OCM to charter flights to commute Asian Games athletes

KUALA LUMPUR: With nearly 600 athletes and officials to represent the country at the 2018 Indonesian Asian Games from Aug 18 to Sept 2, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) has a daunting task to commute them to the neighbouring country.
The participation of 447 athletes in the 18th edition of the Games is set to be the country's largest-ever contingent to the regional Games, compared to 333 athletes during the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
The largest group is expected to fly to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, where the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletics, badminton, diving, swimming, hockey and squash competitions, are scheduled, while Palembang and a few cities in West Java are also hosting a number of sports.
"We are working on arranging chartered flights with our sponsor partner AirAsia, still in negotiations. The details (of athletes) have not been announced yet but probably the largest (contingent) will be going to Jakarta.
"Most of the athletes likely will depart on Aug 16 and 17 for the opening ceremony on Aug 18," OCM secretary general, Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib told Bernama.
Meanwhile, Mohd Nazifuddin reminded the national athletes to give full priority and showcase their best performance at the Asian Games, as it is the highest level of competition for the athletes in the region.
"Indonesia being so close to Malaysia, we hope the athletes are comfortable to compete and can do well. There is no reason to blame climate or food differences. This Games can make it or break it for some of the athletes.
"Especially for our associate members and new sports like paragliding, canoe and dragon boat racing. We hope that they will show good performance, not necessarily winning a medal is important, but to show our presence in the region. Getting into the top five is already a big achievement for Asian Games level," he added. — Bernama