Overseas media report on Asian Games

Success beckons taekwondo team

An 11-member strong national taekwondo team, spearheaded by Beijing Olympic silver medalist Buttree Puedpong, is on a mission to win the country's first gold in the Korean martial art at the Asian Games.

The Thai warriors came close to success in the last edition four years ago at the Doha Games, where three exponents, including Chonnapas Premwaew, made it to the final showdown but had to settle for silver.

Hopes are high that an overdue gold will come this time, as the Taekwondo Association of Thailand (TAT) has assembled what is widely deemed a squad full of quality. TAT general secretary Lerd Nidtheeranont has plenty of confidence in the potential of the team and believes each of the 11 fighters is capable of winning a medal.

- The Nation (BANGKOK)

Boon Heong seeks revenge vs China

Malaysia lost 3-0 to China in a Thomas Cup semifinal tie six months ago and the demoralizing defeat still troubles doubles shuttler Tan Boon Heong.

And he hopes that (the team) can salvage some pride by putting up a better fight in the Asian Games men's team competition scheduled for Nov 13-15.

He will be more than happy if Malaysia can make life difficult for defending champion China. Malaysia is the second seed and it is tipped to play against China in the final.

- The Star (MALAYSIA)

Guangdong set to reap benefits

China demonstrated its booming economy while hosting the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the 2010 Shanghai World Expo this year. Now, the country expects the Guangzhou Asian Games will be a chance to show its achievements in economic development.

Meanwhile, the local organizers claim that a successful Asian Games will help boost economic and social development, not only in Guangzhou but the entire of Guangdong province.

- Korean Herald (SEOUL)

Festive atmosphere grips southern city

A vividly festive mood is everywhere in the city of Guangzhou as China wraps up preparations for the 16th Asian Games. The Games are being touted as the largest ever in terms of both the number of contingent participants and the number of sports being contested.

Stickers on taxis, posters on buses and banners on building walls are everywhere in China's third largest city as Asia's premier sporting event draws near.

- The Jakarta Post

Bangladeshis struggle in opener

The Bangladesh Under-23 football team made a losing start at the Asian Games as it suffered a 3-0 defeat against favorite Uzbekistan in its Group E opener at the Yingdong Stadium in Guangzhou yesterday.

Bangladesh held its mighty opponent, which is ranked 96th in the FIFA rankings, till the half-hour mark but could not restrict the 2006 champions from having a big win.

No one probably expected a victory against the Central Asian nation but the belief was there that the boys would offer resistance. However, Bangladesh adopted a defensive strategy throughout the game and was left chasing shadows for the most part.

- The Daily Star (BANGLADESH)

Vietnam athletes asked to go all out

Vietnamese athletes were told to give it their all and act as ambassadors for the nation at the 16th Asian Games which will start in China's Guangzhou this week.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony at Hanoi's Military Theater yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said, "the Asiad is the biggest sporting event in the continent this year. It will be a tough competition with many powerful rivals but I hope our athletes will try their best in the spirit of the games. You must follow the rules and regulations, and always respect the referees' decisions".

- Viet Nam News

Indonesians itching for gold

The Indonesian government may not have a clear target for the Asian Games this year, but some athletes have set personal goals for the event in Guangzhou.

"We are aiming for a higher finish than in Doha. Hopefully, our squad will also take as much away from these Games to gear up for next year's SEA Games," Youth and Sports Minister Andi Mallarangeng said on the sidelines of a ceremony on Friday to introduce the country's Asian Games squad.

Four years ago in Doha, Indonesia finished 22nd with two gold medals, four silver and 14 bronze.

- The Jakarta Post

Major facelift for the host city

With the 16th Asian Games to officially take place at the heart of Guangdong province in the People's Republic of China, the city of Guangzhou experienced a major facelift and an improving environment as it prepares to host some of Asia's greatest athletes.

Guangzhou takes the preparatory work for the 16th Asian Games as a rare opportunity to promote its economic development and social progress.

It combines "urban change" with "welcoming the Asian Games" so as to speed up the urban construction and environmental improvement.

The slogan "Greeting the Asian Games while creating a new life" was raised by the Secretary of Guangdong Party, Wang Yang, and proposed taking the Asian Games in Guangzhou as an important platform to create new life for the people in China's third largest city.

- The Brunei Times