2014 Asian Games Incheon South Korea Closing Ceremony Saturday Oct 04,2014

The 17th Asian Games drew to a close with an enthralling cultural extravaganza on Saturday after 15 days of high-voltage action


The formal closing was done at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium by Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah after an impressive cultural show that kept the crowd enthralled

The torch and flag of the first Asian Games, held in New Delhi in 1951, and the OCA flag were handed over to the people's representatives of the next Games in 2018 to be held in Jakarta

North Korean military official Hwang Pyong-so (in uniform) seated close to South Korean PM Chung Hong-won (far left) during the ceremony

The highlight of this low-key ceremony, however, was the rare sight of leaders from bitter enemies North and South Korea sharing the stage.

North Korea’s delegation was led by Hwang Pyong-so, the top political officer in the Korean People’s Army and considered by many to be the country’s second most important official after leader Kim Jong-un. 

Fireworks explode near the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 17th Asian Games

  

Artistes perform a routine during the closing ceremony. Despite the show the ceremony lacked megawatt power and didn’t generate much excitement,

  

Indonesian Governor of South Sumatra Alex Noerdin holds the Asian Games flame after it was handed to him during the closing ceremony

Indonesian National Olympic Committee chief Rita Subowo is handed the OCA flag

  

Dancers showcase Indonesian culture during the handover to the 2018 host, Jakarta

  

Residents of this Asian Games host city stayed away from most sporting arenas during the competitions, but on finale night, 61,000 people turned up in colourful dresses to say goodbye to athletes from the 45 participating nations. 

Camera flash bulbs kept popping non-stop as spectators inside the arena sought to capture the mood for posterity. 

Compared to Guangzhou, the host city in 2010, Incheon was told to keep the cost of the Games down. So, instead of $32billion pumped in by China, South Korea spent only $2.5billion on the conduct of the Games.