Indonesia named host of 2018 Asian Games

Indonesia was formally named the host country for the 2018 Asian Games on Saturday, filling the void created 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. Jakarta's new airport and mass transit system would also be finished by the time the games are held, she said, easing concerns about transportation in the heavily congested city of nearly 10 million people. The Vietnamese capital of Hanoi initially was awarded the games in 2019, but backed out in April, citing a lack of funds. Asian Games organizers wanted to keep the games in 2019, but Indonesia asked to move them to 2018 to avoid clashing with the country's next presidential election. Indonesia last hosted the games in 1962, according to AP.