"This stadium is a historical heritage built for the Asian Games 1962 in Jakarta," Al-Sabah said in his opening address to the opening ceremony of the 18th Asian Games on Saturday night.
OCA has waited for 56 years to see Indonesia hosting the Asian Games again, he noted.
"We are very happy (to announce) that for the first time ever, the Asian Games is held in two cities (Jakarta and Palembang)," he added.
On the occasion, he lauded the Indonesian government, under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, for hosting the 18th Asian Games.
The OCA president also encouraged athletes to compete and vie for medals in a healthy manner.
"It is time for you to shine. You are the energy of Asia," he remarked to the applause of thousands of attendants.
Widodo, accompanied by First Lady Iriana, opened the Asian Games at the Bung Karno Stadium on Saturday night. Also present at the opening ceremony were Vice President Jusuf Kalla and former vice president Boediono.
Reporting by Genta Tenri Mawangi
Editing by Soeharto/R. Nasution
Reporter: antara
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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