SEOUL, July 30 (AJP) - South Korea will field about 1,100 athletes in 41 disciplines at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan this fall, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on Thursday.
According to the ministry, an intra-agency task force formed to prepare for the 20th Asian Games is holding its first meeting ahead of the quadrennial sporting event, slated to take place in Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, which would bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries.
The task force, consisting of sports experts, officials and other organizers, is discussing overall preparations as well as detailed administrative and medical support measures to help athletes maintain their performance and ensure their safety.
It is also making arrangements to accommodate athletes, as this year's Asian Games will be held across multiple venues in Aichi, with some competitions taking place in other cities such as Shizuoka and Tokyo. Athletes may need to stay at several sites rather than in a single athletes' village.
The ministry also plans to hold various events and exchange programs as part of efforts to promote Korean culture and tourism by leveraging strong interest in South Korean popular culture in Japan.
During the ensuing Asian Para Games, which run from Oct. 18 to 24, drawing about 4,000 participants from 45 countries including some 300 South Korean athletes competing in 18 disciplines, similar events are also planned.
"We will work with relevant agencies to proactively address any potential challenges and issues while providing the necessary support to help national team athletes compete at their best," said Kang Dae-geum, a ministry official.
According to the ministry, an intra-agency task force formed to prepare for the 20th Asian Games is holding its first meeting ahead of the quadrennial sporting event, slated to take place in Aichi Prefecture and its capital city of Nagoya from Sept. 19 to Oct. 4, which would bring together more than 15,000 participants from 45 countries.
The task force, consisting of sports experts, officials and other organizers, is discussing overall preparations as well as detailed administrative and medical support measures to help athletes maintain their performance and ensure their safety.
It is also making arrangements to accommodate athletes, as this year's Asian Games will be held across multiple venues in Aichi, with some competitions taking place in other cities such as Shizuoka and Tokyo. Athletes may need to stay at several sites rather than in a single athletes' village.
The ministry also plans to hold various events and exchange programs as part of efforts to promote Korean culture and tourism by leveraging strong interest in South Korean popular culture in Japan.
During the ensuing Asian Para Games, which run from Oct. 18 to 24, drawing about 4,000 participants from 45 countries including some 300 South Korean athletes competing in 18 disciplines, similar events are also planned.
"We will work with relevant agencies to proactively address any potential challenges and issues while providing the necessary support to help national team athletes compete at their best," said Kang Dae-geum, a ministry official.
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