Kuwait, October 2, 2017: The Olympic Council of Asia is looking forward to the 18th edition of its showpiece event, the Asian Games, in Indonesia next year with confidence sky high after a successful 12 months which featured three major multi-sport games.
With strong teamwork from all stakeholders in the Olympic Movement, the OCA believes the next Asiad can set new standards in terms of sports facilities and games-related technology and infrastructure.
"After staging three major multi-sport games in the past 12 months, the OCA is now fully focused on the next Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang in 2018," said the OCA Director General, Mr Husain Al Musallam.
"The OCA would like to thank our National Olympic Committees, athletes, Asian Federations, International Federations, organising committees, media, sponsors and all stakeholders for the success of our three recent games.
"With this support and cooperation from all parties, we are looking forward to the next Asian Games with confidence and in high spirits.
"Once again the Asian Games will bring together the youth of Asia in a celebration of elite sport and friendship, and promote peace, tolerance and understanding."
The three games the OCA Director General was referring to were the recently concluded 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, the 8th Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, in February this year and the 5th Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam, in September 2016.
A total of 7,356 athletes competed in 48 sports in the three games, highlighting the resolve of the OCA to give as many athletes as possible the chance to represent their flag in a wide variety of sports.
The 18th Asian Games will feature 462 events in 40 sports and will be held in Jakarta and Palembang, capital of South Sumatra, from August 18 to September 2, 2018. Around 10,000 athletes from the OCA’s 45 NOCs will take part, supported by 5,000 team officials.
"The OCA was delighted to see a world record set in the recent Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and, with the continuing increase in standards around the continent, we are expecting more world records at the Asian Games," added Mr Al Musallam, referring to the new mark of Iran’s Rio Olympics champion, Sohrab Moradi, in the men’s 94kg weightlifting.
"With the major refurbishment of iconic sports stadiums in Jakarta and also Palembang, the 18th Asian Games will set new standards in terms of facilities and high technology to support the games. As always, we will create the best environment and conditions for the athletes to produce their best performance.
"The whole of Asia is preparing for the next Asian Games and we are confident it will be a big success. Although there are challenges ahead for Indonesia with less than one year to go, they can be overcome thanks to the cooperation and collaboration between the OCA and organising committee INASGOC working together."
END
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