Asian Games close with records and reported operational problems

The Asian Games in Japan concluded on October 4 after two weeks of competition that produced standout performances and reported organizational problems, including accommodation shortages, transport errors and uneven attendance. China topped the medal table with 169 gold medals, while host Japan finished second with 83. More than 17,000 athletes and officials traveled to Nagoya and Aichi for the Games, which opened on September 19. Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, 13, won three gold medals, each in Games-record times, and was named a Games MVP. Japanese swimmer Shin Ohashi set a world record in the men’s 200-meter breaststroke, while Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson won the men’s 100- and 200-meter races and was also named an MVP. Olympic Council of Asia director general Husain Al-Musallam defended the event, citing more than 50 world records as evidence of its success. That figure and his assessment reflect his stated position; the supplied reports do not independently evaluate whether the record total demonstrates that the Games were well organized. Teams also raised concerns about the arrangements.