The 16th Asean University Games came to a close on Thursday night, with a closing ceremony spectacular bringing down the curtain on the event, the games having been hailed as a great success by all concerned.

President of National University of Laos and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee Prof. Dr Soukkongseng Saignaleuth 16th games comes to a close, see you again in Indonesia, 2014 delivered a closing address during the ceremony at the National Stadium, highlighting the main achievements of the 16th AUG hosted by Laos.

He said more than 1,600 athletes from 11 South East Asian nations attended the games to compete in 17 different sports, accompanied by a large contingent of coaches, referees and sporting officials.

The 16th Asean University Games organising committee announced yesterday that they were satisfied with the outcome of the 16th games, which Laos hosted for the first time.

President of the National University of Laos and Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee Professor Dr Soukkongseng Saignaleuth said in his statement that the entire event was conducted in a joyful atmosphere, helping to further the friendship and solidarity among the people of the Asean region as a whole.

Malaysia has topped the gold medal tally, winning 60 gold over the duration of the 16th Asean University Games hosted by Laos from 12 to 20 December 2012.

Meanwhile Vietnam and Thailand ranked second and third respectively, with students from Vietnamese universities winning 56 gold medals and Thai students bagging a total of 45 gold. 

Numerous foreign media organisations have reported on the success of the 16th Asean University Games held on December 12-20 in Vientiane, Laos.

Most of them are major news organisations from Asean member states, namely the Vietnam News Agency which published articles on the impressive opening ceremony of the 16th AUG, and the great performances of some of the Vietnamese student athletes during the games.

The 16th Asean University Games, taking place in Vientiane from December 12-20, have provided not only an exciting programme of sporting events but a range of fun-filled activities on the sidelines.

The grounds outside the National Sports Complex in Xaythany district have been humming with activity as spectators browse some 150 stalls selling a range of goods and attend nightly concerts featuring popular singers from Laos and Thailand. Hundreds of people have been strolling through the market fair, hunting for bargains among the booths selling clothes, snacks and other goods.