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The Government today (July 21) noted the decision of the East Asian Games Association (EAGA) that the sport of bodybuilding would be excluded from the 5th East Asian Games (EAG).
"We respect the decision of the EAGA. Bodybuilding has not been held in previous EAGs and we regret that bodybuilding athletes will not be able to participate in this international event," a Government spokesman said.
He stressed that the preparatory work of the EAG would not be affected. Despite the cancellation of bodybuilding, the 5th EAG will still be the largest scale games in EAG history. More than 3,000 athletes and team officials will participate in 22 sports producing 262 gold medals.
"The Government will continue to provide all the necessary support and facilitation to the organisation of the EAG. Apart from the problem with bodybuilding, the preparation work of the EAG is progressing well.
"We are confident that the Games to be held in December will be successfully organised according to the scheduled plan," the spokesman said.
Ends/Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:01
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