PSC upbeat on hosting 2019 Asiad

MANILA, Philippines - It will take the full cooperation between the government and the private sector for the Philippines to get the chance to host the 2019 Asian Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee Jose Cojuangco said the other day it’s not too late to make a bid after Vietnam withdraw as host of the 18th Asian Games.

Yesterday, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia said four or five years should be enough for the country to prepare for it.

But things have to start as soon as possible.

“It needs to be decided right away,” said Garcia yesterday in reacting to Cojuangco’s ambitious bid to host the Asian Games in 2019.

The only time the Philippines hosted the Asian Games was in 1954.

“I am sure that if the government will put our resources together we can do it. Our facilities can be upgraded to meet international standards,” Garcia added.

“Kaya natin yan,” said Cojuangco.

After Vietnam’s withdrawal, the Olympic Council of Asia opened the doors to other bidders that include Indonesia which has already made a strong pitch for the hosting.

The deadline for the new bids is set next month and OCA expects to announce the next host of the Asian Games by September.

This year’s Asian Games is set in Incheon, South Korea in September. Originally, the next Asian Games is supposed to take place four years after but OCA had it moved to a year before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Garcia said aside from the national government, the private sector would also need to throw its full support.

“It will cost a lot of money but with full government support and the support of the private sector then it can be done. Hosting the Asian Games will surely put the Philippines in the sporting map of Asia,” the PSC chief added.

The last time the Philippines hosted a major international competition was in 2005 for the Southeast Asian Games, when it emerged as overall champion.

Garcia said hosting such an event is not confined to sports.

“It will also be good for tourism and business,” he told The STAR yesterday.