(Photo/Wan Chengpeng)

Zhang Yufei, a star swimmer from Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, and her teammate Qin Haiyang from Hunan Province were jointly named MVP of the Hangzhou Asian Games on October 7, which marked the first time in the Asiad history that two athletes share the honor.

Zhang won six gold medals in the women's 200m butterfly, women's 4×100m freestyle relay, women's 100m butterfly, mixed 4×100m medley relay, 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly.

"Achieving my goals one by one in the Asian Games gives me the confidence, courage and strength to aim for the Paris Olympics," said the 25-year-old.

Qin, 24, clinched five golds in men's 100m breaststroke, men's 4×100m medley relay, mixed 4×100m medley relay, men's 200m breaststroke and men's 50m breaststroke, and one silver in men’s 200m individual medley.

He thanked his coach and team, stating his intention to raise the national flag and play the national anthem at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

The Olympic Council of Asia initiated the MVP award at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Japanese sprinter Koji Ito was the first recipient after winning three gold medals.

Badminton player Lin Dan is the first Chinese athlete to win this honor for his performance at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.