By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Indonesia proved their ability to make a successful show in conducting recently concluded Asian Games at Jakartha. “I am sure they can organize such a big sport event like Olympics” said Asian Olympic Council President Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al Sabah at the closing ceremony of the 18th Asian Games held at GBK Stadium, Jakarta.
The athletes and officials from the all 45 Asian countries were present under heavy rain in the colourful closing ceremony.
Asian Olympic Council Chief further said that Indonesian people showed good hospitality during these 16 days of Asian Games. “The people from Jakartha and Palembang did a real job. We always salute them.” thanked the AOC chief.
The President of Indonesia Joko Widodo who was at Lombok Island also joined the closing ceremony through satellite to wish best of luck for the to all athletes participated. Indonesia’s 31 athletes won gold medals and their achievement highely appreciated by Indonesian President from Lombok Island.
Meanwhile 18 year old Ikee Rikako from Japan won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in this Asian Games. Rikako, an upcoming swimmer who have won six golds and two silver medals became the first female athlete to win the Asian Games MVP.
China the Asian leaders won gold 132 to ensure the number one spot in the medal tally also managing to get 92 silver and 65 bronze to amount a total of 289 medals. Japan finished with second place obtained 75 gold medals. Republic of Korea finished third with 49 gold.
South Asian giants India had 15 golds and managed to finish at 8th place. 35 countries out of 45 won at least a single medal in this Asian Games.
The next which is the 19 th Asian Games will be held in China’s Hangzhou city in 2020.
Dhammika Ratnaweera is the Editorial Director of the ‘Playground’ sports magazine in Sri Lanka.
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