2014 Asian Games

{{main|Bids for the 2014 Asian Games}}

New Delhi and Incheon submitted their formal bid by the official deadline, 30 June 2005.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031051947/http://www.ocasia.org/new64.asp|url=http://www.ocasia.org/new64.asp|title=2014 Asian Games press release|archive-date=31 October 2007|agency=OCA}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071031051846/http://www.ocasia.org/new65.asp|url=http://www.ocasia.org/new65.asp|archive-date=31 October 2007|agency=OCA|title=2014 Asian Games press release}} A 5-member evaluation committee of the Olympic Council of Asia, headed by then vice-president of the association Celso Dayrit inspected New Delhi from 9 to 11 November 2006 and Incheon from 12 to 14 November 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.oneindia.com/2006/11/09/oca-committee-arrives-to-evaluate-delhis-2014-asian-games-bid-1163067638.html|title=OCA Committee arrives to evaluate Delhi's 2014 Asian Games bid|date=9 November 2006|agency=One India}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20061110/sports.htm#4|title=OCA panel to evaluate Delhi's Asiad bid|agency=The Tribune India|date=9 November 2006|access-date=11 May 2020}}

The vote was held on 17 April 2007 in Kuwait City, Kuwait during the 26th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly.{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2020/04/207_2023.html|title=Asian Games to Spur Inchon as Sports Hub|agency=The Korea Times|date=29 April 2007}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ocasia.org/new150.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020013001/http://www.ocasia.org/new150.asp |archive-date=2007-10-20 |title=26th OCA General Assembly 16 April 2007|website=ocasia.org}} During the final presentation before voting, Incheon made a new offer, raising US$20 million in funds to support countries that had yet to win a medal in the Games. It also offered free flight tickets and accommodation to all participants; India, however, made no changes to its offer.{{cite news|title=Money could decide 2014 Asian Games bid|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_money-could-decide-2014-asian-games-bid_1091337|access-date=2010-07-04|newspaper=DNA India|date=2007-04-17}} All 45 members voted, with voting held in secret ballot. Later that day, it was announced that Incheon won the rights. Though the vote results were not released, it was revealed that Incheon won by 32 to 13.{{cite news|title=2014 아시안게임 유치...인천도 해냈다|url=http://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&sid1=001&oid=005&aid=0000275847&|access-date=2010-07-04|newspaper=Naver|date=2007-04-18}}{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/sports/2018/04/600_1138.html|title=Incheon to Host 2014 Asian Games|agency=The Korea Times|date=17 April 2007}}

It was widely felt that Delhi's lack of enthusiasm to host the event was the primary reason for its loss. Then Union Sports Minister of India, Mani Shankar Aiyar, spoke strongly against Delhi hosting the games, arguing that the money allocated by India's government to the sporting event would be better spent on building facilities for the poor.{{cite news|title=India vs. China as a Global Sporting Events Host|url=http://www.businessweek.com/globalbiz/content/sep2008/gb20080919_727533.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index+-+temp_global+business|access-date=2010-07-04|newspaper=Bloomberg BusinessWeek|date=2008-09-19}}{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president revealed that India's Sports Minister's remarks against hosting the Games was the main reason for New Delhi's loss.{{cite news|title=Delhi loses bid to host 2014 Asian Games |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/delhi-loses-bid-to-host-2014-asian-games/466021|access-date=2010-07-04 |newspaper=Outlook India |date=2007-04-17 }} The IOA delegation added that the evaluation committee was concerned about pollution and traffic in Delhi.{{cite news|title=Pollution, traffic could have cost Delhi the Asian Games|url=http://www.zeenews.com/news366535.html|access-date=2010-04-07|newspaper=Zee News|date=2007-04-18}} Delhi's offer of US$2 million to each team for games support against Incheon's offer of US$20 million to all 45 nations participating in the event could also have contributed to the defeat. Unlike Delhi, Incheon emphasized the high-tech facilities that would be available to the athletes.{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/sports/2007/apr/17asiad.htm|title=Delhi loses bid to host 2014 Asian Games|agency=Rediff|date=17 April 2007|access-date=13 March 2020}}

The cost of the Games was estimated at approximately US$1.62 billion, with the Korean government and Incheon government covering 19% and 78.9% respectively. Of the total budget, some US$1.39 billion was used for construction of venues and infrastructure, while approximately US$11 million covered the building and maintenance of training grounds. Around US$103 million was allocated for road and transportation projects.{{cite news|last=Walden|first=Laura|title=Incheon 2014: Asian Games to have US$1.62 billion budget with new program|url=http://www.sportsfeatures.com/olympicsnews/story/49184/incheon-2014-asian-games-to-have-us1.62-billion-budget-with-new-program|access-date=2011-11-27|newspaper=SportsFeatures.com|date=2011-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415022224/http://www.sportsfeatures.com/olympicsnews/story/49184/incheon-2014-asian-games-to-have-us1.62-billion-budget-with-new-program|archive-date=2014-04-15|url-status=dead}}

A report in April 2012, however, suggested the city was under financial pressure from increasing debt.{{cite news|last=Jeong-ju|first=Na|title=In financial pinch, Incheon under pressure to downscale Asiad plan|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/04/113_108358.html|access-date=2012-04-22|newspaper=The Korea Times|date=2012-04-04}}

The Incheon Asian Games Organising Committee (IAGOC) saved US$34 million after agreeing to reduce from 15,000 to 2,025 athletes to be provided free transportation and accommodation.{{cite news|title=Incheon Saves Cost of 2014 AG |url=http://www.incheon2014.kr/en/Promote/press/detail/96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105025318/http://www.incheon2014.kr/en/Promote/press/detail/96 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-11-05 |access-date=2013-09-07 |newspaper=IAGOC |date=2013-06-30 }}

The volunteer program of Incheon 2014 Asian Games began on 1 November 2013 with a target to recruit 13,500 volunteers. As of 16 March 2014, 25,827 applications were received and 21,237 applicants were selected for training.{{cite web|url=http://en.olympic.cn/news/olympic_news/2014-05-28/2328066.html|title=Asian Games volunteers approach end of official training period|agency=COC|date=28 May 2014}}

{{main|2014 Asian Games torch relay}}

File:2014 Asian Games opening ceremony 7.jpg move the fire to Lee Seung-yuop]]

The torch was revealed in October 2013, with a design motif based on the Crane, the official bird of Incheon Metropolitan City. The torch's blue internal cylinder signified the sky and the ocean of Incheon. Another four colors (green, yellow, red, violet) were intended to represent the five regions of Asia.{{cite news|last=Sun-Hyoung |first=Kim |title=2014 AG Torch Designs Are Revealed |url=http://www.incheon2014ag.org/news/press/release/standard/view?menuId=3&bbsId=4663&cnId=6036&rows=28&pageNo=2&searchOpt=&searchTxt= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140417135816/http://www.incheon2014ag.org/news/press/release/standard/view?menuId=3&bbsId=4663&cnId=6036&rows=28&pageNo=2&searchOpt=&searchTxt= |url-status=usurped |archive-date=17 April 2014 |access-date=27 March 2014 |newspaper=IAGOC |date=14 October 2013 }}

The torch was lit at Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, India on August 9, 2014. This marked the first time the torch had been lit outside the host country,{{cite news|last1=Das|first1=Suprita|title=Asian Games Returns to its Roots for Torch Relay|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/news/228053-asian-games-returns-to-its-roots-for-torch-relay|access-date=12 August 2014|publisher=NDTV|date=9 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812053307/http://sports.ndtv.com/othersports/news/228053-asian-games-returns-to-its-roots-for-torch-relay|archive-date=12 August 2014|url-status=dead}} and that Weihai, a city in Shandong Province of the People's Republic of China, had hosted the relay, on August 12, 2014.{{cite news|title=仁川亚运会火炬在中国威海传递|url=http://news.cqnews.net/html/2014-08/12/content_31645582.htm|access-date=12 August 2014|publisher=Cqnews.net|date=12 August 2014|archive-date=12 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812210305/http://news.cqnews.net/html/2014-08/12/content_31645582.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Incheon organsiers plan New Delhi flame-lighting for 17th Asian Games|url=http://en.olympic.cn/news/olympic_news/2013-11-01/2286747.html|access-date=27 March 2014|newspaper=Chinese Olympic Committee|date=1 November 2013}}

The domestic lighting ceremony was held at Manisan on Ganghwa Island on August 12, 2014.{{cite news|title=Asian Games torch lit in host city Incheon|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140812000987|access-date=12 August 2014|publisher=The Korea Herald|date=12 August 2014}} The domestic relay begin August 13, 2014 and traveled through 70 cities for 5,700 km. to reach the opening ceremony.{{cite news|last1=You |first1=Anna |title=The Torch of the Incheon Asian Games lights in New Delhi |url=http://www.incheon2014ag.org/news/press/release/standard/view?menuId=3&bbsId=4663&cnId=7792&rows=1&pageNo=1&searchOpt=&searchTxt= |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140812135920/http://www.incheon2014ag.org/news/press/release/standard/view?menuId=3&bbsId=4663&cnId=7792&rows=1&pageNo=1&searchOpt=&searchTxt= |url-status=usurped |archive-date=12 August 2014 |access-date=12 August 2014 |work=IAGOC |publisher=Incheon2014ag.org |date=11 August 2014 }}

The official emblem was also revealed on the lighting ceremony, representing a wing configuration of the letter "A", for "Asia", with a shining sun at its upper left, symbolizing the Asian people holding hands in the sky.

File:2014 Asian Games 6.jpg

File:2014 Asian Games mascots.jpg

On November 4, 2010, three Spotted seal siblings were unveiled as the official mascots of the Games in Songdo Island, Incheon. The three seals, known as "Barame (바라메)", "Chumuro (추므로)" and "Vichuon (비추온)", meaning wind, dance and light in Korean, were chosen under the theme of the main venue. The prototype was taken from Baengnyeongdo. According to the organizers, the mascots were chosen to symbolise the future peace between South Korea and North Korea. Vichuon is the eldest of the three siblings, Barame is the second eldest, while Chumuro is the youngest and the only girl among the three siblings.{{cite news|title=Mascots, emblem for 2014 Incheon Asian Games unveiled|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2010-11/05/content_11507335.htm|access-date=2010-11-05|newspaper=China Daily|date=2010-11-05|author=Xinhua}}{{cite web|url=http://fern2849.blogspot.my/2014/09/17th-asian-games-incheon-2014_10.html|title=17th Asian Games Incheon 2014|website=fern2849.blogspot.my|date=10 September 2014|access-date=24 December 2019}}

The medal design was approved by OCA on August 19, 2013. It features a pentagon-shaped symbol representing the five ports of Incheon — Airport, Seaport, Teleport, Leisureport, and Businessport, with the emblem of the Games inside. It symbolises the city as the hub of Northeast Asia.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Incheon Asian Games medal design revealed|url=http://sport-asia.com/asian-games-incheon-asian-games-medal-design-revealed/|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=SportAsia|date=29 September 2013|archive-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413144812/http://sport-asia.com/asian-games-incheon-asian-games-medal-design-revealed/|url-status=dead}}

Unveiled on September 16, 2010, "Diversity Shines Here" was the official English motto of the Games, celebrating the significance of Asia's wonderful diversity in history, cultures, and religions.{{cite news|title=2014 Incheon Asian Games announces official slogan|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Society/view?articleId=83440|access-date=2010-10-24|newspaper=Korea.net|date=2010-10-14}} The official slogan in Korean, "{{Lang|ko|평화의 숨결, 아시아의 미래}}" (RR: {{Transliteration|ko|RR|Pyeonghwaui sumgyeol, asiaui mirae}}), literally means "Breath of Peace, Future of Asia".

The six official posters for the Incheon Asian Games were released on March 31, 2011. The design represents the 28 Olympic sports categorized into five groups: racquet sports, ball sports, water sports, athletic sports and weight class. In various ways, the values and philosophy of the 17th Asian Games is represented in these posters.{{cite web |title=Incheon Asian Games Posters Unveiled |url=https://www.ifez.go.kr/global/gb13/1501607 |website=IFEZ|date=4 April 2011 |access-date=5 October 2018 }}{{cite news|title=Pictures of the day: 31 March 2011|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/8418255/Pictures-of-the-day-31-March-2011.html?image=13|access-date=2011-04-10|newspaper=Telegraph|date=2011-03-31}}

Organisers began selling merchandise in July 2012. IB Worldwide was the exclusive online merchandiser of the event's licensed products.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/08/21/2014082101478.html?related_all|title=Asian Games Merchandise Available Online|agency=Chosun Ilbo (English)|date=21 August 2014}}

{{See also|17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 Official Album}}

The official album was released by Universal Music on June 20, 2014, which featured "Only One", performed by JYJ as the Games' official theme song.{{cite news|title=JYJ to sing the official song of 2013 Incheon Asian Games|url=http://my.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/jyj-to-sing-the-official-song-of-2013-095316261.html|access-date=2013-09-07|newspaper=Yahoo! Malaysia Entertainment|date=2013-09-03}}{{cite news|last1=Ji-young|first1=Sohn|title=Incheon Asian Games official album released|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140623000783|access-date=2014-06-26|publisher=The Korea Herald|date=2014-06-23}}

File:2014 Asian Games 11.jpg in July 2014]]

{{main|Venues of the 2014 Asian Games}}

The Games had 49 competition venues and 48 training facilities. Among the competition venues, ten were in six cities of Gyeonggi Province while another two were in Chungju and Seoul. The rest of the venues were in eight districts and a county inside metropolitan Incheon. Ten venues were constructed for the Games.{{cite news|last=Sun-Hyoung |first=Kim |title=2014 Incheon Asian Games Brief |url=http://www.incheon2014ag.org/news/asiadNews/image/view |access-date=20 April 2014 |newspaper=IAGOC |date=10 January 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421063945/http://www.incheon2014ag.org/news/asiadNews/image/view |archive-date=21 April 2014 }} The Games also provided over 3,300 units and 9,560 rooms for athletes and media personnel.

The main stadium, known as Incheon Asiad Main Stadium, had a seating capacity of 61,074 seats, with 30,000 seats variable after the Games.{{cite web|title=Incheon Asiad Main Stadium |url=http://www.incheon2014ag.org/venues/stadium/overview/index?item=IMS |work=IAGOC |publisher=Incheon2014ag.org |access-date=20 April 2014 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419161003/http://www.incheon2014ag.org/venues/stadium/overview/index?item=IMS |archive-date=19 April 2014 }} The US$400 million stadium, originally planned for 70,000 seats, was designed by Populous, which had designed several event venues around the world, including the Olympic Stadium of the 2012 Summer Olympics. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 28, 2011 in Yeonhui-dong. Construction began in June 2011 and finished in July 2014.{{cite news|title=Groundbreaking ceremony held for Incheon Asian Games main stadium|url=http://www.korea.net/detail.do?guid=56410|access-date=2011-07-14|newspaper=Korea.net|date=2011-07-11}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|title=2014 premiere in Korea for Populous|url=http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11565|access-date=2010-07-04|newspaper=World Architecture News|date=2009-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528101538/http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=11565|archive-date=28 May 2010|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}

{{Wide image|2014 Asian Games 8.jpg|800px|Flags at Asiad Park.}}

An athletes' village was built at Guwol, Namdong District, which had 2,220 units in 22 apartment buildings to accommodate around 14,500 athletes and officials.{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/08/27/2014082701713.html?related_all|title=Asian Games Athletes' Village Unveiled|agency=Digital Chosun Inc.|date=27 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Sports/view?articleId=121697|title=Athletes' village opens at Incheon Asian Games|agency=Korea net|date=12 September 2014}}

Incheon Subway's construction period was shortened from a planned 2018 completion. Due to the increasing popularity of Incheon International Airport during the Games, immigration procedures were improved for passenger convenience.{{cite news|script-title=zh:仁川机场一季度出入境人数突破1000万|url=http://news.163.com/air/14/0413/11/9PN6OS0J00014PHJ.html|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=News.163.com|date=13 April 2014|language=zh|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006112400/http://news.163.com/air/14/0413/11/9PN6OS0J00014PHJ.html|url-status=dead}}

{{main|2014 Asian Games opening ceremony}}

File:2014 Asian Games opening ceremony by Tasnimnews 08.jpg]]

The opening ceremony began on September 19, 2014 at 18:00 local time. The performance was directed by film director Im Kwon-taek with playwright and actor Jang Jin, entertainer Kim Seong-ju and KBS host Yun Su-yeong as voiceovers of the ceremony.{{cite news|last1=Hueston|first1=Dave|title=Festive opening ceremony marks start of Asian Games|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/09/19/more-sports/festive-opening-ceremony-marks-start-of-asian-games/#.VB2RBRY_n4s|access-date=20 September 2014|agency=Kyodo|publisher=The Japan Times}}{{cite news|title=Asian Games Opening Ceremony: a showcase to Korea's past and future|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/asian-games-opening-ceremony-a-showcase-to-koreas-past-and-future/500182-5-23.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008094048/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/asian-games-opening-ceremony-a-showcase-to-koreas-past-and-future/500182-5-23.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 October 2014|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=IBN}} It was attended by President of South Korea Park Geun-hye who opened the games, President of International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, Tokyo Governor Yōichi Masuzoe and also Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok.

Actors Jang Dong-gun and Kim Soo-hyun led the performance, consisting of four acts: "Asia long time ago", "Asia meeting through the sea", "Asia as family and friends", and "Asia as one and future joining with today", displaying the Korean past and future with digital technology. Other performers included Chinese pianist Lang Lang, the soprano diva Sumi Jo,{{cite news|last1=Oinam|first1=Jayantam|title=2014 Incheon Asian Games: Opening Ceremony - As it happened...|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/2014-asian-games/india/2014-incheon-asian-games-opening-ceremony-as-it-happened_1472632.html|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=ZeeNews|date=19 September 2014}} along the k-pop stars JYJ, Exo, and Psy, who wrapped up the ceremony with a performance of his world hit song Gangnam Style.{{cite news|last1=Bodeen |first1=Christopher |title=Asian Games opening ceremony closes Gangnam Style |url=http://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/Asian-Games-prepares-for-opening-ceremony-5766227.php |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140920162008/http://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/Asian-Games-prepares-for-opening-ceremony-5766227.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 September 2014 |access-date=20 September 2014 |publisher=Newstimes.com |date=19 September 2014 }}

Unlike in the 2002 Asian Games opening ceremony, South Korea as host marched separately from neighbor North Korea in the parade of nations.

The 2014 Asian Games featured 28 Olympic sports that would be contested at the 2016 Summer Olympics. In addition, eight non-Olympic sports were featured: baseball, ten-pin bowling, cricket, kabaddi, karate, sepak takraw, squash and wushu. The list was finalised on December 9, 2010 at the OCA's executive board meeting in Muscat, Oman.{{cite news|title=Incheon 2014 issues delayed|url=http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?redirect=1492|access-date=2010-11-14|newspaper=Olympic Council of Asia|date=2010-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727140834/http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?redirect=1492|archive-date=2011-07-27|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Incheon Asian Games to Feature 36 Sports|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/10/2010121000806.html|access-date=2010-12-10|newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo|date=2010-12-10}} This resulted in dropping six other sports: roller sport, board games (chess, go, xiangqi), cue sports, softball, dancesport and dragon boat, which had been held in previous Games being dropped from the list.{{cite news|title=Thirty-six sports to be competed at 2014 Incheon Asian Games|url=http://www.businessghana.com/portal/sports/news.php?op=getNews&id=19754&news_cat_id=3|access-date=2010-12-10|newspaper=BusinessGhana|date=2010-12-09}} The list was approved on July 13, 2011 during the 30th annual general assembly in Tokyo as softball was incorporated with baseball as one sport while soft tennis came under the discipline of tennis.{{cite news|title=Official sports program approved at 58th OCA Executive Board meeting |url=http://eng.incheon2014ag.org/program/board/detail.jsp?menuID=002004001&boardTypeID=%20414&boardID=2255&mode=detail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608071735/http://eng.incheon2014ag.org/program/board/detail.jsp?menuID=002004001&boardTypeID=%20414&boardID=2255&mode=detail |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2019-06-08 |access-date=2011-07-14 |newspaper=Incheon2014ag.org |date=2011-07-14 }} For the first time compound archery, mixed relay triathlon, and judo team events were introduced.{{cite news|first=S. |last=Sabanayakan|title=Incheon Asian Games to include compound archery|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sport/other-sports/article2683861.ece|access-date=2011-12-03|newspaper=The Hindu|date=2011-12-03}}{{cite news|script-title=zh:仁川亚运会首枚金牌将诞生于射击女子10米气步枪|url=http://www.chinanews.com/ty/2014/04-12/6056752.shtml|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=China News|date=12 April 2014|language=zh}}

Changes to the non-Olympic sports featured at the Asian Games were influenced by discussions with organizers, who suggested cricket's removal from the program, as they felt too few countries played it and that they lacked the infrastructure to host it. The OCA disputed the proposed removal of cricket, however, noting its popularity and viewer interest.{{cite news|last=K Samyal|first=Sanjjeev|title=India may face a gold drought at Incheon Asian Games 2014|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_india-may-face-a-gold-drought-at-incheon-asian-games-2014_1467839|access-date=2010-11-25|newspaper=Daily News & Analysis|date=2010-11-17}}

All 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia participated, including North Korea, which initially threatened to boycott the Games after disputes with South Korea over administrative issues about its delegation of athletes and officials.{{cite news|last1=Ransom|first1=Ian|title=North Korea in Asian Games talks with South|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/10427288/North-Korea-in-Asian-Games-talks-with-South|access-date=20 September 2014|agency=Reuters|publisher=stuff.co.nz|date=27 August 2014}} Saudi Arabia was the sole NOC to not send female athletes to the Games.{{cite news|title=2014 Asian Games: Psy's 'Gangnam Style' kicks off spectacular opening ceremony|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/2014-asian-games/2014-asian-games-psys-gangnam-style-kicks-off-spectacular-opening-ceremony_1472791.html|access-date=20 September 2014|agency=Reuters|publisher=ZeeNews|date=20 September 2014}}

Below is a list of all the participating NOCs; the number of competitors per delegation is indicated in brackets.

;Number of Athletes by National Olympic Committees (highest to lowest)

In the following calendar for the 2014 Asian Games, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport were held, which numeric representing the number of finals that were contested on that day. On the left, the calendar lists each sport with events held during the Games, and at the right how many gold medals were won in that sport. There is a key at the top of the calendar to aid the reader.{{cite web|title=General Competition Schedule for the 17th Asian Games|url=http://www.ocasia.org/OCA/Download/Default/5/32/4/532400190.pdf|work=Olympic Council of Asia|publisher=Ocasia.org|access-date=26 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924070516/http://www.ocasia.org/OCA/Download/Default/5/32/4/532400190.pdf|archive-date=2015-09-24|url-status=dead}}

:All times are in Korea Standard Time (UTC+9)

{{2014 Asian Games calendar}}

The closing ceremony was held on October 4, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. local time.{{cite news|script-title=zh:仁川亚组委揭秘第17届亚运会|url=http://news.gxnews.com.cn/staticpages/20140411/newgx5347d89f-10075656.shtml|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=gxnews.com.cn|date=11 April 2014|language=zh}} The ceremony's theme was "Our Cherished Memories of Incheon". OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, Prime Minister of South Korea Jung Hong-won, and Mayor of Incheon Yoo Jeong-bok were guests at the ceremony. The events featured the performances of National Dance Company of Korea, Gugak Center Dance Troupe and Kukkiwon. Soprano Im Sun-hae then sang the national anthem , whereupon the athletes entered the stadium with volunteers and placard bearers.{{cite news|last1=Oinam|first1=Jayanta|title=Incheon Asian Games: Closing Ceremony - As it happened...|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/2014-asian-games/india/incheon-asian-games-closing-ceremony-as-it-happened_1479963.html|access-date=6 October 2014|publisher=Zee News|date=4 October 2014}} CNBLUE performed "I'm Sorry" and "Can't Stop" before Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah presented the Japaneses Kosuke Hagino the Samsung MVP award and declared the Incheon 2014 Asian Games closed.

The OCA Flag was lowered and the flag of Indonesia, the next games' host nation, was raised as the Indonesian national anthem was played. IOC member Rita Subowo, Governor of South Sumatra Alex Noerdin, and the Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama received the Games flag for the 2018 Games. The ceremony proceeded with a small scale segment from the next Asian Games host cities, Jakarta and Palembang. It began with "The Colours of Jakarta", featuring Ronggeng, a Javanese dance. This was followed by "The Spirit of South Sumatra", featured a Malay dance accompaniment of Rampak Nusantara drums.{{cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Nick|title=Asian Games: The Closing Ceremony|url=http://www.insidethegames.biz/major-games/asian-games/incheon-2014/live-blogs/1023024-asian-games-the-closing-ceremony|access-date=6 October 2014|publisher=inside the games|date=4 October 2014}}

The K-Pop stars Big Bang who performed their hit songs "Hands up" and "Fantastic Baby" wrapped up the closing ceremony, while Sistar performed during the pre-show concert.

{{Main|2014 Asian Games medal table}}

China led the medal table for the ninth consecutive time. Cambodia won their first Asian Games gold medal in taekwondo.{{cite news|last1=Sony|first1=Ouch|title=In Taekwondo, Cambodia Wins First Asian Games Gold|url=http://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/in-taekwondo-cambodia-wins-first-asian-games-gold-69096/|access-date=4 October 2014|publisher=The Cambodia Daily|date=4 October 2014|archive-date=22 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722231459/https://www.cambodiadaily.com/news/in-taekwondo-cambodia-wins-first-asian-games-gold-69096/|url-status=dead}} A total of 37 NOCs won at least one medal, and 28 NOCs won at least one gold medal. Eight NOCs failed to win any medals at the Games.

The top ten ranked NOCs at these Games are listed below. The host nation, South Korea, is highlighted.

{{:2014 Asian Games medal table}}

Incheon Asian Games Host Broadcasting Management (IHB) ({{langx|ko|인천 아시아 경기대회 주관방송|Incheon Asia gyeonggi daehoe jugwan bangsong}}), a joint venture between Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) and Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), launched on 8 May 2013, served as the host broadcaster of the Games.{{cite web|url=http://2014ihb.co.kr/ihb/about.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831164157/http://2014ihb.co.kr/ihb/about.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2014|title=About|agency=Incheon Asian Games Host Broadcasting Management|date=31 August 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://new-mb.com.au/incheon-2014-asian-games-overview/|title=Incheon 2014 Asian Games – an overview|date=27 May 2014|agency=New Millennium Business}}{{cite web|url=http://www.incheon2014ag.org/en/Media/signal/index/|title=International Signal|agency=IAGOC|access-date=9 February 2021|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208195521/http://www.incheon2014ag.org/en/Media/signal/index/|url-status=usurped}} The International Broadcasting Centre was constructed in Songdo Convensia in Yeonsu District.{{cite web|url=http://www.igbs.tv/newsroom/asian-games-successes-for-ihb-and-igbs/|title=Asian Games successes for IHB and IGBS|agency=IGBS|date=1 October 2014|access-date=19 June 2019|archive-date=20 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220063422/http://www.igbs.tv/newsroom/asian-games-successes-for-ihb-and-igbs|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101131311/http://incheon2014ag.org/en/Media/facilities/ibc|url=http://www.incheon2014ag.org/en/Media/facilities/ibc|title=International Broadcast Center|archive-date=1 November 2014|agency=IAGOC|access-date=19 June 2019|url-status=usurped}}

{{main|Concerns and controversies at the 2014 Asian Games}}

Before the Games, there were several controversies arose over finances, lack of public interest,{{cite news|title=Debts and empty seats taint start of 2014 Asian Games at Incheon|url=http://www.thenational.ae/sport/debts-and-empty-seats-taint-start-of-2014-asian-games-at-incheon|access-date=27 September 2014|publisher=The National Sport|date=19 September 2014}} transportation shortages for journalists,{{cite news|title=亚运交通让人心塞 场馆分布分散需搭区间车前往|url=http://www.hinews.cn/news/system/2014/09/19/016968275.shtml|access-date=27 September 2014|publisher=hinews.cn|date=19 September 2014|archive-date=6 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065433/http://www.hinews.cn/news/system/2014/09/19/016968275.shtml|url-status=dead}} and several administrative decisions about the opening ceremony and gala show.{{cite news|title=JYJ excluded from Incheon Asian Games opener |url=http://www.mb.com.ph/jyj-excluded-from-incheon-asian-games-opener/ |access-date=4 July 2014 |publisher=ManilaBulletin |date=2 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714173812/http://www.mb.com.ph/jyj-excluded-from-incheon-asian-games-opener/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 }}{{cite news|title=JYJ 측 공식입장 "인천AG 약속 지켜달라, 불공정 외압 아니길" [전문]|url=http://news.nate.com/view/20140701n30920|access-date=2 July 2014|publisher=Nate|date=1 July 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Jee-ho|first1=Yoo|title=(Asiad) Celebrity with no sports connection lights Asiad cauldron|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2014/09/19/30/0701000000AEN20140919011000315F.html|access-date=4 October 2014|publisher=Yonhap News Agency|date=19 September 2014}} Organizers were able to generate interest yet a few hundred empty seats remained in the 61,000-capacity stadium at the start of the opening ceremony.{{cite news|title=Asian Games gets off to 'Gangnam Style' start|url=http://www.themalaymailonline.com/sports/article/asian-games-gets-off-to-gangnam-style-start|access-date=3 October 2014|publisher=The Malay Mail Online|date=19 September 2014}} Organizers also supplied additional shuttle buses for the late-night shift personnel at the request of various international media organizations.{{cite news|last1=Isacc|first1=Alex|title=[Asian Games] IBC, the home to CCTV and NHK for 2014 Asian Games|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20141001000798|access-date=4 October 2014|publisher=The Korea Herald|date=1 October 2014}}

The OCA and FIBA also failed to compromise on a couple of policies, which caused one team to boycott the event and forced three teams to find replacement players. The Qatari women's basketball team withdrew from the Games when FIBA reaffirmed its ban on hijab, citing safety concerns.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Qatar women's team pull out over hijab ban|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/basketball/29342986|access-date=25 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=25 September 2014}} Basketball was the only sport to enforce a hijab ban in the Games. On the other hand, OCA policy on naturalised players contradicted the eligibility rules set by FIBA. The OCA disqualified United States-born players Quincy Davis, Andray Blatche, and Aaron Haynes from the Chinese Taipei, Filipino, and South Korean teams.{{cite news|last1=Badua|first1=Shelley|title=US-born player no longer eligible for Asian Games|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2014/09/05/2003599061|access-date=7 September 2014|publisher=Taipei Times|date=5 September 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Flojo|first1=Enzo|title=Previewing the Asian Games basketball qualifiers|url=http://www.rappler.com/sports/by-sport/basketball/69601-previewing-the-asian-games-basketball|access-date=20 September 2014|publisher=Rappler|date=19 September 2014}}

Several controversies erupted during the Games, mostly surrounding poor officiating. The majority of poor judging allegations occurred in boxing, highlighted by the controversial semifinal loss of Indian lightweight boxer Laishram Sarita Devi against eventual silver medalist Park Jina of South Korea.{{cite news|author=PTI|title=Mary Kom in final, Sarita Devi robbed of a win at Asian Games|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-30/news/54475143_1_asian-games-l-sarita-devi-incheon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006082914/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-09-30/news/54475143_1_asian-games-l-sarita-devi-incheon|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 6, 2014|access-date=1 October 2014|publisher=The Economic Times|date=30 September 2014}} The judging of the match, Sarita Devi's refusal to accept the bronze medal, and her questionable behavior at the medal ceremony received widespread international attention and sparked numerous debates.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Some in Indian team not happy with Sarita Devi's emotional outburst|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tournaments/asian-games-2014/india-at-incheon/Asian-Games-Some-in-Indian-team-not-happy-with-Sarita-Devis-emotional-outburst/articleshow/44017525.cms|access-date=1 October 2014|agency=PTI|work=The Times of India|date=1 October 2014}} The high volume of controversial boxing decisions led to accusations of widespread incompetence and host favoritism against the judges. Criticisms of the new scoring system were also raised.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Boxer Vikas Krishnan slams new scoring system|url=http://zeenews.india.com/sports/2014-asian-games/india/asian-games-boxer-vikas-krishnan-slams-new-scoring-system_1477633.html|access-date=4 October 2014|publisher=Zee News|date=29 September 2014}} Shooting,{{cite news|title=Judoka Jeong defends Asiad title|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/sports/2014/09/207_165023.html|access-date=23 September 2014|publisher=The Korea Times|date=22 September 2014}} and wrestling saw initial rulings by officials being overturned upon appeals.{{cite news|title=Asian Games: Controversy taints home team victories|url=http://www.koreatimesus.com/asian-games-controversy-taints-home-team-victories/|access-date=3 October 2014|publisher=The Korea Times|date=1 October 2014}}

Some 1,920 fluid samples from 1,600 athletes were tested during the Games. Six athletes tested positive for banned substances and were expelled from the Games, including two gold medalists who were stripped of their medals.{{cite news|last1=Rutherford|first1=Peter|last2=Chakraborty|first2=Amlan|title=China's hammer champion Zhang tests positive|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/games-asian-doping/chinas-hammer-champion-zhang-tests-positive-idINKCN0HS0Q420141003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112103250/https://in.reuters.com/article/games-asian-doping/chinas-hammer-champion-zhang-tests-positive-idINKCN0HS0Q420141003|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 12, 2019|access-date=3 October 2014|work=Reuters|publisher=Reuters|date=3 October 2014}}

{{Portal|Asia|Sports|South Korea}}

• 2013 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
• 2014 Asian Para Games
• 2015 Summer Universiade
• 2015 Military World Games
• Olympics celebrated in South Korea
• 1988 Summer Olympics – Seoul

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20150502113213/http://www.incheon2014ag.org/}} (archived)
• [http://www.ocasia.org/Game/GHAFDetails?q=3qyUwt+HOKF8pA7lCmr89BM0WtDtznF4N//oQ8ChBS0vCtu7xRjhaS4qoOJ0hzk30nJ7fW5FtrCMPO+9nqh72g== Incheon 2014] at Olympic Council of Asia

{{s-start}}

{{s-bef|before=Guangzhou}}

{{s-ttl|title=Asian Games
Incheon|years=XVII Asian Games (2014)}}

{{s-aft|after=Jakarta and Palembang}}

{{s-end}}

{{Asian Games}}

{{Nations at the 2014 Asian Games}}

{{Events at the 2014 Asian Games}}

{{coord|37|58|N|124|39|E|type:landmark_source:kolossus-eswiki|display=title}}

Asian Games

Asian Games

Asian

Asian Games

Category:Sports competitions in Incheon

Category:Multi-sport events in South Korea

Category:Asian Games by year

Asian Games

Asian Games