Indonesia is to host the first Asian Beach Games from October 18 to 26 in the resort island of Bali, chairperson of the country's sport committee (KONI) Rita Subowo said in Jakarta on Monday.

The chief told a press conference that 45,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions, including China, Iran, South Korea, Japan, and Jourdan, are expected to compete in 17 sports.

"Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will declare open the games and the Vice President Jusuf Kalla will close it," said Subowo.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge would also attend the games, she added.

The chairperson said that among the sports were beach football, windsurfing, kiteboarding, swimming, beach volleyball, beach handball, beach soccer, dragon boat racing, etc.

So far, 35 out of 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia has informed the organizers of their team size.

"We expect ten other countries would send their estimation," said Subowo.

Indonesia had carried out a special training for its 200 athletes since January to compete in the games, Treasury of KONI Ahmad Solihin said.

The competition would take places in Kuta, Sanur and Jimbaran beaches, said Subowo.

The Asian Beach Games is a multi-sport event held every two years.

The next ASIAN Games is to be held in 2010 in Oman, then in 2012 in China, in 2014 in the Philippines, and in 2016 in Thailand.

(Xinhua News Agency May 12, 2008)