While the downpour was not as torrential as that which fell shortly before the beginning of the Opening Ceremony, it was heavy enough, a metaphor overall for a Ceremony that did not quite hit the heights of last week's opening, but was still an entertaining success. 

Once again, Phuket's seaside culture was strongly embraced in a object-themed dance sequence, with references to boats and nautical animals, as well as beach balls, rubber rings and other items found at the seaside.

But, it was a superbly successful fortnight of top quality beach sport that was most at the centre of proceedings as athletes paraded into the stadium for a final time, with Thailand's medal table topping delegation unsurprisingly receiving the loudest reception.

The medal table topping delegation from Thailand parade to a loud reception during the Closing Ceremony ©Phuket 2014



"It's never easy to say goodbye at the end of the Games," said Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) vice-president and representative Timothy Fok when speaking following the parade.

"We cherish the happy memories.

"The sea, sand have provided a perfect environment, and the organisers, athletes and volunteers have been superb.

"In short, Phuket 2014 has been an outstanding success.

"We will never forget Phuket and the 4th Asian Beach Games."

After thanking everyone who had contributed to the Games, Fok, "in accordance with tradition", declared the Games closed and called for the "youth of Asia to join in Vietnam
in two years time".

The OCA Flag was then passed to Le Khanh Hai, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to represent the 2016 hosts, who will hold the Games in the two towns of Danang and Nha Trang.

The Olympic Council of Asia Flag is passed to Le Khanh Hai, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism ©Phuket 2014



Vietnam then had 12 minutes to showcase what they had to offer, which they did during a musical section which began in a traditional and classical vibe before ending with dancing and a more modern twist.

After a strong performance by the Vietnamese team here, who finished fifth on the medals table, the task now is to work out how to emulate and overhaul Thailand.

Following their presentation, a choir sang the traditional song "Auld Lang Syne" as the Flame was slowly extinguished, finishing the Games once and for all. 

It was followed by more singing and dancing, as athletes remained in the centre, mingling and sharing memories of all their many successes here during the Games.

Contact the writer of this story at nick.butler/@insidethegames.biz


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