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YOUNGEST IN THE TEAM … Norazira Ag. Ismail.
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21st January, 2010
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has submitted bids to host the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) congress in 2013 and the 2019 Asian Games for the first time.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi said the bids were submitted with the approval of the government.
“The outcome of the IOC congress will be known soon but the results for the 2019 Asian Games host job would only be known by 2012. It’s a long and tedious process, especially bidding for the Asian Games,” he said here yesterday.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek will lead a delegation to the IOC session in Vancouver, Canada, during the Winter Olympics on Feb 10, to make a final presentation (next month) before the 115 IOC members cast their votes for the 2013 congress.
“The 2013 congress will be a significant one because it will decide the host for the 2020 Olympics and also the new president to replace Jacques Rogge whose term ends,” Sieh added.
The ministerial delegation will also include OCM president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja’afar and National Sports Council director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong.
Besides Kuala Lumpur, Buenos Aires are also eyeing to host the congress.
“If we are given the IOC congress, it will strengthen Kuala Lumpur’s bid to host the 2019 Asian Games,” Sieh said.
The OCM secretary said Dubai was reported to be interested in the 2019 Asiad after neigbouring Doha hosted the 2006 edition after beating Kuala Lumpur for the host job.
Malaysia had initially considered hosting the 2010 Asiad in Guangzhou but it was turned down by the government due to the high cost involved.
Meanwhile, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) had set March 31, 2010 as the deadline for submitting bids for the Asian Indoor/Martial Arts Games in 2013 and 2018, Asian Youth Games in 2013 and 2017, Asian Beach Games in 2016 and 2020, Asian Winter Games in 2017 and 2021, Asian Games in 2019 and 2023.
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