REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SAMARINDA -- East Kalimantan province is ready to host the Asian Games 2018 for football, Governor Awang Faroek Ishak, said here on Thursday.
He will soon send a letter to President Joko Widodo through the Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi, seeking permission to take part as a host in the Asian Games for football.
The province's request to host football games at the 18th Asian Games, according to Awang Faroek, is reasonable.
The East Kalimantan's stadium, named the Palaran stadium, has been recognized as an international standard stadium, he noted.
The province has proved itself as a successful host while organizing the National Sport Week (PON) in 2008 and the Football Games for the Governor Trophy several months ago.
"If East Kalimantan can be the host for football games at the Asian Games, then we will have many advantages from businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, transportations, and local merchandise," Awang Faroek said.
The East Kalimantan international stadium in Samarinda was built in 2005.
The quality of the grass on the field is the same as those located in stadiums in Singapore, Brazil, and Thailand.
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