ATHENS, Aug. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- The International Olympic Committee(IOC) president Jacques Rogge warned here on Sunday that the traditional sports powerhouses should be more vigilant against the"awakening" of their Asian rivals.

    Rogge drew attention to the "major progress" made by China and the "extraordinary success" of Japan as well as the "excellent scores" achieved by South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia.

    "This is really a Games where Asia have awakened," Rogge said at a press conference on the last day of the Games.

    "I believe this is a strong sign that Asian countries and regions will be in full strength in the Beijing Olympics in four years," he added.

    The Asian "awakening" was spearheaded by China, the country which will host the 2008 Games in Beijing.

    China had already showed their sporting strength in Sydney fouryears ago when they collected a haul of 28 gold medals to finish third at the medal table behind the United States and Russia.

    But Since Beijing was awarded the 2008 Games three years ago, China found new motivation to go one gear higher.

    After 15-day competition in the Games, China have collected 31 gold medals to stand second at the medal table, three fewer than the leading United States(34) but eight more than the third-placed Russia.

    Japan was a surprise package in the Athens Games, collecting 15gold medals and stand currently fifth at the medal table. They only fall short of one gold medal than what they achieved in the Tokyo Games in 1964.

    "I think what I called the traditionally strong countries that dominate the scene now will have to work extremely hard in the future to be able to maintain their advantage," said Rogge. Enditem