Indonesia named host of 2018 Asian Games

Athletes from Indonesia march into the stadium during the opening ceremony for the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea,Friday, Sept. 19, 2014. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

INCHEON, South Korea— Indonesia has been formally named the host country for the 2018 Asian Games after stepping in at the last minute when Vietnam relinquished its hosting rights over financial concerns.

Indonesia’s National Olympic Committee said Saturday that events would be held in the capital of Jakarta, along with the regions of South Sumatra and West Java.

Committee Chairwoman Rita Subowo said the bid had strong support from the central and regional governments and that much of the infrastructure was already in place and Jakarta’s new airport and mass transit system would be finished by the time the games are held.

Vietnam initially was awarded the rights to stage the games in 2019, but backed out in April citing a lack of funds.

Indonesia last hosted the games in 1962.

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