Hong Kong eyes Asian Games in 10 years
ASIAD:HONG KONG, Dec 19, 2009: Hong Kong is keen to stage the Asian
Games in 10 years' time, a top political official said Monday, after the
city hosted its first international multi-sports event this month.
"Personally, I'm confident that Hong Kong has the ability to host the
Asian Games in 2019," said Tsang Tak-sing, secretary for home affairs.
"You can see the benefits that it will bring to Hong Kong, but we
have to listen to the people and we would have to devote a substantial
amount of resources to it."
His remarks came after the East Asian Games wrapped up in Hong Kong
on Sunday after 12 days of competition dominated by China.
Tsang said the East Asian Games, which featured nine teams and 22
sports, had been "a success in promoting the sporting culture in Hong
Kong".
Before the Games opened there had been concern that they had failed
to ignite the interest of the Hong Kong public, and preliminary events
played out to half-full crowds.
However, major competitions such as athletics and swimming were sold
out, albeit in small arenas, and nearly 40,000 people packed into Hong
Kong Stadium on Saturday to see the hosts surprisingly take the football
gold medal. The win on penalties over Japan's under-20 team, who had
been among the favourites to win the football, was "like having a
dream", Hong Kong captain Au Yeung Yiu-chung said. "The team still can't
believe that we've won the gold medal," he added.
As in all previous four Est Asian Games - held every four years - a
strong China squad led by world-class hurdler Liu Xiang was the major
force in most the events. China finished with a gold medal haul of 113,
followed by Japan with 62 and South Korea 39. Hong Kong made the best of
home advantage, winning 26 golds, their highest-ever tally at the Games,
which take place next in the Chinese city of Tianjin in 2013.
The next Asian Games will be held from November 12-27 next year in
Guangzhou, China and in 2014 in the South Korean port city of Incheon.
However, it was decided to change the date of the following Games to be
one year ahead of the 2020 Olympics.
Manila, Dubai and Taipei are reportedly among other potential bidders
for the 2019 event.
AFP
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