Asia's Olympic chief said London 2012 faced a "big challenge" to match the Beijing Games as competition was due to start on Wednesday. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, president of the Olympic Council of Asia, said London had a hard act to follow after Beijing's no-expense-spared event in 2008.
"I am very excited to be in London and to follow up all the preparations now we are a couple of days from the opening ceremony on Friday," he said. "I think London faces a big challenge because Beijing was such a great success, and people are watching to see what they will do in their Games.
"London is a famous capital city and everyone is happy to be here, but people are looking for the technical things like the opening ceremony, the competitions and the venues," he said, wishing London success. Beijing grabbed world attention with its spectacular opening ceremony and state-of-the-art venues, including the avant-garde Bird's Nest stadium and glowing Water Cube aquatics arena.
Ahmad also said he expected Asia to grab a greater share of medals than in 2008, which was highlighted by China's feat in topping the table with 51 golds - with South Korea and Japan also in the top 10, as well as Australia. "I am sure in the top 10 at least three Asian countries will be there. It shows we have maintained our technical sports level through our Asian Games and world championships," he said. "We are looking to increase the medals across all Asia, not just with China, Korea and Japan."
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