The 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China concluded on the evening of November 21 in Shenzhen, marking the end of a 13-day celebration of sports and national unity.
The closing ceremony was held at Xianhai Happy Theatre at 8 p.m., where Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, officially declared the Games closed. The ceremony featured the playing of the Games’ anthem, the gradual lowering of the flag, and the extinguishing of the main flame that had burned throughout the event.
In a joyful and festive atmosphere, representatives from all participating delegations entered the venue, standing in unison to sing the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China.
In his address, Meng Fanli, Executive Director of the 15th National Games Organizing Committee and Governor of Guangdong Province, praised the event as an outstanding showcase of international standards, Chinese style, Lingnan charm, and the Greater Bay Area’s appeal. He called on participants to carry forward the spirit of Chinese sports and Olympic ideals, work with determination, and contribute tirelessly to the modernization of China and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Notably, the 15th National Games represented the first major sports event jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau, serving as an innovative exercise in the principle of “One Country, Two Systems” in sports. The Games emphasized green, participatory, open, and clean organization, adhering to requirements of simplicity, safety, and brilliance. By integrating public fitness initiatives across the three regions, the event also contributed to advancing high-quality development in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area.
The Games officially began on November 9 in Guangdong, featuring 34 competitive events and 23 public participation activities, with over 14,000 professional athletes and nearly 11,000 amateur participants taking part.
Source: Lily–Hashim–Tuhina, China Media Group