The 2002 Asian Games (), officially known as the XIV Asian Games () and also known as Busan 2002 (), were an international multi-sport event held in Busan, South Korea from September 29 to October 14, 2002, with the football event commenced 2 days before the opening ceremony. Busan is the second city in South Korea, after Seoul in 1986 to host the Games. This was the second time South Korea hosted the event. A total of 419 events in 38 sports were contested by 7,711 athletes from 44 countries. The Games were also co-hosted by its four neighbouring cities: Ulsan, Changwon, Masan and Yangsan. It was opened by President of South Korea, Kim Dae-jung, at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. The final medal tally was led by China, followed by host South Korea and Japan. South Korea set a new record with 95 gold medals. 22 world records, 43 Asian records were broken during the Games. In addition, Japanese Swimming Kosuke Kitajima was announced as the most valuable player (MVP) of the Games. Bidding process Busan was selected over Kaohsiung at the 14th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly in Seoul, South Korea on 23 May 1995. The voting involved 41 members of the sports governing body, with 37 of them supported Busan. Development and preparations Costs A total of US$2.9 billion was spent for the games. Marketing Emblem The emblem of the Games is a motif of East sea blue waves in the shape of Taegeuk, symbolising Busan and Korea. It expresses the image of development and unity of the Asian people and the two dynamic powers that are closely intertwined. The wave's shape in the emblem indicates the character B, the first character of Busan. Mascot The mascot of the 2002 Asian Games is a Sea gull, the city bird of Busan named "Duria", whose name is a combination of the two words 'Durative' and 'Asia', which means "You and Me Together" or Everlasting Asia in the Korean language, which expresses the ideal of the Games: to promote harmony, friendship and prosperity among Asian countries. Its thick black ink and free line expression, symbolize Korean traditional culture, while its white colour shade representing the image of a powerful spirit and the great hopes for Asia in the 21st century. Medals The medal of the games featured the Korean traditional octagonal building, Palgagjeong top view design with