VANCOUVER (CANADA), Feb 11 (Bernama) - Kuala Lumpur has lost to Buenos Aires in its bid to host the International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting in 2013 which will pick the host of the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Kuala Lumpur received only 31 votes compared to 58 garnered by the Argentine capital city. Ninety-two of the 115 members of the IOC attended the 122nd IOC meeting here on Wednesday. Two members abstained while one vote was spoilt.
Besides selecting the host city of the 2020 Summer Olympics, the 2013 meeting will also appoint a new IOC president to succeed Jacques Rogge whose term of office ends in 2013.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar described the voting as fair, considering that after having selected Nanjing in China as the host of the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, the IOC wanted another region in the world to host its 2013 meeting.
"Of course, I am disappointed (with the decision) but I feel Malaysia had made a good bid. Our presentation was the best we could have delivered," he said.
Kuala Lumpur received only 31 votes compared to 58 garnered by the Argentine capital city. Ninety-two of the 115 members of the IOC attended the 122nd IOC meeting here on Wednesday. Two members abstained while one vote was spoilt.
Besides selecting the host city of the 2020 Summer Olympics, the 2013 meeting will also appoint a new IOC president to succeed Jacques Rogge whose term of office ends in 2013.
Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Jaafar described the voting as fair, considering that after having selected Nanjing in China as the host of the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, the IOC wanted another region in the world to host its 2013 meeting.
"Of course, I am disappointed (with the decision) but I feel Malaysia had made a good bid. Our presentation was the best we could have delivered," he said.
Besides Tunku Imran, the Malaysian delegation comprised Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, OCM vice-president Low Beng Choo, OCM honorary secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi and National Sports Council director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong.
Tunku Imran said failing in the bid would not dampen Malaysia's spirit to bid for the 2019 Asian Games.
He said the OCM and the relevant authorities should put forward the best bid to secure the games.
Ahmad Shabery said Kuala Lumpur's loss in the bid was all in the game.
"This is sports. In every competition, there is a winner and a loser. We have to accept defeat with an open heart," he said.
-- BERNAMA
No comments:
Post a Comment