Malaysia launches 2006 Asian Games bid campaign

Asian Economic News, August 9, 1999

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 3 Kyodo

Malaysia on Tuesday officially launched its campaign to bid for the 2006 Asian Games with the unveiling of "Cyber Alang," a robotic hornbill which will be the games' mascot and the palm leaf as the games' logo. Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi officiated at the launching ceremony and expressed confidence that Malaysia could win the right to stage Asia's version of the Olympic Games. "The resounding success of the 1998 Commonwealth Games was a watershed in Malaysia sporting history. It showed to the world that Malaysia was capable of organizing such a major event," the deputy prime minister said. Malaysia hosted the Commonwealth Games last September with the participation of 70 nations. While the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has fewer member countries (43), the Asian Games feature more sporting events involving more officials and athletes than the Commonwealth Games. Malaysia, however, is already preparing to meet the extra demands of the Asian Games with bid organizers planning to host a meet involving more than 10,000 athletes and officials taking part in 30 to 35 sports. Competing with Malaysia for the 15th Asian Games will be India, China, Qatar, Syria and Uzbekistan. The OCA will decide on the host next year. The 2002 Asian Games to be hosted by Pusan, South Korea.