VietNamNet Bridge - A senior member of the Olympic Committee of Asia (OCA) has expressed his approval of Vietnam’s decision not to host the 18th Asian Games.

OCA Technical Director Husain Al Musallam.

"OCA has kept track of this for a long time. Withdrawal is the best that Vietnam can do based on the current situation," OCA Technical Director Husain Al Musallam said.

The senior official of the OCA said he still appreciated Vietnam's efforts to participate in sports activities in the continent. "Vietnam is trying hard to prepare to host the Asia Beach Games 2016 and this event promises to be successful," he said.

Meanwhile, OCA Secretary General Randhir Singh refused to comment on the decision to withdraw from hosting the Asian Games of Vietnam.

"We just heard about this from the media and are awaiting official notification from the Vietnam Olympic Committee. It would be better if we make comments after receiving that notice," Singh told Reuters.

The Secretary-General was also cautious when talking about alternative plans. He said that it is too early to speak about other possible locations.

The decision to withdraw from hosting the Asian Games was made on Thursday after a meeting between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, related ministries and the People's Committee of Hanoi.

According to the Prime Minister, Vietnam does not have sufficient experience in organizing major sporting events like the Asian Games. Vietnam’s preparation was not adequate enough to ensure the success of the event.

The Prime Minister’s decision was fully supported by experts and the public.

Mr. Hoang Vinh Giang, who compiled the plan to host the 18th Asian Games , declined to comment on the decision. Giang is vice chair of the Asian Olympic Committee and Chair of the National Olympic Committee of Vietnam.

Nam Nguyen