This is Asia’s century

Written by Writer on Monday, October 20th, 2008

This is Asia’s century

SANUR, INDONESIA

Monday, October 20, 2008
Brunei Times

INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono believes the 21st century will mark the unstoppable rise of Asia with events like the Asian Beach Games here showcasing the continent’s dynamism.

Yudhoyono added that with the global economy in crisis and conflict wracking the world, the inaugural Games, which brings together athletes from 45 Asian nations, was a reminder that the “spirit of man cannot be broken”.

“This Games is important in the way it highlights the rise of Asia. The 21st century, I am convinced, is the Asian century,” Yudhoyono said in a speech officially opening the nine-day event late Saturday here in Bali.

“More and more Asians will be brought to prosperity in this century, more and more Asian cultures will benefit from the growing labyrinth of globalisation.

“And that Asian renaissance will be felt across all sectors in diplomacy, in economy, in technology, in arts and of course in sports.

“That is why I have every hope and confidence that this Asian Beach Games will grow and spread to reflect the dynamism and strengths of Asian sportsmanship on the world stage.”

The Beach Games, which feature traditional Asian sports such as kabbadi, pencak silat, sepaktakraw and dragon boat racing, follow hot on the heels of the hugely successful Beijing Olympics.

With International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge sitting next to him, Yudhoyono told the athletes the spirit of the two events was the same.

“Your presence here is no different. Just as they did at the Beijing Olympics you are here to compete with the best of the best in beach sports,” he said.

AFP