Asian Games 2018 just around the corner and only days away before the biggest sporting event in Asia is starting in Indonesia! To make sure you involved in the euphoria, we are here to provide some facts you might not know (and need to know).
1. The first Asian games in history to be hosted in two cities
For the first time, the Asian Games are being co-hosted in two cities: the Indonesian capital of Jakarta (which is hosting the Games for the first time since 1962, during the 4th Asian games), and Palembang, the capital of the South Sumatra province.
Actually, Jakarta and Palembang were not the first choices for the 2018 Asian Games. The original host was meant to be Hanoi, Vietnam. However, in 2014 Vietnam withdrew its application and the Games hosting was awarded to Indonesia.
2. The second largest number of events in the history of Asian Games
Jakarta, Palembang, and other host cities will organize 462 sports events. This is only 14 fewer events than Guangzhou in 2010. There will be 42 sports competed, 10 are new sports: Rock Climbing, Paragliding, Kurash, Sambo, Jiu Jitsu, Pencak Silat, Jet Skiing, 3 on 3 Basketball, Bridge, and Roller sport (skateboarding and roller skating).
3. Relaying the Asian Games Torch
The Asian Games torch will be lighted at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi, India, site of the first Asian Games. It will then be transported by an aircraft, then paraded across Indonesia across 12 provinces and 36 districts, from 18 July to 18 August using cars, ships, and aircraft. The final stop for the flame will be at the Bung Karno National Stadium, Jakarta.
4. Three different animals as mascots
The three different animals chosen as the official game’s mascot represent both Indonesia’s diversity and natural wealth, as well as three important sporting values: strategy, speed, and strength.
Bhin Bhin is a bird of paradise (Paradisaea Apoda) that represent strategy.
Atung is a Bawean deer (Hyelaphus Kuhlii) that represents speed.
Kaka is a single-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Sondaicus) that represents strength.
5. Around 10,000 athletes are expected to compete across sports
During the competition, the athletes will stay in the Asian Games Athlete Village in Jakarta and Palembang. There will be ten towers at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta and five towers at Jakabaring Sporting Complex, Palembang. The Kemayoran Asian Games Village is developed on a 10.6 hectares state own land, with 7426 apartment units.
6. Budget allocation: Rp5.5 trillion (US$411 million)
The budget is mostly allocated for a refurbishment of sports facilities and infrastructure development in both Jakarta and Palembang. To support this event, Indonesia also builds brand new facilities:
LRT Kelapa Gading
Jakarta Velodrome
Equestrian Centre
This centre will be the first, and most internationally qualified equestrian centre in Indonesia and the biggest in Southeast Asia.
You are excited, aren't you? We'll see you in Jakarta and Palembang!!
Sources: whatsnewjakarta.com, quora.com, asiangames2018.id