OCA secretary allays accommodation fears

Dubai: All athletes and officials whose names have been forwarded to the Asian Games organisers will be accommodated in Doha the Olympic Council for Asia (OCA) said yesterday.

The OCA made the statement after a spat between the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) and a number of participating countries who claimed there was not enough room for their contingents in the newly-built athletes' village.

Raja Randhir Singh, OCA Secretary General said: "Extensive preparations are underway to conduct the biggest spectacle of sports the Middle East region has ever seen, and the efforts being made by DAGOC are commendable.

"The OCA in coordination with DAGOC has ensured that all athletes and officials whose names have been forwarded by the respective National Olympic Committees will be accommodated at the Asian Games Village and there is no cause for concern in this regard."

The row started after countries discovered that the athletes' village had been built to house 10,000 people when 13,500 required accommodation.

But DAGOC has appealed to countries to manage their teams, saying that not all athletes need to be in Doha for the entire two-week event. The OCA, which closely monitors DAGOC's progress in preparing for the Asian Games has backed up authorities in Doha all the way.

"With only 42 days left, final preparations are being made by DAGOC to ensure the best Asian Games ever," said Singh.

"The OCA is confident that the event, being held for the first time in the Gulf region, will be a landmark games which will not only be a benchmark for future Asian Games to follow but will also encourage other NOCs of the region to follow Doha's example."