Japan, which has won more golds than the expected 20 in the 8th witner Asiad, is eyeing "a great many of medals" in next year's PyeongChang Winter Olympics, said Toshimasa Furukawa, JOC Chef de Mission, here on Sunday.

Furukawa told a press conference that Japan ranked the first with 22 gold, 21 silver and 22 bronze medals by Saturday, and the medals are expected to grow in the last competition day.

"Our goal is 20 gold medals, and the result is more encouraging. The athletes had good preparation and worked very hard. I believe they have done good jobs," said Furukawa.

He also pointed out that some world leading Japanese athletes did not show up in the Asiad, which offered some young athletes the chance to compete.

"I believed what the young athletes experienced here will help them achieve good results in PyeongChang," he added.

As for PyeongChang, Furukawa told Xinhua he wishes every athlete achieving the best results.

"Some athletes may not perform 100 percent. Personally I want every athlete to win a medal, but the result is the result," he said.

Host Japan sent 75 male and 71 female athletes to attend the winter Asiad that will conclude on Sunday evening.

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by XinHua News Agency

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