Indonesia speeds up preparation for Asian Games

JAKARTA, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has decided to step up all preparation for boosting skill and capability of athletes who will compete in the Asian Games.

Chairman of the Indonesian contingent (chef de mission) for the Asian Games, Commissioner General Syafruddin, on Monday ordered authorities to open all training centers for all sports no later than the end of January.

"I call all stakeholders, including sport and youth ministry, the Indonesian Olympic Committee, all of those involving in preparation of athletes to start national training center program this month," he said in the national sport committee's headquarters.

With limit of time, the chairman revealed that all the preparation has to be undertaken soon and intensively.

The Indonesian government has set a target of 8th-to-10th place in the Asian Games and expects its athletes to secure at least 15 gold medals, according to youth and sport ministry.

The 2018 Asian Games will feature 40 sports, with an expected participation of more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions.

The 18th Asian Games is scheduled to take place from August 8 to September 2 in the Indonesian capital and Palembang city of South Sumatra province. Enditem