London faces challenge to match Beijing's feat
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 26, 2012
Asia's Olympic chief said London faced a big challenge to match the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
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," 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 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 the world's 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.
