26th SEA Games ends in glitter

PALEMBANG: The 26th SEA Games in Indonesia, held at two venues - Jakarta and Palembang - came to a glittering end after 12 days of intense competition albeit a magnificent ceremony at the Gelora Sriwijaya Stadium here tonight.


Themed - 'Harmony In Victory' - 600 dancers performed a series of well choreographed moves that combined traditional and modern performances of art followed by the athletes’ parade.


Indonesia Vice President Boediono who presided over the ceremony officially declared the 26th SEA Games closed before handing over the game’s flag to Myanmar Sports Minister Tin Sann.


Myanmar will host the 27th edition of the games in its capital city, Naypyidaw, in 2013.


The event continued with Myanmar staging cultural dances and performances by popular local singers namely Agnes Monica, Afghan and the Nidji band.


A brilliant fireworks display marked the end of the closing ceremony.


Indonesia emerged as the overall winner of this year’s edition with 182 gold medals while Malaysia finished fourth with 59 gold medals behind Thailand (108) and Vietnam (96). - Bernama