Chinese officials praised Saturday the nation's Asian Games record medal haul as a major step towards the London Olympics and denied the muscular powerhouse was monopolising sports in Asia.
Chinese officials praised Saturday the nation's Asian Games record medal haul as a major step towards the London Olympics and denied the muscular powerhouse was monopolising sports in Asia.
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"Being number one on the medal table does not mean that we are the monopoly in Asia," Cai Jiadong, head of China's delegation to the Asiad told reporters.
"In some events where we have tradtional advantages we did well, but in other sports... we didn't perform so well," he said, citing weightlifting, wrestling, shooting and archery.
After taking gold in the women's marathon, the first event of the final final day of the 2010 Games, China had claimed 198 gold medals and a whooping 415 in total -- both Asian Games records -- dominating the event nearly accros the board.
"The reason why we have been largely successful is related to the rise of our nation, along with the constant rise of China's economy and our comprehensive national strength," vice minister of sport Duan Shijie said.
"This medal haul again can represent a major achievement in our preparations for the London Olympic Games."
The nation still lagged behind top world levels in many sports including major competitions like football, basketball and volleyball, he said.
"Just because we had a successful Asian Games does not mean that we will be bound for success at the London Olympic Games," Duan said.
But "we will never relent. We will devote our utmost efforts to the preparation of the London Olympic Games."
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