China certain to retain Asian crown
The 2018 Asian Games, officially known as the 18th Asian Games and also known as Jakarta Palembang 2018, is a pan-Asian multi-sport event scheduled to be held from 18 August to 2 September 2018 in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta and Palembang.
For the first time, the Asian Games are being co-hosted by two cities; the Indonesian capital of Jakarta (which is hosting the Games for the first time since 1962), and Palembang, the capital of the South Sumatra province. Events will be held in and around the two cities, including venues in Bandung and province of West Java. Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Jakarta will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Games.
Also for the first time, canoe polo will be contested as a demonstration sport. Forty-five nations will contest in the 465 events of 40 disciplines. Athletics have highest 48 gold medals, Swimming 41, diving 10, boxing 13, canoeing 12, cycling 10, fencing 12, gymnastics 14, judo 15, karate 13, martial arts 54, sailing 1`0, shooting 15, weightlifting 15 and, badminton 7 and table tennis 5 and wrestling 20. Football, basketball, hockey and volleyball have two gold medals each.
China, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Kazakhstan are the main contenders. Bangladesh are also participating in several disciplines.
Abdullah Akber
Dhaka
