A poignant cultural extravaganza depicting the enchanting Arabic stories of genies and sultans, complete with breath-taking visual effects and spectacular fireworks brought the curtains down on the 15th Asian Games here tonight.

The president of the Olympic Council of Asia, Sheik Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, formally declared the Games closed bringing an end to 15 days of intense competitions in what was billed as the “Games of your life”.

Dazzling fireworks lit up the chilly evening sky as the Games, which was held amidst a spirit of friendship and bonhonmie among the thousands of athletes from 46 countries, were formally closed at the fully packed Khalifa Stadium and Qatar bid adieu to thousands of its guests.

The Indians finished the Games with a total medal haul of 54 and like all other competitors, soaked the atmosphere at the Khalifa as the athletes from all countries mingled with each other and posed for photographs to capture these wonderful moments for posterity.

After a pre-show entertainment, the actual closing ceremony function started with the ceremonial arrival of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani who took his seat in the Tribune of Honour stage. The national anthem of Qatar was then played by the orchestra and the 40-strong Doha Asian Games choir.