GUANGZHOU - As the 15th National Games draw to a close on Friday with a new generation coming to the fore, veteran athletes have underlined the resilience and dedication behind the country's sporting success.

On a cool Thursday night, men's 100m Asian record holder Su Bingtian brought his 21-year sprinting career to an emotional close in front of a home crowd.

The 36-year-old anchored Guangdong to fourth place in the men's 4x100m relay, leading a squad of post-2000 runners in his final race. He left without a medal, but to a standing ovation.

"I didn't perform well today, and it's a pity I couldn't help Guangdong win a medal, but I gave everything," he said. "I'm not leaving the sport and hope to help more young Chinese sprinters reach the international stage."

Su was not the only veteran bidding farewell at these Games. Wei Yongli, a mainstay of China's women's sprinting over the past decade, ended her 16-year career with a silver medal in the 100m.

"It's my last National Games, so I just tried to enjoy every start and execute every detail," she said.

Other long-serving stars further burnished their records at these Games. Zhejiang swimmer Wang Shun, competing against a new generation of rivals, collected four golds and one silver across six events, taking his career National Games tally to 19 gold medals.

"This Games was full of mixed emotions," the 31-year-old said. "There were unforgettable regrets and many happy moments. Honestly, I still want to take one more swim."

Some veterans, pushing their limits year after year, finally claimed the titles that had eluded them for so long.

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Tennis player Zhu Lin, 31, one of the oldest athletes in her field, had collected three bronze medals from previous editions of the Games. This time, facing a wave of rising talent, she broke through to win the women's singles gold.

"At this phrase of my career, It makes me proud that I can still make a breakthrough," Zhu said. "I want to keep challenging myself and see where my limits are."

For many veterans, staying competitive requires sacrifices measured in pain, time and time away from family.

Weightlifter Shi Zhiyong, a two-time Olympic champion, showed reporters a back covered with pinprick marks from acupuncture after capturing his third National Games gold in the men's 73kg division.

"My back is full of needle holes," he said. "I hope people remember the fight Chinese weightlifters have put on to the world."

Diver Cao Yuan, 30, a five-time National Games participant, has similarly battled injuries so severe that national team head coach Zhou Jihong once called his recovery "a miracle."

"He endured what ordinary people could hardly withstand," Zhou said. "It's unimaginable effort."

Shot put veteran Gong Lijiao made her fifth National Games appearance and won gold with a throw of 19.68 meters, completing a remarkable run of five consecutive titles. She dedicated the medal to her late mother before announcing her retirement.

"This gold is enough to prove the value of my 25 years in the sport," Gong said.

The dedication of veteran athletes also highlighted to younger competitors the importance of inner strength.

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Table tennis legend Ma Long, 37, competing at his sixth National Games, led Beijing to a 3-1 win over Shanghai in the men's team final, claiming his first National Games team gold.

"The effort on the field is what matters most. People come to see the athletes' fighting spirit, not just the medal ceremonies. That is the charm of sport," said Ma.