The Korean Olympic Committee (KOC) hosted the 'Thank You, Team Korea' event at Lotte Hotel Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul on Tuesday afternoon.

The event, which was attended by more than 350 athletes, including team officials, gold medalists, heads of member sports organizations, provincial governing bodies, and sponsors, featured a greeting from Korean Olympic Committee President Lee Ki-heung, presentation of appreciation plaques, awards for outstanding athletes, and a highlight video screening.

In his greeting, Lee said, "You have done a great job in Hangzhou. The athletes showed their passion and determination and gave the people great hope and great emotion," he said, adding, "We will continue to do our best for the future of sports."

President Yoon Seok-yeol was unable to attend the ceremony in person, but sent a message of encouragement.

"The enthusiasm and dedication of the athletes has touched the hearts of the people. All of you who played such a wonderful game are the heroes and pride of Korea," he said. "The government will continue to improve the training environment and expand support so that your efforts can blossom."

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award was presented to swimming's Kim Woo-min (Gangwon Provincial Office) and archery's Lim Im-hyun (Korea Gymnastics University), who took home top honors and a $30,000 cash prize.

Kim won gold in the 400- and 800-meter freestyle and 800-meter freestyle relay, while Lim won gold in the women's team, mixed and individual events.

In the case of Lim, her father, Lim Ji-hwan, was there to accept the award on her behalf.

Shin Yubin (Korean Air), who won gold in the women's doubles table tennis and bronze in the women's team, singles and mixed doubles, received a cash prize of 20 million won for her achievement.

Ahn Se-young (Samsung Life Insurance), who despite a knee injury won the women's singles gold medal in badminton at the Asian Games for the first time in 29 years after Suwon in 1994 and also won the team event, took home a cash prize of KRW 20 million for her dedication.

Swimming sensation Hwang Sun-woo (Gangwon Provincial Office), who won gold in the men's 200-meter freestyle and 800-meter freestyle relay, was named the winner and received a cash prize of KRW 20 million, while Lee Won-ho (KB), who overcame a rare disease that caused his hands to tremble to win a silver medal in the men's 10-meter air pistol event, was awarded a special prize of KRW 10 million.

Skateboarder Moon Kang-ho, who was born in April 2011 and was the second-youngest member of the Korean team at the Games, and swimming prospect Lee Eun-ji (Bangsango), who won four bronze and one silver medal, also received an encouragement award and a cash prize of KRW 10 million.

At the event, Lee also presented plaques of appreciation to sponsors and donors.

Korea sent 1140 athletes (274 officials and 886 athletes) in 39 sports to the Hangzhou Asian Games, which concluded on Aug. 8, and finished third overall with 190 medals, including 42 gold, 50 silver and 89 bronze.

While we did not achieve our goal of winning 45-50 gold medals, we did finish third overall. 19가이드03