BUSAN, Oct 14: Japan on Monday admitted defeat in what they described as their toughest-ever Asian Games where they failed in their mission to overtake South Korea and secure second spot behind China.

“Aside from a leap forward by hosts South Koea, China performed excellently ahead of their hosting the 2008 Olympics,” Japan’s chef de mission Teruji Kogake said.

“I admit that we have fought the toughest battles in Asian Games history.”

It was the second sporting setback this year for Japan who also slumped at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, getting just one silver and one bronze.

“We could not live up to expectations in Salt Lake City,” Kogake said. “Indeed, when we set targets before competitions, we have to count what we cannot really do.”

In Busan, Japan had set out with a long-term goal of overtaking South Korea in the regional sport hierarchy with a target of “at least 65” gold medals, one better than their best-ever haul in Hiroshima in 1994.

“We have fallen far short of both goals and we are reflecting upon the matter,” Kogake said.

Kogake acknowledged good Japanese performances in swimming, but the gold medal haul in athletics slumped to two from 12 in Bangkok.

“In athletics, India and the Middle East countries emerged up front and we squandered chances in sailing, shooting and equestrian,” Japan’s deputy chef de mission Reiichi Matsunaga said.—AFP