Indonesia states intention to host APG 2021

KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesia has officially stated its intention to host the 11th Asean Para Games (APG) 2021 in Solo next year to ensure continuity of the biennial Games following Vietnam’s withdrawal from staging it.

It was originally scheduled for next month in Hanoi.

The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) in a statement yesterday said the decision was made in its Board of Governors (BoG) emergency meeting that was held virtually after the majority of the BoG members agreed to an alternative host for the 2021 Games.

“The Board has given Indonesia until the end of Dec 2021 to submit all the necessary documents, requirements and preparation plans to take over the hosting job.

“Careful deliberation covering all aspects of preparation including accommodation, classification, doping, technical and sports issues, facilities, Covid-19 health and safety measures will be conducted by the APSF. The BoG will meet again on Jan 14, 2022 to make its final decision on the matter,” said the statement.

The meeting, chaired by Yi Veasna, the Vice President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) of Cambodia, also discussed about APSF’S new term for office bearers.

The BoG agreed to hold an election during the next Games, in this case in Solo, should Indonesia get the final approval from the Board to host the Games next year.

Meanwhile, regarding the progress of the 12th APG scheduled in Cambodia in 2023, the BoG also considered the preparations, including setting up the relevant organising committees, sports facilities, venues and stadiums as well as marketing, logo launch and branding which it said are already underway.

“We look forward to the support and assistance from member countries to ensure the Games runs smoothly as this will be the first time Cambodia is hosting a multi-sport Games of such a magnitude,” said Yi Veasna.