GEORGE TOWN, Dec 1 —Penang has been chosen to host the very first Asia Pacific Masters Games in 2018.
International Masters Games Association (IMGA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jens Holms said Penang was picked due to its perfect location, great venues and well-maintained sports facilities.
“Penang is a great spot, a perfect combination of business and tourism. The state is also a well-known location for the players,” he said in his speech during the games signing ceremony today.
State women, youth and sports development exco Chong Eng said the state was approached by Malaysian Major Events (MME) to have Penang host the first Masters Games in the Asia region.
“The top management of IMGA has conducted inspections at possible venues and talked to the sports community in the state to compile a database. We expect some 5,000 participants, including more than 3,000 international participants,” she said in her speech.
There will be approximately 22 sport events that will be contested, including football, badminton, athletics, cycling, squash, tennis and hockey, among others.
After Penang, Kansai in Japan has been chosen by IMGA to host the games in 2021.
Meanwhile, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he was honoured Penang was chosen as host of the games and pledged RM4.5 million for the event.
Also present during the ceremony was Malaysian Olympic Council president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar.
The Masters Games is the world’s largest multi-sport event which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee. — Bernama
