REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach has stated that Indonesia have the opportunity and position to host the Olympics. In a press conference in the Asian Games Media Center in Jakarta, Sunday, Bach expressed his appreciation towards the committee of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.
Bach said that it was a good foundation for Indonesia to host even bigger sports conventions like the Olympics. "The success of the Asian Games serves as a prove of Indonesia's capability," he said.
Through the sports convention, he continued, he was also able to see the enthusiasm from Indonesia's citizens towards sports. "It came as a surprise to me, but it is a positive one. I did not think that I would see such enthusiasm. I have spoken to many people and they were all very happy. This is why I am so sure that if we have the Olympics here in 2032, the Olympics spirit will sure come alive," he said.
Another reason that put Indonesia in a top position in its candidacy as the host of the 2032 Olympics, is its age that is considerably young. As country that have only had the taste of independence in less than a century, Indonesia is seen as home to a young generation that is thriving and have a lot of room to advance.
When asked whether Indonesia have a true possibility of becoming host of the 2032 Olympics, Bach said that with its youth, Indonesia is in a very good position already. "To answer your question, yes, I think Indonesia's chances are quite high," he said.
Previously, Bach had met President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in the Bogor Palace, during which the President affirmed Indonesia's readiness to nominate itself to become host of the Olympics in the summer of 2032, which received positive feedback from Bach, as well as President of the Olympic Council of Asia Syeikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah.
Jokowi believed Indonesia would be able to organize the biggest multi-sports event. "With the experience we have in organizing the 18th Asian Games, we are confident that Indonesia can also be able to host a bigger event," Jokowi noted during a press conference with Bach and Skeikh Al-Sabah at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Saturday.
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