Fireworks mark the Closing Ceremony of the Gwangju 2015 Summer Universiade ©Gwangju 2015

Gwangju's Summer Universiade was brought to a close today with a colourful and energetic Closing Ceremony to end a Games praised by officials as a "big, big success".

After several organisational setbacks and the late announcement that North Korea would not attend, there had been some concerns beforehand over how the Games would pan out, but organisers and observers both claimed to be delighted afterwards.

Speaking today, International University Sports Federation (FISU) President Claude-Louis Gallien said that all the athletes and coaches were "very happy" to have competed in the South Korean city.

"It's not a miracle, it's a big, big success," he added, when explaining why they had succeeded.

"It's the fruit of a lot of work during the games from 30,000 people on the Organising Committee staff and 20,000 volunteers.

"They were extremely important."

Hungary earlier Italy to water polo gold in the final event of this year's Summer Universiade
Hungary earlier Italy to water polo gold in the final event of this year's Summer Universiade ©Gwangju 2015

A key reason for this success were the on-field performances of the host country, with South Korea surpassing all expectations in topping the medals table with 47 golds in an 108 medals haul.

This was a huge increase on the initial aim of 25 victories and enough to finish comfortably clear of powerhouses Russia and China, each locked on 34 golds.

It marks the best result the country has had in any international summer sports competition, officials claimed.

Most sporting action concluded yesterday but the men's water polo competition came to a head today as Hungary edged Italy to the gold medal with a superb 14-13 victory.

United States, who finished fifth behind Japan on the overall medals table, won a similarly close affair 5-4 over Serbia in the battle for bronze.

This was followed by a Closing Ceremony under the theme of "Sharing the Light", featuring more than 900 performers in impressive spectacle showing off all the host country has to offer.

The next Summer Universiade are scheduled to take place in two years time in Taipei.

Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je accepted the FISU flag from Gwangju counterpart Yoon Jang-hyun during today's event.



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