15th Asian Games

GUANGZHOU – Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping broached the idea of playing host to the 2018 Asian Games after meeting with organizers of next year’s games, which will be staged in this rapidly growing Chinese city.

Angping said he has already asked shooting chief Art Macapagal, brother of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to suggest to the Chief Executive the possibility of bidding for the 2018 Asiad.

The Philippines last hosted the Asian Games in 1954 during the time of President Ramon Magsaysay.

Macapagal joined Angping in a visit to the 2.73 square kilometer-Guangzhou Asian Games Town, now under construction in time for next year’s Asiad.

``Why not, imagine the economic activity it would generate,'' Angping said. He is confident the country can come up with enough budget to play host in 2018.

Guangzhou is reportedly spending around 2 billion RMB or roughly $300million.

``All the big companies will come in, and we can sell bonds,'' Angping said. The 2014 Asiad will be held in Incheon, South Korea.

The last time the country hosted a big sporting event was in 2005 when it finally nailed its first Southeast Asian Games overall championships. But it was largely held in already existing facilities like the 75-year-old Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The country also didn't figure prominently in the most recent Asiad especially with the presence of powerhouse countries like China, Japan, Korea and now the emergence of Middle East countries.

The country had its best finish when it hosted the Games in 1954 – held at Rizal Memorial– finishing with 14 golds, 14 silvers and 17 bronzes, second only to Japan.

Next year’s Asian Games will have 42 sports disciplines including newly-added dancesport, roller sports, cricket and dragonboat racing. Some 14,000 athletes are expected to compete.