It was a fortnight that unified nations of diverse beliefs, faiths and traditions, as only sport could. One was overcome with a kaleidoscope of memories ranging from the many frustrations to the sublime bliss that an Indian heart felt when the men's hockey team won the gold medal.

In fact, for a true-blood Indian for whom hockey stands for glory in the Olympics, the sight of Dhanraj Pillay doing the victory lap at the Sirikit Stadium Saturday night would remain forever etched in memory.

The closing ceremony departed from the opening pageant with the participants in each sportmaking their entry together irrespective of nationality behind placards displaying their discipline.

Thai beauties, who carried the placards of the competing nations during the December 6 opening, gave way to university athletes attired in traditional dress.

Japanese sprinter Koji Ito was presented with the award for the most valuable performance at the Games for the brilliant way in which he claimed the triple gold of 100 metres, 200 metres and the 4x400m relay title.As the artistes played out the story of Mahajanaka (the second life of Lord Buddha), soon after the arrival of the King of Thailand, the thoughts drifted to the saga of Dingko Singh, the boxer who nobody wanted and yet, at the end of the day, was one of the heroes with a gold in boxing. The Manipuri exceeded all expectations as he showed great character in shrugging off the periods of uncertainty that marked his arrival in Bangkok.

At the stadium, the bands belted out foot-stomping music; then came the hoisting of various flags, followedby the Thai National Anthem, and the formal closure of the Games.

The other ceremonies, like the handing over of the first Asian Games flag and the torch to the Mayor of Pusan City, Korea, which will host the 2002 Games.

And as the Games Flame was extinguished slowly, simultaneously with the lowering of the Olympic Council of Asia flag, to the accompaniment of the OCM hymn, there was yet another burst of emotion and poiganancy.

In the end, Thailand deserves to be complimented for having hosted the Games amidst a severe economic crisis. Doubts lingered if these quadrennial Games could be held at all in Bangkok. But then, as in the past, Thailand could be counted upon to keep the Movement, that started in New Delhi, some 47 years ago, going.

True, there were shortcomings, though purely technial in nature, but in an event of this magnitude, hiccups are to be expected.

Overall, the smiling Thais made up for any lapse with their overwhelming hospitality, and truly, their friendship crossed everyfrontier.

Au revoir, Bangkok, and Korb Kun (Thank you) Thailand!