SINGAPORE -- The Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games closed on Aug. 21 after unforgettable displays of athletic prowess, watched by millions of viewers all over the world. But they were especially significant for some of the smaller nations such as Vietnam, Singapore and Fiji, because of those countries' first Olympic gold medals their athletes brought home. The tally of medals rose in other emerging Asian nations as well, reflecting their economic strength that allowed them to provide incentives to athletes and to invite coaches from abroad.
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