Indonesia Prepares Manado, Bali, Bintan to Host World Beach Games 2023

TheIndonesia.id - The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) reviewed Indonesia's readiness and feasibility to host the World Beach Games in 2023. ANOC Technical Director Haider Farman on Sunday, February 6, 2022, visited the Pulisan Beach area, Manado, North Sulawesi, one of the cities proposed by the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) to host the 2023 World Beach Games.

Haider admitted that he was impressed by the stretch of white sand and blue sea water which made Manado unique. “It is an honor to be able to visit Manado, the beaches are very beautiful. The forest is also very natural. It's an amazing opportunity to be here," said Haider, in a KOI press release received by Antara.

"I have visited several venues and areas, I need to learn more, especially about hotels and transportation."

Besides Manado, the General Chair of KOI Raja Sapta Oktohari said that he also proposed several other cities for consideration for ANOC, one of which was Bali. “We are very serious about hosting the AWBG 2023. This is one of the options we propose. Of course, we will learn again and see all the potential so that Indonesia can host the AWBG," said Okto, Raja Sapta's nickname.

“Now we are visiting Manado. There is also Bali which has hosted the 2008 Asian Beach Games. Apart from that, there are Riau Islands such as Batam and Bintan. As Haider said, the potential is huge."

Indonesia was previously named as one of the candidates to host the 2023 World Beach Games (WBG) based on a decision at the General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee Association (ANOC) in Krete, Greece, 24-25 October 2021. Besides Indonesia, Hong Kong is also one of the countries interested in holding the world's prestigious beach sports multi-event which ANOC has created in 2019.