Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday lauded Beijing's achievements in organizing the 29th Summer Olympics and said he often watches the Games through the night on TV.

The Beijing Olympics shows the world how China has changed and that it is fast becoming a great country with considerable influence in the 21st century, he said.

Chavez made the remarks at a press conference in Paraguay, where he was slated to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Fernando Lugo.

At the 2008 Olympics, China has revealed not only its ability to organize large sports events but also the progress it has made in sports development, as it now leads the medal tally, said Chavez.

The Venezuelan leader said he often watched basketball, volleyball, track and field and other Olympic events on TV, sometimes even through the night. He had not slept well for three nights, staying up to watch the Games.

"This is one of the best Olympics in history," said Chavez. "Glory to China and its people,"

(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2008)