High ranking officials of the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee admitted that they have been aware and understandable for the withdrawal of Vietnam as host of the 2019 Asian Games.
Husain Al-Musallam, OCA Director General & Technical Director, sent a letter to Xinhua News on Friday, admitting that it is the best for Vietnam to withdraw from hosting the 2019 Asian Games.
“OCA has been aware about it for a long time,” he was quoted by Xinhua. “This is the best what Vietnam can do now, basing on the current situation at this moment.”
Mr. Al-Musallam added that “Vietnam is making good efforts for the 2016 Asian Beach Games which it will be great success.”
On Thursday, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung announced to withdraw from hosting the multi-sports Asiad 2019, citing a lack of preparedness and financial difficulty.
In 2012, Vietnam won the right to host the games after beating its only rival Indonesia’s Surabaya.
Ng Ser Miang, IOC Vice President, was quoted by Reuters on Friday that, “While I am surprised, I can understand completely [the reason for the withdrawal of Vietnam as the host of the event].”
“The decision to withdraw is due to Vietnam suffering the impact of global recession, hence will not be able to do a good job,” he said as being quoted by Reuters.
Vietnam is not the unique case of withdrawal. South Korea and Singapore did it in 1970s.
South Korea quit as the host of the Asian Games in 1970 and Singapore changed their mind to quit hosting the 1978 Asian Games.
Randhir Singh, Secretary General of the Kuwait-based OCA, was quoted by Reuters on Thursday that, “We’ve only heard about it and we are waiting for a formal communication from the Vietnam Olympic Committee.
“Once we receive that, we’d be in a better position to comment on it.”
It is not informed which country would replace Vietnam as hosts of the 2019 Asian Games.
Malaysia will consider replacing Vietnam to host the 2019 Asian Games only if the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) give financial support, a top official at the country’s Olympic body was quoted by Reuters on Saturday.
Đăng ký: VietNam News
