15th Sichuan Provincial Games close in Neijiang, Nanchong named next host

The 15th Sichuan Provincial Games ended on July 28 at Neijiang City Sports Centre, with flag handover to Nanchong for the 2030 edition. The Games produced 23 tournament records broken 50 times by 60 athletes, underscoring a strong showing for Sichuan sport.

Why it matters: - The closing ceremony marked the end of Sichuan's 15th Provincial Games and set up the next edition in Nanchong in 2030. - The competition produced 23 tournament records broken 50 times, signaling a high level of performance across the Games. - Young athletes including Ma Ziyun of Nanchong and Fan Xuecheng of Chengdu left a notable mark on Sichuan sport.

What happened: - The closing ceremony was held on the afternoon of July 28 at Neijiang City Sports Centre. - Sichuan Bank sponsored the 15th Sichuan Provincial Games. - The ceremony opened with the performance "Dragons Soaring over Tianfu," featuring three giant dragons, six lions and 21 large flags. - Around 3:00 p.m., the closing ceremony began officially. - Electronic fireworks followed the announcement that the Games had closed. - The flags of the Sichuan Provincial Games and the 15th Provincial Games were lowered during the ceremony. - The Games torch later went out at Guangan Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on a large screen feed. - The flag handover ceremony passed the Games flag from the mayors of Guangan, Yibin and Neijiang back to Sichuan Provincial Government officials. - Nanchong received the flag as host city of the 16th Provincial Games in 2030.

The details: - The ceremony drew applause as the flags were lowered and the closing announcement ended. - The three dragons in the opening performance represented the three co-host cities. - The venue described Neijiang's closing atmosphere as energetic and highly attended by the ceremony audience. - The Games created a platform for young athletes from across Sichuan to stand out in competition. - The event highlighted Neijiang's hospitality and service during the Provincial Games. - Neijiang's reputation for sweetness was used to frame the city's legacy from the event.

Between the lines: - The record count suggests the level of competition was strong enough to produce repeated breakthroughs rather than isolated results. - The handover to Nanchong signals continuity, with the Provincial Games cycle now shifting toward preparation for 2030. - The closing ceremony was designed to emphasize civic pride, regional unity and the role of the host cities.

What's next: - Nanchong will prepare to host the 16th Sichuan Provincial Games in 2030. - Organizers and local officials are expected to begin the long build-up to the next provincial competition cycle.

The bottom line: - Neijiang closed the 15th Sichuan Provincial Games with a record-heavy competition and a formal handoff to Nanchong, setting the stage for the 2030 Games.