President Lai Praises Taiwan’s Asian Games Delegation Following Low Gold Medal Haul
President Lai Ching-te praised Taiwan’s athletes for their efforts at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Taipei, emphasizing that their dedication remained a source of national pride regardless of the medal count. Competing under the name Chinese Taipei, the delegation secured five gold, 17 silver, and 33 bronze medals for a total of 55 podium finishes, ranking 15th among 46 delegations by gold medals.
Medal Counts and Historical Comparisons at the Aichi-Nagoya Games
The total yield marked Taiwan’s lowest gold medal count and lowest overall ranking since the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, where the team placed 16th without winning a gold medal. The overall haul of 55 medals was the second lowest recorded across the past five Asian Games cycles. In six of the preceding seven Asian Games, the delegation had won at least 10 gold medals.
Despite the dip in top-tier finishes, President Lai highlighted several standout achievements. High jumper Fu Chao-hsuan cleared 2.25 meters to claim Taiwan’s first Asian Games track and field gold medal in 60 years. Swimmer Wang Kuan-hung ended a 28-year wait for an Asian Games swimming gold, while boxer Lin Yu-ting secured her second consecutive gold medal after overcoming recent challenges. President Lai also acknowledged silver medalist Chen Nien-chin for displaying sportsmanship by embracing her Indian opponent after their final match.
Chen Nien-chin credits support network for silver medal
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, silver medalist Chen Nien-chin emphasized that individual accolades relied heavily on an extensive support network. “People see one person’s result, but what I want everyone to see is the group of people who made that result possible,” she said, expressing gratitude to her coach, sparring partners, and training staff. Sports Minister Lee Yang, a two-time Olympic badminton men’s doubles gold medalist, stated that his ministry would continue refining logistical support, including transit and catering, to better serve athletes in future international competitions.
Ahead of the competition, Taiwan expanded its logistical footprint in Japan. The number of support staff traveling with the delegation increased from approximately 40 to 53, while personnel based in Japan rose from 13 to 42. Support centers were established in Nagoya and Toyohashi alongside a satellite station in Tokyo to deliver rapid medical, rehabilitation, and logistical aid.
How many athletes and sports represented Taiwan?
How many athletes and sports made up Taiwan’s delegation for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games?
Taiwan sent a 482-member delegation that competed across 34 sports during the Games.
What financial and symbolic items did President Lai present to the team prior to departure?
During a flag presentation ceremony, President Lai presented delegation leaders Tsai Chia-fu and Liao Yu-hui with the national and delegation flags, alongside NT$300,000 (US$9,900) in additional meal funds and good-luck charms for the competitors.
Which younger athletes earned podium finishes for Taiwan?
12-year-old skateboarder Ku Yung-yen and 14-year-old Lin Yi-fan each won a silver medal in the park event.
“Your years of effort, enduring injuries and setbacks, and every step you have taken are equally significant to the country,” President Lai said.
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