By Nick Butler at the Songdo Convensia in Incheon

Jakarta has been awarded the next Asian Games, in 2018, during the OCA General Assembly this morning ©TwitterIndonesian capital Jakarta has been officially named as the host of the next edition of the Asian Games, taking place in 2018, it has been confirmed during the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly this morning.


Vietnamese capital Hanoi was selected as host in 2012, only to withdraw, citing economic pressures, earlier this year, for a Games that were originally set to be held in 2019 to avoid a clash with the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Indonesia had emerged as the only viable replacement, although with a bid focusing events on capital city Jakarta rather than Surabaya, which finished second behind Hanoi in the initial race.

The Games will also now move back to 2018 to avoid a clash with Indonesian Presidential Election taking place the following year.

Rita Subowo, President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, made an emotional presentation at the OCA General Assembly.

She claimed that, having not hosted the Games since 1962, it was the country's turn to get the chance again 

"Indonesia is ready to host the next Asian Games in 2018," Subowo told delegates.

"It's our dreams to host again the Asian Games after 56 years.

"Now this is the chance for our youth generations to be able to participate, not only to compete, but also to be the hosts and welcome you all to our country."

OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah and Rita Subowo, head of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, sign the host city agreement for Jakarta to host the 2018 Asian Games ©FacebookOCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah and Rita Subowo, head of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, sign the host city agreement for Jakarta to host the 2018 Asian Games ©Facebook

Subowo claimed much of the infrastructure needed was already in place and Jakarta's new airport and mass transit system would be finished by the time the Games are held.

"Time is so short," she admitted.

"That is the biggest challenge.

"So from now on we have to work hard and we need the support of our friends and colleagues, not only in Asia, but also from all over the world."

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