The 24th Olympic Games ended in China. The closing ceremony of the main starts of the quadrennial was held at the National Stadium in Beijing. It is the only city in the world that has hosted the Summer and Winter Games. Almost 3,000 athletes from 91 countries competed in 15 disciplines. Norway took the first place in the medal standings. Germany is in second place, China closes the top three. Kazakh athletes, unfortunately, failed to win medals. However, these games will be remembered for the high results of our short-trackers. Abzal Azhgaliyev became the fourth at a distance of 500 meters, he was literally a little short of bronze. In total, 34 athletes competed for the honor of Kazakhstan. The Olympic Games in Beijing were held from February 4 to 20. The Paralympic Games will be held from March 4 to 13.
“From the very beginning, we set the tone. There will be no celebrities at the ceremony. We will focus on ordinary people and rely on their support. Most of the performers are representatives of universities, primary and secondary schools. The simplicity of the ceremony was our goal. We hope that the closing ceremony will focus on athletes and serve them, as well as the entire process of the Games,” said Zhang Yimou, Chief Director, Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
As part of the closing ceremony, China handed over the baton to Italy. In four years, the 25th Winter Olympic Games will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Translation by Ademi Serikbay
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
