Rugby 7s included in the 18th ASIAN GAMES, JAKARTA-PALEMBANG-2018

According to a press release issued by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) on its official website, Rugby 7s for men and women has been included in the list of disciplines for 18th ASIAN GAMES, JAKARTA-PALEMBANG – 2018

“This is a great result for rugby. The Asian Games are the second largest multi-sport event in the world (after the Olympic Games) and it is vital that rugby is included” said Ross Mitchell, General Manager of Asia Rugby. “Our unions derive significant levels of funding from their NOC’s based on their overall performance in the Games.”

“Our thanks to all our members who responded to the request to approach their NOC and get them to put pressure on the OCA to ensure that rugby, an Olympic sport, was not cut from the Games programme. But we must not be complacent: every one of us needs to continue to press for rugby to be included in all multi-sport events in the Region” he added.

Hon. Secretary General Asia Rugby Qais Abdulla Al Dhalai added
“After an exceptional appearance at the Rio Olympics 2016, the sport of rugby will again be featured at the 18th Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia after 5 previous times. Asia in the comings 3 years will witness one of its historical moments with rugby being played at three of the most popular events globally: The Asian Games in Indonesia 2018, the Rugby World Cup in Japan 2019 and the Olympics again in Japan 2020.”

He further added “Asia Rugby remains committed to develop and drive the sport among the 30 member unions ‎in the region through a variety of technical and administrative courses and conferences throughout the coming year aimed at increasing the number of players, coaches, referees and administrators of our member unions”

As per the press release, The Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Mr Husain Al Musallam, has sent an Asian Games update on Jakarta-Palembang 2018 to the President and Secretary General of each member National Olympic Committee of the OCA. The circular refers to the sports programme for the 18th Asian Games, which will take place in Jakarta and Palembang, capital of South Sumatra, Indonesia, from August 18 to September 2, 2018.

“As you are aware the OCA has been discussing with the Indonesia Asian Games Organising Committee (INASGOC) to reduce the sports programme of the 18th Asian Games to make it more cost effective,” writes Mr Al Musallam.

“I have the pleasure to inform you that HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Sabah, President OCA, visited Jakarta on April 18-19 and met with HE the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Jusuf Kalla, who is the Chairman of the Steering Committee of INASGOC, and also Mr Erick Thohir, Chairman of INASGOC, to decide on the sports programme of the Games.”

“As per the agreement reached with INASGOC, the sports programme has now been reduced to 39 sports, 53 disciplines and 426 events.”

The circular includes an Appendix with the list of sports and number of events. The figure of 426 events includes six events for equestrian, although a final decision on the inclusion of equestrian in the sports programme will be taken once the Asian Equestrian Federation holds its election on or before August 18, 2017 – exactly one year before the opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games.

SPORTS PROGRAMME 18th ASIAN GAMES, JAKARTA-PALEMBANG – 2018

Sports: 39 Disciplines: 53 Events: 426

1: Aquatics – 47 (events Swimming: 32 Diving: 10 Synchronized Swimming: 3 Water Polo: 2)
2: Archery – 10
3: Athletics – 46
4: Badminton – 7
5: Baseball/Softball – 2
6: Basketball – 4
7: Bowling – 6
8: Boxing – 12
9: Bridge – 6
10: Canoe/Kayak – 16
11: Cycling – 16
12: Equestrian – 6
13: Fencing – 10
14: Football – 2
15: Golf – 2
16: Gymnastics – 18
17: Handball – 2
18: Hockey – 2
19: Jet Ski – 3
20: Judo – 14
21: Kabaddi – 2
22: Karate – 13
23: Martial Arts – 36
24: Modern Pentathlon – 4
25: Paragliding – 6
26: Rowing – 15
27: Rugby Sevens – 2
28: Sailing – 10
29: Sepak Takraw – 6
30: Shooting – 18
31: Sport Climbing – 8
32: Squash – 4
33: Table Tennis – 4
34: Taekwondo – 16
35: Tennis – 10
36: Triathlon – 3
37: Volleyball – 4
38: Weightlifting – 16
39: Wrestling – 18