The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE Beijing Olympic Games, the 29th event of its kind, came to a close on Sunday with a spectacular and dazzling farewell and handing over of the Olympic Flag to the Mayor of London, the venue for the next Olympics. The Beijing Olympics will be remembered for various reasons. China came out in a big way as a powerful sporting nation. Beijing Olympics showcased China's past three decades of phenomenal development in all fields. The whole world acclaimed China for the excellent arrangements made for the great event.

More than ten thousand athletes from 204 countries took part in the meet. They displayed their excellence in more than three hundred sports events. Eyes of sport lovers from all over the world remained glued to Beijing during the 16 days of the games. They observed the setting of more than forty new world records and a number of new Olympic records. For the first time an Asian country emerged a sport super power against giants like USA, Russia and Britain. China grabbed 51 gold medals to top the list of winners. The Beijing Olympic saw an outstanding achievement and personal record of winning eight gold medals by Michael Phelps. He broke the previous record of seven gold medals by Mark Spitz at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Usain Bolt from Jamaica is another sports sensation who set three world records in another unprecedented feat of personal achievement.

Beijing Olympics sailed smoothly in an atmosphere of peace and friendship. They displayed man's tireless efforts to unleash immense potential and achieve perfection. Sport is probably the only field of competition where both winners and losers share glory. Every success in sports is a source of joy for all. Let this spirit of fraternity last forever.