The recently concluded Beijing Olympics didn't only showcase the skills of the world's best athletes. It also saw many Asian countries record their best ever medal hauls, including some of China's neighbors.

CRI reporter Luo Dan brings you the details.

Randhir Singh is the secretary general of the Olympic Council of Asia. He has stayed in Beijing since early August and witnessed the whole process of the 2008 Olympic Games.

During a symposium before the Games ended, Singh said all of Asia has been inspired by the sporting event.

Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Randhir Singh, left, speaks at an Olympic-related symposium in downtown Beijing August 21, 2008. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

"I think China deserves all the credit for the organization of the Olympic Games and they have done extremely well. It showcases Asia - not only China, but Asia to the world. The world realizes Asia is a great power - it is a power not only in economy, but also in the world of sport. It is also important for us Asia countries to hold the Olympic Games or games of such magnitude on our continent."

Singh is from India. His countrymen grabbed one gold and two bronze medals at Beijing Olympics, the best performance in the country's Olympic history. Singh said his athletes did well in China because of many factors.

"There were worries about the environment, which is totally proved wrong. So it's been very good for athletes to perform at high level. The Olympic village has been considered the best Olympic village ever. The training facilities provided for the athletes have been world class. So everything put together have helped people break world record and win champion and come forward to win medals for their home countries."

India will host the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Singh says that will spur increased cooperation between the two countries in sports.

We've already had an agreement with the Chinese Olympic Committee, and the entire Olympic association for cooperation between us. We will push it further after the Olympic Games, for training our athletes and more competitions and it will bring the athletes and the two countries together.

This opinion was echoed by Suresh Kalmadi, chief organizer of 2010 Commonwealth Games. He says the Delhi organizing committee has already been inspired by their Chinese counterparts.

"My whole organizing committee is here. What they've seen in the Games here is something they will go back and replicate in India. So we are very thankful to Beijing organizers for permitting our large team to come here. It is going to be very helpful for the organization of Commonwealth Games in 2010."

In Kalmadi's opinion, security is a top priority for any big sporting event, and Beijing has set a good example in this regard.

"This is the Games with maximum security. But it is a security with a smile. All the volunteers have done a great job. They smile and guide you to go in a particular direction and they check that thoroughly. So that is very important for the Games and for all of us who have come. We need top security. So it is been done by the Chinese very well and we will learn a lot from the security in China."

As the president of the Indian Olympic Committee, Kalmadi was also encouraged by his country's performance at Beijing Olympics. He said it helps him map out a new cooperation plan between India and China.

"We've got the maximum number of medals ever in Beijing. So we are in a great mood. When we go back, we will start training for the Commonwealth Games. But we need help from the Chinese coaches and from the Chinese infrastructure that are created. We've requested the Chinese government to support us."

He adds that India will try to incorporate cutting-edge technology into the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games. That will help showcase India's grand history and culture, just like China.

(Reporter/Editor: Luo Dan)