Asia is thinking big. The continent does not hide it. But its sporting ambitions could soon go beyond the circle formed by its major trio, China, Japan and South Korea. A handful of other Asian nations are eyeing the biggest sporting events without mystery.
Indonesia and its 265 million inhabitants are organizing the 18 Asian Games from August 2018. A colossus of the international calendar, approached in Jakarta as a full-scale test before going further. In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is preparing a bid for the Commonwealth Games. It could take place in 2026, or even four years later to coincide with the centenary of the event.
Latest arrival in the list of applicants, Thailand could beat everyone to the post. His strategy is in place. It looks offensive. The first step has already been completed. Last September, the country slipped one of its officials to the IOC. Patama Leeswadtrakul, 53, president of the Thai Badminton Federation, was elected an IOC member at the Lima session in September 2017. She is the head of the national sports movement within the rings organization.
The next step is very close. Bangkok is hosting the 15 edition of SportAccord from April 20 to 2018, in the immense setting of the Centara Grand & Convention Centre. The sports movement will flock there, like every year. More than 1500 people are expected in the Thai capital.
At the top of the list, Thomas Bach. The IOC President is expected to stay in Bangkok until April 17, before getting back on the plane and flying to New Delhi, for his first official visit to India since his election in September 2013.
In Bangkok, Thomas Bach will not just walk the aisles of SportAccord, shake hands and give a speech. On his personal agenda, an official meeting at Government House with the two leaders of the regime, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and his second, Prawit Wongsuwon.
At the center of the discussions, Thailand's sporting ambitions. The country no longer hides it: it wishes to organize the Youth Olympic Games in the near future. Bangkok was eyeing the 2022 edition, but the IOC has made no secret of its intention to award it to an African country. The Asian capital would have postponed its plans by four years, to now aim for the YOG in 2026.
According to Bangkok Post, discussions with the IOC reportedly began last February, during the PyeongChang Winter Games. They will continue during SportAccord. Pattama Leeswadtrakul explained this to the national press: “ Thomas Bach will take the opportunity to repeat his support for our project to organize the Youth Games. SportAccord will also give us the opportunity to show the rest of the world our ability to host major sporting events. »
On the sidelines of the convention, the Thai authorities will offer a festival bringing together around fifteen sports demonstrations, from April 17 to 19, on the square of CentralWorld, the immense shopping center located in the Siam district. Pattama Leeswadtrakul explains: “ All of this should help Thailand broaden its support base for a future Youth Games bid campaign. » Asia, again and again.
