No punishment for Vietnam's Asian Games withdrawal

The OCA leader made the statement while meeting with a Vietnamese delegation, headed by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, in Kuwait on April 23.

At the meeting, Minister Anh cited Vietnam's difficulties in its preparation for ASIAD hosting, including an inconvenient economic background and lack of experience in organising major competitions.

OCA President Al-Sabah voiced his sympathy with Vietnam's obstacles and satisfaction with the country's honesty and bravery in declaring its hardships.

"Solidarity and unity are very important in the family of Asian sports. There will be no penalties for Vietnam's withdrawal decision", he said.

Recalling positive memories of the 2009 Asian Indoor Games held in Hanoi, the OCA leader affirmed that OCA will continue its support for Vietnam to successfully host the fifth Asian Beach Games (ABG) in Nha Trang city, central Khanh Hoa province, in 2016.

Also on the occasion, Vietnam briefed OCA on its preparation for the 2016 ABG and pledged to try its utmost for the successful organisation of this event.

The official announcement of Vietnam's withdrawal will be made at a press conference chaired by OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam in Kuwait this morning.

OCA is currently seeking a replacement host country for the 2019 ASIAD. At present, Malaysia and Indonesia are willing to organise the region's biggest sporting event.

(Source: Nhandan Online)