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 The 13th Asian Games was a complete success EXCEPT that ______.