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Indonesia has officially closed the Asian Games with a spectacular ceremony in Jakarta. The event was filled with performances by local and international talents, and a segment shining the spotlight on China's plan to host the next games in 2022. CGTN's Silkina Ahluwalia has more from Jakarta.
After an exhilarating two weeks, the 18th Asian Games officially ends on Sunday. This year's Asian Games was unlike any of the previous games. The opening ceremony began with a unique look at what the host city had to offer culture, tradition and a rich history.
Indonesia's second time hosting an international sporting event after more than 50 years proved to be a success, it helped to further put the country on the global map.
ERIC THOHIR CHAIRMAN, INDONESIA ASIAN GAMES 2018 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE "Our President Joko Widodo asked the President of the IOC Thomas Bach is it possible that Indonesia become one of the candidates for the Olympics in 2032. As we know, the answer from Mr. Thomas Bach they are open and accept Indonesia to become a host candidate of the Olympic in 2032."
And the director general of Olympic council Asia agrees. He says although there were concerns at the beginning when Indonesia signed the contract. Today, he is pleasantly surprised at how successful the events turned out in both Jakarta and Palembang, the second host city.
HUSAIN AL MUSALLAM DIRECTOR GENERAL, OLYMPIC COUNCIL OF ASIA "The Olympic Games, the organization has to be a little bit more ready in advanced and I hope that this game changes a little bit about the culture of the day-to-day operation. Otherwise, they are capable."
China impresses once again with a total of 289 medals with 132 of them gold, making the country the number one on the winner's list. Chinese athletes obtained the most medals from Swimming and Athletics. China's swim Superstar Sun Yang, a triple Olympic champion, swept more gold than anyone in the competition.
Japan and Korea followed closely after China with a total of 205 and 177 medals consecutively. Indonesia and Uzbekistan rounds up the top 5.
The closing ceremony capped an incredible two weeks in Jakarta and Palembang. The highlight of the show was Hangzhou Time, a short 10 minute show that introduced the world to the beautiful city of Hangzhou, the next Asian Games host city. During the ceremony, Hangzhou native Jack Ma also made a special appearance and announcing the official countdown of Asian Games 2022.
Silkina Ahluwalia, CGTN, Jakarta.