VietNamNet Bridge – A Vietnam delegation led by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, yesterday met with officials of the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) to withdraw from hosting the 18th Asian Games.

Minister Hoang Tuan Anh (left) and OCA Chairman Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. Photo: TTVN.

The delegation consists of officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Foreign Ministry, the People's Committee of Hanoi, the General Department of Sports and Physical Training and the Olympic Committee of Vietnam.

At the meeting, Vietnam presented its proposal of withdrawing from the hosting of the 18th Asian Games, also known as ASIAD, due to its lack of experience in organizing major events and current funding difficulties.

Earlier, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung decided to not host the 18th Asian Games, slated to be held in Hanoi, and assigned the relevant ministries to urgently work with the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) on the withdrawal. The PM said Vietnam lacks the expertise in organizing such a big event as ASIAD, and it has not thoroughly made preparations for the event.

In case of withdrawal, Vietnam may be liable to a fine from the OCA or may even have to financially support the country that will replace it as the host.

After hearing Vietnam’s proposal, the OCA will meet to take a position on this issue. Indonesia, which had lost out to Vietnam when the OCA made its initial decision for a venue in 2012, has affirmed its readiness to host the 18th Asian Games.

Nam Nguyen