Cho Returns to Lead PyeongChang 2018

(ATR) Former bid chief Yang HoChohas changed his mind about returning to become head of the organizing committee

Only last week, the Hanjin Group chairman said he didn’t want the job after speculation mounted that he would replace Jin Sun Kim. Kim quit last week, saying new leadership was needed to take the PyeongChang 2018 project forward.

But Cho now says he is willing to head up POCOG following a period of instability on the organizing committee that has brought IOC concerns.

According to Yonhap news agency, POCOG officials convinced the 65-year-old to take up the position.

"Now that I've agreed to take on the job as the chief organizer, I will dedicate myself to ensure a successful Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, relying on my experience as the top bid official," Cho said in a statement released through Hanjin Group.

"Many people in and outside Korea recommended that I take this position and I also wanted to keep the promise I'd made with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to work for a successful Olympics here."

Around the Rings is told that Cho will be officially unveiled as president of the organizing committee at its general assembly on Thursday. His appointment also requires government approval.

Until he is elected, head of the Korean Olympic Committee Kim Jung-haeng remains as interim chief of POCOG.

The appointment of Cho, who led the PyeongChang bid to victory in 2011, will be welcomed by the IOC.

Cho is an experienced sports leader. He has served as president of the Korea Table Tennis Association since 2008 and been a vice president of the Asia Table Tennis Union for five years. He is also a vice president of the Korean Olympic Committee.

ATR could not reach PyeongChang 2018 coordination commission chair Gunilla Lindberg for comment.

Reported by Mark Bisson

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