A high ranking official from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) said Friday that it is best for Vietnam to withdraw from hosting the 18th Asian Games in 2019.
OCA Director General and Technical Director Husain Al Musallam said in an email sent to Xinhua that "OCA has been aware about it for a long time. This is the best what Vietnam can do now based on the current situation at this moment."
He continued, "Vietnam is making good efforts for 2016 Asian Beach Games which will be a great success."
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung announced Thursday the country's withdrawal from hosting the 18th Asian Games (Asiad 18) after heated debates over the country's ability to hold the event.
Hanoi, capital city of Vietnam, won the right to host the games Nov 8, 2012 by beating its only rival, Indonesia's Surabaya city.