed and faced adversity – has inspired and moved people around the world," Ohmura said.

Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Rashed also recognized the athletes' achievements, stressing that the impact of the Games should extend beyond the competition itself.

"But the true legacy of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will be measured by what we do next," Rashed said. "More athletes discovering their potential. More countries developing their talent. More people with disabilities finding their rightful place in sport and society."

Rashed formally declared the Games closed before the Asian Paralympic Committee flag was lowered and handed to Ahmad Abdulla Al Buenain, CEO of the Doha 2030 Asian Games Organizing Committee, as the Qatari capital prepares to host the next edition in four years.

The ceremony concluded with cultural performances and the extinguishing of the Games cauldron, bringing the curtain down on Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

China dominated the medal standings with 207 gold, 117 silver and 111 bronze medals, totaling 435 for its best performance at an Asian Para Games held outside China. The 312-athlete Chinese delegation also set 11 world records and 18 Asian records.

Host Japan finished second in the gold medal standings with 64 titles, while Uzbekistan ranked third with 45, rounding off the top three at an event which celebrated both sporting excellence and greater inclusion for people with disabilities.