体坛英语新闻：Indonesia's Semarang to host 2019 MXGP of Asia

JAKARTA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's Central Java province capital of Semarang was appointed to host international motocross championship 2019 MXGP of Asia from July 12 to 14, brushing aside other Indonesian cities nominated to host the event, the organizer said on Thursday.

"There were proposals from other cities, but Semarang was re-elected to host the MXGP of Asia," Chairman of Indonesia Motosports Association (IMI) Sadikin Aksa said here.

Semarang hosted the prestigious motocross championship in July last year, earned recognition for its excellent dirt tracks built for the event.

Sadikin said that he has recently received the award for Semarang's achievement to host the MXGP of Asia last year in MXGP headquarters in Italy.

"This year MXGP wants to make Semarang track as the best in the world," he said.

At least 41 motocross racers from 18 countries have been confirmed to vie in the upcoming MXGP of Asia in Semarang, including the defending champion Jeffrey Herlings, he said.

The top motocross racer from the Netherlands won the 2018 MXGP of Asia in Semarang.