Flags of countries for the participants of the 2018 Asian Games decorate Bung Karno stadium in Senayan sport complex in Jakarta on August 18, 2018, prior to the opening ceremony. AFP PHOTO / BAY ISMOYO
JAKARTA—You know you’re a regional sports power and a reputed news agency when you have your own nook inside the huge main press center of the 18th Asian Games.
The organizers wasted no effort—and space—in guaranteeing that the covering press get what they need in chronicling this regional showcase among 45 nations. But they have also made sure that the countries with the biggest chance at winning—and the news outfits that cover them—are well taken care of.
Xinhua News Agency of China, Korea’s Munhua Broadcasting Corporation, Chunichi Shimbun of Japan and of course, the Jakarta Post, occupy separate rooms big enough to accommodate their respective teams.
The others are left to find their places in a comfortable working area where coffee and tea are readily available together with pasta and other refreshments every day and all the time.
The Main Media Center’s working area looks so big that it’s like the basketball floor of the old Rizal Memorial Stadium, with the entire lower box section included.