The 13th Asian Games ended on a jarring note of commercialism last night when, for the first time at a major multi-sport event, an award was given to the Most Valuable Performer.
Japanese sprinter Koji Ito, a triple gold-medallist, was named MVP of the Asian Games. He was given a cheque for US$100,000, which ostensibly goes to the Japanese National Olympic Committee.
So as the Asian Games flame was extinguished at the Rajamangala Stadium, the spark of commercialism was also lit.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) espouses an amateur ethos. But yesterday's move to choose an MVP - not even the Olympic Games does this - goes against their fundamental tenet.
Ito, who won the men's 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 ? 100 metres relay golds, was the natural choice of the reporters asked to pick the MVP.
Along with the cheque, Ito was handed a trophy by the president of the OCA, Sheik Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who also officially handed over the OCA flag to the Mayor of Pusan, which hosts the next Asian Games in 2002.
In his brief report, Al-Sabah touched on the high level of competition reached during the Games.