Guangzhou Asian Games 'one of best ever', says OCA President

The Asian Games in Guangzhou would go down in history as "one of the best ever", Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah said on Saturday (November 27).

The OCA and GAGOC hold a press conference at the Main Press Centre on November 27, the last day of the 16th Asian Games.

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 Centre (MPC) that the OCA was satisfied with the Chinese organisers' 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 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 Asian Games have their own features.

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

Wei Jizhong, OCA's Deputy Honourary Life President from China, echoed these comments.

"The features of Doha and Guangzhou Asian Games have enriched the OCA legacy. This legacy facilitates future organisers to perform well," said Wei, who is also the President of World Volleyball's Governing body Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB).

As of Friday (November 26), 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.

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

Five gold medals are up for grabs Saturday (November 27) in Marathon, Volleyball, Sepaktakraw.