Greater Bay Area’s historic National Games draws to a close in Shenzhen

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The curtain fell on the 15th National Games on Friday night with an emotional closing ceremony at Shenzhen’s Huanle Theatre, celebrating the first edition co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau while passing the baton to Hunan for 2029.

Just before 8pm, triple cycling gold medallist Ceci Lee Sze-wing from Hong Kong, Chinese tennis star Wang Xinyu, and Macau karate athlete Kwok Kinhang led the countdown, triggering a wave of applause as the ceremony officially began.

Athletes from every province streamed in waving to the crowd, with the Guangdong, Macau, and Hong Kong delegations entering last and taking pride of place in the centre. Table-tennis ace Doo Hoi-kem carried the Hong Kong flag.

A children’s choir performed the classic One Little Bamboo, the national anthem rang out, and the flag was raised. Speeches followed from Guangdong Governor Meng Fanli, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai, and Director of the State General Administration of Sports of China Gao Zhidan.

At 8.27pm, the Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Wang Huning, declared the Games officially closed.

The National Games flag was lowered, the flame extinguished, and the banner was handed from the three host leaders back to Gao Zhidan before being passed to Hunan Governor Mao Weiming.

A short promotional film showcased the next host province, followed by a vibrant cultural and technology-themed finale that highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s youthful energy and futuristic vision.