INTERNATIONAL, October 5 : The Asian Games came to a grand conclusion in Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya after two weeks of intense competition. The curtain officially fell on Sunday on the biggest gathering in Asian sports, with China maintaining its dominance by topping the medal table for the 12th consecutive time.

Chinese athletes celebrated the best overseas campaign in the country’s sporting history after winning a total of 341 medals, including 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze. It was China’s highest-ever medal tally at an Asian Games held outside the country.

Host nation Japan finished second in the medal standings with 83 gold, 95 silver and 91 bronze medals. South Korea secured third place with 39 gold, 43 silver and 68 bronze medals.

Meanwhile, two promising athletes claimed the competition’s most prestigious individual award, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. Thai sprint sensation Puripol Boonson was named the best athlete in the men’s category, while young Chinese swimmer Yu Chiti was selected as the top female athlete of the Games.

Russell/Hashim, China Daily.