Thaindian News

Guangzhou, Nov 16 (IANS) Residents of this Chinese city have been asked to return free tickets for the Asian Games if they are not interested in watching them, games’ organisers said.

Olympic Council of Asian (OCA) President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said he was concerned at seeing empty seats during the games, China Daily reported Tuesday.

The 16th Asian Games are being held in Guangzhou from Nov 12 to 27.

Half of all the tickets have been distributed to residents and corporate sponsors but many have not yet showed up, said Yuan Yue, director of Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee ticketing office.

“One big problem is that people don’t know what sport or match the free tickets entitle them to see until after the draws are made.

“They may decide not to go because they aren’t interested in that particular event,” she was quoted as saying.

Li Zhiqing, a local resident who received a complimentary ticket, said he was disappointed to know it was for a soccer match between the Republic of Korea and Jordan.

“I don’t like soccer. I prefer badminton or table tennis,” said Li who decided not to watch it.

Yuan asked people to give tickets they don’t want to their relatives and friends.

She said corporate sponsors had already returned some tickets, and those were being immediately put on sale.

The media report said that officials have been told they have the right to sell extra tickets on the spot site if the stadium does not fill up during an event.