The 17th Asian Games or ASIAD, which kick-started here on September 19, concluded all the competitions on Saturday, with China coming first with 342 medals.
Addressing the concluding ceremony of the Asian event, Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said the games are so successful that they have promoted the principles of sports, primarily amity, peace, friendship and fair competition among all athletes.
This event has reflected the real strong sports spirit of athletes from Asia countries, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad added.
It has also attained the vision of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) aiming to upgrade the level of sports and athletes in the Asian continent and, thence, to achieve more Asian sports successes and accomplishments, he noted.
The OCA chief voiced hope that the next 18th Asian Games due in Jakarta in 2018 would be a successful gathering.
From the bonanza of 439 events, China reaped 342 medals, including 151 golds, 108 silvers and 73 bronzes, to keep their dominance at the Asian Games for the ninth consecutive times.
Host South Korea were pushed to a distant second place with 234 medals involving 79 golds, 71 silvers and 84 bronzes, but well ahead of rivals Japan which placed third with 200 medals.
Kuwait's tally in the ASIAD now hit 12 medals with three golds, five silvers, and four other bronze.
Source: KUNA