OCA to inspect Hanoi for Asian Games host bid

The Olympic Council of Asia will arrive in Hanoi on Friday to inspect the city for the 2019 Asian Games host bid.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has this week sent a three-strong Evaluation Committee to the three cities bidding to host the 2019 Asian Games.

Actors performe at the closing ceremony of the 16th Asian Games held at the Haixinsha Island in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 27, 2010. Photo by Xinhua.

Led by OCA Vice President Syed Arif Hasan, who is also the President of the Pakistan Olympic Association, the OCA Asian Games Evaluation Committee will visit Surabaya of Indonesia, Ha Noi of Viet Nam and the United Arab Emirates' Dubai from today to October 9.

During their visit, the Evaluation Committee members will also meet with government officials, the National Olympic Committees and city representatives. They will also tour the venues to assess the each candidates' capabilities.

The delegation arrives in Hanoi on Friday and will work here for three days.

At the 31st OCA General Assembly in Macau, on November 8, a vote for the host city will be organised.

The 16th Asian Games was held in Guangzhou, China, two years ago, while the 17th edition will take place at Incheon, Korea, from September 19 to October 4 2014.