Gwangju Universiade concludes, labelled as "a big, big success"

Volunteers hold lanterns representing different delegations during the closing ceremony of 2015 Summer Universiade at the Gwangju World Cup Stadium in Gwangju on July 14, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

"This wasn't just a big, huge universiade. It was felt by all the participants as a friendly universaide. It has been organized for them to feel the university sports spirit," Gallien said.

A record of 12,885 athletes and officials from 143 countries and regions took part in the 21-sport, 272-event Universiade. Altogether 27 universiade records were broken during the 12 competitions days.

After Hungary's win in the men's water polo final on Tuesday, the medal table is finalized with host South Korea on the top with 47 gold, 32 silver and 29 bronze medals. The hosts of the last two Universiade Russia and China finished second and third respectively. Russia stands with 34-39-49 while China is at 34-22-16.

Gallien highlighted the efforts by Gwangju to keep costs to a minimum while still achieving high efficiency. Of the 69 venues used at the Universiade, only four were newly built and the rest were refurbished.

The closing ceremony will be held on Tuesday evening.