South Korea’s hosting of the current Asian Games in Incheon will hopefully serve as a driver for social standards and further the progression of sport in the region, according to Incheon Asian Games Organising Committee President Kim

Young-soo.

Speaking in an interview with The Jakarta Post, the president has made it clear that he believes the hosting of the sporting event can help to foster development of Asian countries and their sporting frameworks.

“Our goals through hosting the Games in Incheon are to upgrade the standard of living of the city and take a solid position as a highly advanced global city,” said Young-soo.

“I expect that Incheon citizens will grow as globalised citizens, while Incheon will become one of the most popular cities to visit and live in in the world.”

The Games are currently taking place in the city of Incheon – the third South Korean city to host the event – with the tournament coming to an end with a closing ceremony on 4 October.

Despite some initial controversy with a North Korean cheerleading delegation and the ban on hoisting the nation’s flag, the 17th Asian Games has been widely viewed as a success, given that all 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia are participating in the spectacle.

To help foster progression of all states, including those who are less equipped than the dominant forces of South Korea, China and Japan, this year’s hosts have been running a Visions 2014 programme to help foster development.

“The IAGOC has offered off-season training of sports delegations, dispatched coaches, and supported sports equipment to underdeveloped countries, such as Timor Leste, Maldives and Bhutan that haven’t earned medals yet, so that all participating countries win at least one medal,” added Young-soo in the interview.

“I believe that it’ll contribute in the progression of Asian sports if the Olympic Council of Asia continues to develop various programs, such as the “Vision 2014” program, in order to support underdeveloped countries.”

Away from sport, South Korea has also sought to boost its cultural offerings in the capital city of Seoul, following the opening of an art museum inside the city’s iconic Space building.