The 13th Asian Games ended on December 20, 1998 in an
atmosphere of friendship and solidarity, praised by the organizers as the most
drug-free international sports event. Congratulations to the host, Bangkok, for
its outstanding organization of the last sports gala of Asia before the turn of
the century. Congratulations to all participating men and women,
medalists and non-medalists alike, for the sporting spirit of faster, higher and
stronger they demonstrated throughout the competitions. And our
particular congratulations to the Chinese sports delegation. With 129 gold
medals, four more than they harvested at the last Asiad, and 274 in total, they
stood, for the fifth time in a row, on top of the medal tally.
They demonstrated and consolidated the country’s status as Asia’s No. 1
sports giant. This Asiad may appear less impressive than some of
its immediate predecessors in terms of new records. But the timely convening and
successful conclusion of the event provide a good reason for special
celebration. As the first victim of the Southeast Asian
financial crisis, host-nation Thailand has to deal with the sacrifice it has
made for this grand occasion. And just as Thai Vice-Premier and
Chairman of 13th Asian Games Organizing Committee Bhichai Rattakul has acceded,
the event itself is a work of collaboration. The assistance of China, South
Korea and Japan has contributed to the triumph of the gala.
While sports underline competition, teamwork is indispensable.
The Games well reflected its theme～friendship beyond frontiers. The
solidarity Asian countries have displayed in the face of the financial turmoil
and their concern for the overall situation has helped to make the 13th Asian
Games a complete success. MEDAL TABLE
COUTRY
COLD
SILVER
BRONZE
TOTAL
China
129
78
67
274
South Korea
65
46
53
164
Japan
52
61
68
181
Kazakhstan
25
24
30
79
Thailand
24
26
40
90
Chinese Taipei
19
17
41
77
Iran
10
11
13
34
DPR Korea
7
14
12
33
India
7
11
17
35
Uzbekistan
6
22
12
40
Indonesia
6
10
11
27
Malaysia
5
10
14
29
Hong Kong
5
6
6
17
Kuwait
4
6
4
14
Sri Lanka
3
0
3
6
Pakistan
2
4
9
15
Singapore
2
3
9
14
Qatar
2
3
3
8
Mongolia
2
2
10
14
Myanmar
1
6
4
11
Philippines
1
5
12
18
Viet nam
1
5
11
17
Turkmenistan
1
0
1
2
Kyrgyzstan
0
3
3
6
Jordan
0
3
2
5
Syria
0
2
4
6
Nepal
0
1
3
4
UAE
0
1
1
2
Macao
0
1
0
1
How many countries have failed to obtain a silver medal in the Games