Indonesia Named Host of 2018 Asian Games
JAKARTA (Tasnim) - Indonesia was formally named the host country for the 2018 Asian Games after Vietnam relinquished its hosting rights over financial concerns.
Indonesia’s National Olympic Committee said Saturday that events would be held in the capital of Jakarta, along with the regions of South Sumatra and West Java.
The Vietnamese capital of Hanoi was initially awarded the games in 2019, but backed out in April, citing a lack of funds.
Asian Games organizers wanted to keep the games in 2019, but Indonesia asked to move them to 2018 to avoid clashing with the country's next presidential election.
Indonesia last hosted the Asian Games in 1962. The Indonesian city of Surabaya had earlier bid for the 2019 games, losing to Hanoi in the final vote.
The Vietnamese capital of Hanoi was initially awarded the games in 2019, but backed out in April, citing a lack of funds.
Asian Games organizers wanted to keep the games in 2019, but Indonesia asked to move them to 2018 to avoid clashing with the country's next presidential election.
Indonesia last hosted the Asian Games in 1962. The Indonesian city of Surabaya had earlier bid for the 2019 games, losing to Hanoi in the final vote.