From correspondents in Beijing, China, 07:00 PM IST

The Olympic Village here has set Olympic records for its service and 'green' design, according to an official.

The 66-hectare village by Thursday had received 14,268 athletes and officials from 204 countries and regions. 'Thanks to the efforts by the village's service team, we have received 49 compliment letters and no complaints,' said Deng Yaping, the famed Olympic table tennis champion and deputy village head.

The village's main dining hall received 18,634 diners Aug 8 when the opening ceremony was held. 'It was the largest number in Olympic history. We served all the guests well during the peak hours,' she said.

Among the numerous choices, Beijing roast duck was the most popular among the 'villagers,' Deng said. 'We offered 300 ducks every day at the beginning, but now we raised the number to 600 to meet demand.'

The village received 62 state leaders and royals, the largest amount ever. The guests included French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge, who lived in the village for three days, called the facility the 'best' Olympic village in history.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)