Taipei:President Lai Ching-te has commended Taiwan's athletes for their dedication at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, emphasizing that their efforts contributed to national pride, irrespective of the medal tally.

According to Focus Taiwan, during a meeting with Taiwan's delegation at the Presidential Office, Lai congratulated the medalists, stating that each medal, regardless of its color, represents an honor for the country.

Taiwan, competing under the name Chinese Taipei, secured five golds, 17 silvers, and 33 bronzes, totaling 55 medals and ranking 15th among 46 delegations based on gold medals. This marked Taiwan's lowest gold medal count and overall ranking since the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, where it ranked 16th without winning any golds. The total medal haul of 55 was also the second lowest in the past five Asian Games, though Taiwan had won at least 10 golds in six of the previous seven games.

President Lai also acknowledged the efforts of athletes who did not win medals, highlighting their perseverance through injuries and setbacks as significant achievements for the country. He specifically mentioned high jumper Fu Chao-hsuan, who won Taiwan's first men's track and field gold in 60 years, swimmer Wang Kuan-hung, who ended a 28-year wait for a swimming gold, and boxer Lin Yu-ting, who secured a second consecutive gold. Lai also praised silver medalist Chen Nien-chin for her sportsmanship.

Chen, speaking for the athletes, expressed that her silver medal was her best result at the Asian Games, attributing her achievement to the support of her entire team. She acknowledged her coach, sparring partners, and training team for their contributions.

Sports Minister Lee Yang, who is a two-time Olympic badminton champion, assured improvements in logistical support for athletes, including transportation and meals, to better prepare them for future competitions.