Paraguay has officially entered the race to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. President Santiago Peña led the national delegation in a virtual meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Future Host Commission on Tuesday, expressing the country's intent to bid.

"Our country is committed to continuing to host international sporting events," President Peña stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account, demonstrating strong determination for the bid.

The Paraguayan delegation included President Peña, Paraguayan Olympic Committee President Camilo Pérez, and National Sports Secretary César Ramírez. President Pérez anticipated fierce competition, noting that several countries, including Mongolia, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and Chile, have emerged as potential candidates.

The bid presentation showcased Paraguay's key sports facilities, such as the National Sports Secretariat Park and the Olympic Park. These facilities will serve as major venues for the Junior Pan American Games, scheduled from August 9 to 23, 2025. Additionally, Paraguayan authorities unveiled a project that could be used as the Youth Olympic Village.

President Peña had previously submitted the bid application for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games to IOC President Thomas Bach during a meeting in Switzerland on January 31.

Paraguay has a growing track record of hosting international sporting events, having successfully organized the 12th South American Games in 2022. The country is also set to host the Special Olympics Latin American Games in October 2024. Furthermore, Paraguay is vying to host the 2031 Pan American Games, competing with Rio de Janeiro and Niterói in Brazil.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]