Even amid the enthusiasm being demonstrated by all the countries set to compete in the forthcoming Asian Games, Indonesia stands out as a particularly keen supporter.
Speaking to China Daily recently, Alexandre Arif Soepalal, the Indonesian consul in China, said: "Indonesia is getting ready to participate in the upcoming Guangzhou Asiad and sincerely hope that its vision of 'Thrilling games, Harmonious Asia' will become a reality. This is an excellent opportunity for us to fulfill our dreams and create a world of peace and harmony through the Games.
"Quality, not quantity, will take priority in our build-up to the upcoming Games. Indonesia has prepared well and will select athletes to compete in 16 events, including archery, athletics, badminton, beach volleyball and weight lifting."
When pressed for more details, Soepalal said: "Indonesia has yet to determine how many disciplines the athletes will compete in during the games. We will send the athletes who have the best medal potential to improve our tally at the games."
Early in 1962, Indonesia hosted the Fourth Asian Games in Jakarta. As both China and Indonesia have now had the shared experience of hosting the Asian Games, the Indonesian people are said to be warmly welcoming the upcoming event. The consul said: "We are keen to see the Guangzhou Asiad be a memorable success."
As for the Indonesians, the Fourth Asian Games in Jakarta was recognized as a huge leap forward and ushered in significant social and cultural changes. This was particularly apparent with regards to the transfer of technical know-how on sports organization and high performance training. The event also reinvented the image of Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia.
Benefiting hugely from hosting the Asian Games, Jakarta evolved rapidly, moving from being a "big village" into a genuinely metropolitan city. Predicting similar benefits for Guangzhou, Soepalal said: "Preparing for the 16th Asiad will have changed the city of Guangzhou."
During the fourth games, Indonesia notched up considerable success, both as a competitor and a host. The consul said: "Indonesian athletes delivered outstanding performances during the Fourth Asiad. The country came second in the overall medal tally."
Commenting on the forthcoming Guangzhou Asian Games, the consul said: "I have no doubt that Guangzhou has the ability and resources to successfully host this multi-sport event. The Guangzhou government has made every effort to beautify the 'flower city' and turn it into a brand urban center."
The consul attended the spectacular ceremony that launched the one-year countdown for the Asian games back in November 2009. He said: "I expect to see more spectacular ceremonies during the opening and closing events of the Asian games in 2010."
The consul is a major advocate of the role that Games can play in building a "harmonious Asia" and believes that this high-profile sporting event will inevitably bring people across Asia closer together, despite their differing cultural backgrounds.
He said: "My view on the Asian Games is it is entirely remarkable because of the hopes and dreams it carries with it. The Asian Games has frequently played a major role in establishing the host country firmly on the international sporting map, as well as improving its image abroad. The city government is doing quite magnificent job in preparing and completing the facilities for its biggest ever sporting event.
"I believe that Guangzhou has considerable experience in staging a successful high-level international sports events and I hope that the city will maintain its success throughout the upcoming Asiad."
The consul believes the mission statement adopted by the 16th Asian Games will be long-remembered across Asia, with the events in Guangzhou being seen as a milestone in the development of the continent.
He said: "With love and goodwill as its foundation, and with passion and dreams as its backdrop, this event will unite all the countries, regions and nations of Asia who participate and show the world 'A New Harmonious Asia'. "
