It turns out they spent decades investing heavily in developing their human capital before an athlete ever touched a track or pool. Their successes at the 20th Asian Games, as well as Olympics, are returns on their long-term, calculated investments.

At Aichi-Nagoya, China predictably topped the standings with 169 gold medals. Host Japan finished a distant second with 83, followed by South Korea with 39. Indonesia, the world's fourth largest country, languished in 16th place with just five gold medals, down from the seven it collected in 2022.

A country’s human development index, its track record in health care, education and living standards, quietly dictates what its athletes can achieve. Producing high-achieving sportsmen and sportswomen requires healthy children first.

Decades of focusing on maternal health and early nutrition in Japan and South Korea mean their young athletes grew up without the physical setbacks due to childhood stunting or a poor diet.

Education is another pillar. Sports today isn’t just about running until an athlete drops. Sports talent development runs on biomechanics, high-level tactical analysis and precision recovery. When an entire society is well-educated, coaches, medical staff and athletes understand and embrace sports science instead of relying on gut feelings.

As for living standards, higher family incomes mean that parents can afford to let their kids pursue a career in sports without worrying it might derail their financial future.