OCA President praises organisers of 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang

Kuwait, July 18, 2018: The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, H.E. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, today commended all those involved in the organisation of the historic 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018, which is set to be the largest in the event’s history.

A total of 11,300 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are expected to take part in the Games from 18 August to 2 September. Athletes will compete in 465 events across 40 sports and 67 disciplines. North and South Korea will field a unified team in three sports and six events for the first time in Asian Games history, further demonstrating the power of sport to unite.

Around 5,650 officials and 15,000 volunteers will help ensure the smooth running of the Games with technical officials from 63 Asian Sports Federations and International Federations on site to guarantee the best environment for athletes. Approximately 6,500 media representatives will also attend, ensuring people throughout Asia and around the world will be kept up to date with the latest news from the Games.

With exactly one month to go to the Opening Ceremony at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on August 18, the OCA President said:

"On behalf of the Asian NOC family, I would like to thank the Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, the Indonesian Vice-President and Chair of the Asian Games Steering Committee, Jusuf Kalla, and the President of the Indonesia Olympic Committee and Indonesia Asian Games Organising Committee (INASGOC), Erick Thohir, for their dedication and commitment to staging a world-class Asian Games.

"Indonesia has done an excellent job in preparing for the Games and achieved a great deal in a short space of time. With only a month to go until the Games, the stage is set for Indonesia to welcome Asia for a celebration of sport and unity.

"I would also like to thank all the NOCs and athletes for their participation and vital support – without them there is no Games – as well as the partners, sponsors, TV rights holders and national and international media who all contribute to the success of the Games."

In the last three years, Indonesia has constructed a new airport terminal, new sports venues, two Athletes Villages and a new light rail transport (LRT) in Palembang. This new infrastructure will not only benefit the Games but serve the people of Indonesia for generations to come.

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