Lai lauds Taiwan athletes after lackluster Asian Games performance

President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday praised Taiwan’s athletes for their performances at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, saying their effort was a source of national pride regardless of the amount of medals won.

Meeting members of Taiwan’s delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei, Lai congratulated the medalists in his remarks, saying that “regardless of the color, every medal is an honor for the country.”

Competing under the name Chinese Taipei, Taiwan won five golds, 17 silvers and 33 bronzes for a total of 55 medals, ranking 15th among 46 delegations based on the number of gold medals won.

President William Lai, front, right, meets with members and staff of Taiwan’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games team at the Presidential Office in Taipei yesterday. He gave the delegation traditional Taiwanese snacks, cotton candy, Taiwanese-style drinks and a Taiwan team-themed photo frame.

Photo: CNA

It was Taiwan’s lowest gold medal haul and lowest overall ranking since the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, when it ranked 16th in the medals table and did not win any gold medals, and the total medal haul of 55 was the second lowest in the last five Asian Games.

It had also won at least 10 gold medals in six of the previous seven Asian Games.

Lai also paid tribute to athletes who returned without medals.

“Your years of effort, enduring injuries and setbacks, and every step you have taken are equally significant to the country,” Lai said.

Lai highlighted the performances of several Taiwanese medalists, including high jumper Fu Chao-hsuan (傅兆玄), who cleared 2.25 meters to win Taiwan’s first Asian Games men’s track and field gold in 60 years, and swimmer Wang Kuan-hung (王冠閎), whose victory ended Taiwan’s 28- year wait for an Asian Games swimming gold.

Lai also applauded boxer Lin Yu-ting (林郁婷) for winning a second consecutive Asian Games gold after overcoming setbacks over the past two years and silver medalist Chen Nien-chin (陳念琴) for embracing her Indian opponent following their closely contested final.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Chen said her silver was her best Asian Games result, but stressed that individual achievements were built on the work of an entire support team.

“People see one person’s result, but what I want everyone to see is the group of people who made that result possible,” she said, thanking her coach, sparring partners and training team for their support.

Minister of Sports Lee Yang (李洋), a two-time Olympic badminton men’s doubles gold medalist, said he understood how strongly athletes wanted to win and make the most of the effort they had put into preparing for competition.

He said his ministry would continue improving logistical support, including transportation and meals, to ensure athletes were better cared for at future competitions.