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Guangzhou Asian Games "one of best ever", says OCA president

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The Asian Games in Guangzhou would go down in history as "one of the best ever", Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah said on Saturday.

The 16th Asian Games were unprecedented in both size and scale in the 59-year history of the quadrennial event. More than 10,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions have participated in a record 42 sports ranging from archery to chess.

On the last day of the two-week-long competition, Sheikh Ahmad told a press conference held at the Main Press Center that the OCA was satisfied with the Chinese organizers' work.

"The city of Guangzhou has done a very great job for the Asian Olympic Movement and for the Asian Olympic family," he said.

"It was one of the best ever (edition) in the history of Asian Olympic Movement."

When asked to compare the Guangzhou Games with previous editions, the OCA chief was quick to note that each games have their own features.

"Our target is to make the Asian Games better, and this is our job," said Sheikh Ahmad. "Each Games have different aims, have different situations."

Wei Jizhong, OCA's deputy honorary life president from China, echoed these comments.

"The features of Doha and Guangzhou Asian Games have enriched the OCA legacy. This legacy facilitates future organizers to perform well," said Wei, who is also the president of world volleyball's governing body FIVB.

As of Friday, three world records fell in archery and weightlifting, and 12 Asian records were broken in swimming and cycling. In the meantime, 36 countries and regions have won medals. More than 1,400 dope tests have been carried out, and only two returned positive results.

"I am very happy with all the results which we have achieved in our Games," said Sheikh Ahmad.

Five gold medals are up for grabs Saturday in marathon, volleyball, sepak takraw.