Asian Games Athletes Receive Hero's Welcome|亞運英雄凱旋歸國 F16相迎護航伴飛

Chinese Taipei ended the 2018 Asian Games with the second best record in history, winning 17 gold, 19 silver and 31 bronze medals. As part of a heroes' welcome for the national squad, two fighter jets were dispatched to accompany the returning flight and escort the athletes home.


F-16 fighter jets escort a China Airlines plane and deploy decoy flares, lighting up the night sky. The jets deployed a total of 120 flares to welcome home the Asian Games athletes aboard the China Airlines flight.

The athletes enjoyed the display from their windows, with many uttering cries of amazement or surprise. This was the first time the Air Force had used flares to celebrate the return of athletes. President Tsai Ing-wen had ordered the Air Force to dispatch the fighter jets, saying the returning athletes are all heroes and deserve a hero's welcome.

A total of 584 athletes competed, and 230 won a gold, silver or bronze medal, including 53 gold medal winners. This is an excellent result.

On the evening of Sept. 3, the last group of Asian Games competitors returned to Taiwan from Indonesia. Their families and friends awaited them at the airport and cheers filled the air.

We are so honored, and so grateful for the government's thoughtfulness.

Honestly speaking, we all got fired up when the two F-16 jets shot past. Every single one of us was extremely moved by our country's show of support for the athletes. We truly understood what it feels like to represent your country, and we believe this is something that is very worthwhile.

For many of these athletes, their next big challenge will be the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.