The Olympic Council of Asia said on Sunday that a nearly 20 percent rise in revenue, strong viewership numbers and a string of world records are all evidence of the success of the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, despite the logistical problems that plagued the multi-sport event.
The number of participants rose to 17,000 after a wave of late participation, meaning an increase of about 2,000 athletes over the expected number.
Since there was no Athletes' Village, participants stayed in a combination of hotels, container-style accommodation and a cruise ship.
Satoshi Muratti, Secretary General of the Organizing Committee, apologized after the unexpected increase caused pressure on accommodation and transportation networks, sparking complaints from athletes and team officials about cramped rooms and small beds.
However, Hussein Al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, pointed to the records that were set during the Games, which amounted to 54 world records, 11 world junior records, and 89 continental records, as evidence of effective organization.
The Kuwaiti official, who also serves as president of the International Aquatics Federation, told reporters in a press conference held on the final day of the Games: “This achievement cannot be achieved without providing the best possible environment... Athletes cannot perform well if they do not have access to transportation.” Athletes cannot perform well if they do not have access to good health care. Athletes cannot perform well if they do not eat. Numbers speak, they are evidence. We are here to provide you with this evidence.
He added that at a time when the Games must be sustainable and financially viable, the Aichi-Nagoya model is worth emulating.
He explained: “We are pleased to see that there is no large financial burden on the organizing committee, and there are no useless projects in Nagoya or anywhere else.”
Olympic Council of Asia officials said that the increase in revenues compared to the Hangzhou Games three years ago came mainly thanks to digital growth and high viewership rates, as hockey and cricket matches between India and Pakistan attracted large numbers of television viewers.
Promising 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi said: “I am not a miracle,” after she was chosen as the best athlete in the Asian Games on Sunday, following three record-breaking performances in Japan.
The student, who appears to be on her way to making a big impact at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, won the 200-meter (butterfly), 200-meter (medley), and 400-meter (medley) races, achieving new record times for the tournament, confirming her exceptional talent.
Yu Zidi had already become the youngest medalist in the history of the World Swimming Championships after she won a relay bronze last year, at the age of 12, but despite all that, she said: “I do not think I am what people describe as a miracle.”
Following her recent achievement of winning the Best Athlete Award at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, she said: “I will continue to train hard, push myself forward, and work alongside young athletes across Asia to inspire more young men and women to love and practice sports, especially swimming.”
Thai runner Punson Poripul, winner of the 100-meter and 200-meter double, was chosen as the best athlete in the men's category.
“I am very happy and very honored, for my family, my country and the Asian athletics community,” the 20-year-old said.
When asked what he would do with the $25,000 prize, he replied: “The money will go to my family and to developing myself to achieve my future goals.”
The Los Angeles Games are among his next goals after he broke the Asian Games records in the 100 meters and 200 meters.
He said: “This time, many international athletes participated in this event, so the Best Athlete Award gives me great confidence that I am able to climb to the podium in Los Angeles.”
