Premier Lin Chuan today praised Taiwan's athletes for a brilliant performance at the Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade games, expressing his highest respect and appreciation to all the teams, supporting staff and volunteers. Taiwan placed third among 134 countries and territories in the medal count with 90 medals (26 gold, 34 silver and 30 bronze), the best finish since its first appearance at the 1987 Universiade games.
The 2017 Universiade was the largest and highest-level international competition event Taiwan has ever hosted, Premier Lin said. The nation's athletes outperformed themselves as they vied to keep the medals at home: Yang Ho-chen seized five gold medals in roller sports, Kuo Hsing-chun broke a world record in weightlifting, and Cheng Chao-tsun smashed the Asian record in javelin throwing. Competitors in gymnastics, athletics, badminton, wushu and billiards also turned in impressive performances. The premier hopes Taiwan's athletes will continue to excel and improve ahead of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and other international competitive events.
It was apparent from this year's Universiade that the home field advantage gave Taiwan's players a considerable boost, so the government should provide more resources and opportunities for those gearing up for Jakarta and Tokyo to train in different locations and become acquainted with the competition sites, Premier Lin said. He also urged the Ministry of Education's Sports Administration to build on this year's success by expanding Taiwan's national sports and exercise programs and increasing the public's interest in sports.