ASTF execs OK Cebu venue

Cebu will be one of the best sepak takraw hosts ever.

This was the assessment made by the top officials of the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation during a press conference at Abuhan Dos yesterday.

The foreign executives made this comment after undergoing an in-depth ocular inspection of the playing venue - the University of San Carlos Main gym - as well as the hotels where the officials and athletes will be staying.

ASTF president Abdul Halim Bin Kader said they are so lucky with their partnership with the Cebu City Council and the CebuSoc, which ensured them that everything they need will be taken cared of.

The vast experience of the Philippine Amateur Sepak Takraw Association (PASTA) headed by Mario Tanchanco in running the tournament is also a big factor in ensuring that everything is in proper perspective.

Abdul Halim said the USC is a very conducive venue - from its seating capacity to the size of the court, and even the structure of the gym, which the former said reflects the artistic inclination of the Cebuanos.

Abdul Halim made a request though to add some lighting and ventilation to make the venue more appealing especially that four foreign television networks are going to cover the second most popular event in the Southeast Asian region next to football.

"Other than making the venue more appealing, in terms of the Cebu organizers preparations from the transportation, food, hotels, and the management of the events, we're more than satisfied," said Abdul Halim Bin Kader.

The ASTF secretary-general Boonchai Lorpipat added the very impressive preparation made by Cebu has erased their doubts about how the event will be done.

"You are very impressive and this will be a big contribution of Cebu's in the overall success of the Philippine SEA Games," Lorpipat said.

With that, the top ASF officials have "volunteered" to serve as Cebu's ambassadors, whose task is to invite all the other officials of the different sepak takraw organizations in Southeast Asian region to come here and watch the games.

A total of six golds are at stake in sepak takraw including the debuting hoop takraw event.