Sporting Asia - Edition 51 - DEC 2020 by Dunsar Media Company Limited

Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia

Edition 51 - December 2020

ALL SET FOR SHANTOU MEET THE MASCOT FOR AYG 2021

OCA Games Update OCA Commi�ee News OCA Women in Sport OCA Sports Diary

Contents

Inside Sporting Asia Edition 51 – December 2020

4–9

31 33

Six pages of NOC News in Pictures

10 – 12

Inside the OCA

13 – 14

OCA Games Update: Sanya 2020, Shantou 2021

15 – 26

Countdown to 19th Asian Games

16 – 17

Two years to go to Hangzhou 2022

Geely Auto chairs sponsor club

Sport Climbing’s rock-solid venue

20 – 21

President’s Message

59 Pictograms in 40 sports

A ‘smart’ Asian Games

Hangzhou 2022 launches official magazine

24 – 25

Photo Gallery from countdown celebrations

Hi, Asian Games!

Asia’s Olympic Era: Tokyo 2020, Beijing 2022

28 – 31

Women in Sport

32 – 33

Road to Tokyo 2020

34 – 37

Obituary

News in Brief

OCA Sports Diary

Hangzhou 2022 Harmony of Colours

OCA Sponsors’ Club

Page 02

President’s Message

OCA HAS BIG ROLE TO PLAY IN OLYMPIC MOVEMENT’S RECOVERY IN 2021 Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia, published quarterly. Executive Editor / Director General Husain Al-Musallam husain@ocasia.org Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari vinod@ocasia.org Director, Asian Games Department Haider A. Farman haider@ocasia.org Editor Jeremy Walker jeremy@ocasia.org Executive Secretary Nayaf Sraj nayaf@ocasia.org Olympic Council of Asia PO Box 6706, Hawalli Zip Code 32042 Kuwait Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 Email: info@ocasia.org Website: www.ocasia.org

espite the difficult circumstances we have found ourselves in over the past few months, the spirit and professionalism of our Asian sports family has really shone through. The OCA has managed to conduct several committee meetings online and keep in touch with our partners and friends around the continent. Not only have these meetings enabled us to discuss important issues of the day and plan our policy for the future, they have also highlighted the spirit and passion of our stakeholders. The participation levels of the online committee meetings have been high and this reflects the interest and the camaraderie that exists within our movement and the determination to keep moving forward.

Front Cover:

Meet Jinfengwa – the merry mascot of the OCA’s 3rd Asian Youth Games which are due to be held in Shantou, China from November 20-28, 2021. The mascot is named after the Jinfeng city flower.

I would like to particularly thank the organising committees of our upcoming multisport games for continuing to work towards their targets and goals and for following their detailed master plans step by step, day by day. As you know we have three big events next year – the Asian Beach Games in April, the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in May and the Asian Youth Games in November – and the following year we will celebrate our 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.

Through our online meetings with the games organising committees over the past few weeks, the OCA can feel the pride behind the scenes and also appreciate the total dedication towards delivering a safe and successful event for the whole of Asia to attend and enjoy. The same can be said of the OCA Evaluation Committee’s November visit to the two cities bidding to host our Asian Games in 2030 – Riyadh and Doha. The detailed planning, the creativity and the initiatives shown, together with the genuine excitement and expectation connected with such a project, highly impressed our team, as did the wonderful hospitality. All these factors convince me that the OCA will play a very important role in the recovery of Asia in 2021, not only from a sports perspective but also in a humanitarian way by bringing everyone together in a spirit of unity and celebration. Thank you everyone for your hard work and commitment to the cause of Olympism in Asia and around the world.

Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, Olympic Council of Asia

Page 03

NOC News in Pictures

SRI Lanka NOC Women’s Committee launched its “Harassment is No Game” campaign on October 13 via a Facebook Live Event. The organisers are looking to address and eradicate all forms of harassment - such as mental, physical, verbal and sexual abuse and bullying - that take place in the sports community and create a safe space for athletes to perfect their craft, said Women’s Committee Chair Niloo Jayatilake.

NOC Cambodia Secretary General Vath Chamroeun has received a Certificate of Recognition from the World Olympians Association allowing him to carry the letters OLY after his name in recognition of his service to the Olympic movement. Vath, 47, represented Cambodia in freestyle wrestling at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

Page 04

HONG Kong, China NOC’s 63rd Festival of Sport was moved from April to October because of the pandemic. The slogan for 2020 is "Sport for All - Together We Start OUR Fitness Journey" to encourage the public to stay active post-COVID. Cyclist Vivian Ma Wing Yu is one of four ambassadors chosen to encourage the public to join in the festival.

NOC News in Pictures

SINGAPORE National Olympic Council Vice President Dr Tan Eng Liang has announced he is stepping down from the post after 28 years. “He has been a tremendous servant to sport in Singapore. He passionately cares about our sports and our athletes and he is irreplaceable for what he brings to the table,” said SNOC President Tan Chuan-Jin.

MONGOLIA NOC President Mr. Naidan Tuvshinbayar opened a seminar for national sports associations which covered key areas of management and operations. Representatives of 42 NSAs took part.

HIS Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, welcomed the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, His Excellency Mr. Alejandro Blanco, to his office. They discussed the strengthening of relations between the two countries in sport and the development of the sports movement.

UZBEKISTAN and China NOCs signed a Memorandum of Cooperation at an online ceremony on September 14. Uzbekistan NOC was represented by its President, Rustam Shaabdurakhmanov, Secretary General Oybek Kasymov and Director of International Relations Kamoliddin Ergashev. Gou Zhongwen, President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, and Secretary General Song Keqin represented China. (Photo: Uzbekistan NOC) Page 05

NOC News in Pictures

OMAN Olympic Committee Chairman Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi signed a marketing agreement with the President of the Ibtihal Al Zadjali Foundation for Trade and Services, Ibtihal Bint Ghazi Al-Zadjali, on October 21. The company will market and promote the activities and programmes of the OOC and manage the activities in coordination with the relevant sub-committees. (https://ooc.om)

UNITED Arab Emirates NOC Executive Director Mohammed bin Darwish received His Excellency Noboru Sekiguchi, Japanese Consul General in Dubai, and members of the Japanese School to review the design of formal attire and sportswear for the UAE delegation at the Tokyo Olympics next year.

CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee Secretary General Frances Lee (right) receives the Outstanding Contribution Award (Sports and Culture) from the Department of NGO International Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The award was presented at the 20th anniversary celebration of the government department that recognises the work in society of non-governmental organisations such as the CTOC.

Page 06

NOC News in Pictures

AFGHANISTAN National Olympic Committee President Dr. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi took part in a football match between the NOC and the Ministry of Public Health to mark the return of the game after an absence of several months due to COVID-19. The match was supported by the Afghanistan Football Federation and was played under the slogan “We will defeat the coronavirus.”

VIETNAM Olympic Committee organised an Olympic and Sports Management Course for sports officials at Bac Ninh from October 5-8. About 50 people attended the course and Vietnam NOC hopes the experience will help create a new generation of sports leaders in the country.

IOC Member and Indian Olympic Association President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra attended the launch of the new logo of the Sports Authority of India at the Major Dhyan Chand National Hockey Stadium in Delhi on September 30. Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju led the launch ceremony.

WITH the direct support of Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan and President of the NOC, more than 350 teenage athletes from around the country will be able to live in refurbished comfort at the newly-renovated boarding school of sports in Dushanbe. The opening ceremony took place on October 15, with Tajikistan NOC Secretary General Abdullozoda Muhammadsho and the First Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Youth and Sport, Nazarzoda Rizo, among the top officials in attendance. The school was established in 1972. (@Tajikistan NOC)

Page 07

NOC News in Pictures

KAZAKHSTAN Olympic athletes will conduct online physical education classes for schoolchildren thanks to a joint project between the NOC and e-learning website Kundelik.kz. An agreement on strategic cooperation was signed by the Secretary General of Kazakhstan NOC, Andrei Kryukov, and the Director General of Kundelik, Mukhtar Ilyasov. (Kazakhstan NOC)

SAUDI Arabia Olympic Committee President HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and the President of United Through Sports, Mr. Stephan Fox, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, October 6. The agreement with the IOC-recognised organisation will run for two years and will promote and develop sport and youth locally and around the world. Page 08

MORE than 100 athletes and coaches attended a two-day seminar on sports injuries, sports medicine and sports science organised by the Yemen Olympic Committee in cooperation with the Yemeni Federation of Sports Medicine on October 4-5 at the Olympic Centre in Sana'a'. NOC Secretary General Mohammed Abdullah Alahjeri gave the opening address.

NOC News in Pictures

PAKISTAN Olympic Association President Lt. Gen. (ret) Syed Arif Hasan welcomed HE Mir Afzal Khan, Chief Minister of Gilgit - Baltistan, to Pakistan Olympic House in Lahore on October 10. Their discussions focused on the promotion and development of Olympic sports and the Olympic movement in Gilgit - Baltistan. POA Secretary General Muhammad Khalid Mahmood briefed him on the functions and operations of the POA and further shared the objectives of both the national and provincial Olympic Associations - to instill in the youth the highest ethics through Olympism.

MALAYSIA NOC conducted the third session of the Advanced Sport Management Course from September 7-10 with the attendance of 16 participants from National Sports Associations, State Sports Council, Armed Forces Sports Council and sports clubs.

OCA Media Committee Chairman and Executive Board member Mr Charles Lo Keng Chio was re-elected President of the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China at the General Assembly on October 9. Mr Lo, who became President in 2008, will serve his fourth, four-year term through to 2024. Page 09

Inside the OCA

SHAIKHA HAYAT OUTLINES ‘WOMEN IN SPORT’ STRATEGY

he Chair of the OCA’s Women and Sport Committee, HE Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa of Bahrain, outlined the strategy and achievements of the women and sport movement at two high-profile webinars. The two events were the Women's Sport Forum held by the United Arab Emirates General Authority for Sport - in cooperation with the Fatima Bint Mubarak Academy for Women’s Sport – and the Saudi Athletes’ Forum conducted by the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee. The Women’s Sport Forum 2020 webinar was held on the occasion of Emirati Women’s Day and featured several prominent female sports figures from the UAE and GCC countries. The event aimed to shed light on the achievements of Emirati women in various sectors, especially the sports sector, and the importance of women’s contributions to an active and healthy lifestyle in society. Shaikha Hayat, who is a member of the IOC Women and Sport Commission, focused on the role of government and the private sector in supporting women’s sport and highlighted 19 major points. These included the importance of implementing IOC strategy, establishing sports academies and attracting corporate

Bahrain Olympic Committee Board member Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa (Photo: AboutHer.com) sponsorship for elite athletes. The Saudi Athletes’ Forum attracted 10,000 participants over two days and Shaikha Hayat spoke on the theme “Empowering Women in the Sports Sector”.

RITA SUBOWO BECOMES ASIAN VOLLEYBALL PRESIDENT

CA Honorary Vice President Rita Subowo of Indonesia was elected the new Asian Volleyball Confederation President during the 23rd AVC General Assembly held online out of Bangkok on October 26. Mrs Subowo, a former President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, was elected by acclamation as the sole candidate for the AVC Presidency for the term 2020-2023. Having served as AVC Executive Vice President since 2015, Mrs Subowo becomes the eighth AVC President - and first female in the history of the continent’s volleyball governing body. “I would like to thank you all deep from my heart,” she said. “It’s not easy for me but your trust makes me confident. Volleyball is my life and I will continue to show my dedication to volleyball.” Mrs Subowo was a pioneer for beach volleyball in Asia, and played a large part in the success of the OCA’s inaugural Asian Beach Games in Bali, Indonesia in 2008. She will pick up the reins from the outgoing AVC President, Dr Page 10

New AVC President Rita Subowo (Photo: AVC) Saleh A. Bin Nasser (Saudi Arabia), who held the role from 2008 to 2020.

Inside the OCA

OCA HOLDS THIRD CC MEETING WITH HANGZHOU 2022

he OCA and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) came together online for the third Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 on September 8.

Construction is expected to finish in March 2021 and test events in some venues will be able to take place from June 2021 – over one year before the 19th Asian Games which are due to be held from September 10-25, 2022. Summing up the CC meeting, the OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam, said: "The OCA is very happy with the excellent progress and achievements of HAGOC. Time is short, the challenge is huge but we are confident that we will make it the best Asian Games in history and the best model for multi-sport events in the world." Chen Weiqiang, Vice Mayor of Hangzhou and Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC, thanked the OCA for the "valuable support and suggestions" during the meeting.

The HAGOC team at the video conference. The organising committee, supported by the General Administration of Sport in China and the Chinese Olympic Committee in Beijing, presented progress reports on seven major themes including the sports programme, venue construction, marketing, torch relay and Asian Games Festival and Expo. The meeting heard that 12 of the 53 competition venues are new, 33 are being renovated and eight will be temporary.

"We still have two years to go and we are full of confidence that, with the guidance of the OCA, we are going to make the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 a great success. Let's work together for the next two years even closer than before." The Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee, OCA Life Vice President Raja Randhir Singh, closed the meeting by saying: "There is no doubt in my mind that we will have a great Asian Games - one of the finest we have had. “The way the organising committee is working and the way we are cooperating together, even though we cannot visit Hangzhou at this moment, is a very positive sign for the future."

OCA Coordination Committee meets online to assess the progress of Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games. Page 11

Inside the OCA

OCA COMMITTEES ADAPT TO ONLINE MEETINGS

ith face-to-face meetings out of the question due to the pandemic-enforced travel restrictions, the OCA has adapted by conducting a series of committee meetings via the Zoom video conference link. Far from the committee members in their respective countries and regions feeling isolated in these difficult times, the virtual meetings brought everyone together in a friendly, business-like atmosphere and enhanced the spirit of unity and cooperation. With the help of the OCA HQ staff, and the WhatsApp group communication tool, meetings were held for various committees, including:

Charles Lo conducts the meeting from Macau, China. Media Committee: The Chairman, Charles Lo, assembled the members on September 15 and heard reports on the OCA media channels such as Sporting Asia, the revamped official website and the expanding social media footprint. Preparations for the 19th Asian Games were also outlined, with 9,000 media (broadcasting and press) expected to register.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal. Education Committee: Chaired for the first time by the President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, the committee gathered on September 3 and discussed the crucial role the Education Committee can play in supporting education initiatives as Asia looks to recover from Covid-19.

Song Luzeng of China. Sports Committee: The meeting was held on September 7 – one day before the third OCA Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. Chairman Song Luzeng of China provided details on the sports programmes of the three OCA games to be held in 2021. Page 12

Ryu Seung-min. Entourage Committee: Under the Chairman, IOC Member Ryu Seung-min of Korea, the committee met on September 21. The main focus of the agenda was to establish the terms of reference in line with the IOC principles and with an Asian flavour.

Yu Kyung-sun. Sport and Environment Committee: The impact of the Covid19 pandemic around Asia was brought home during a meeting of the Environment Committee on September 22 under the chairmanship of Yu Kyung-sun of Korea. Members outlined the state of play in their own regions and the measures taken to adjust to the situation.

Games Update Sanya 2020

OCA MEETING FOCUSES ON HEALTH PROTOCOLS FOR ABG6

he OCA conducted the third Coordination Committee meeting with the organising committee of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China by Zoom video conference on Tuesday, November 3. Over 3,000 athletes and officials from the OCA’s 45 National Olympic Committees have registered to take part in the event but this number is expected to increase to 4,000 by the time accreditation closes on December 31.

were being taken to guarantee the health of all participants. “We will take everything into consideration,” he said. “We feel the Olympic spirit is becoming more important and we will keep in close contact with the OCA and join hands to ensure a successful Asian Beach Games.” In other news:

The major talking point was the health and safety of the athletes and the protocols required in their home country, on arrival in China and before returning home.

 A newly built Games Village will accommodate 4,000 athletes and officials in three residential zones, with the OCA, technical officials for each sport, media and doping control officers accommodated in nearby hotels.

“It is an urgent issue and a key point for the participation and the success of the Asian Beach Games,” said OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam.

 Doping control will be managed by the China Anti-Doping Association (CHINADA) and the samples will be tested at the WADA-approved lab in Beijing.

The Deputy Secretary General of SABGOC, Sanya Vice Mayor Zhou Jun, said the prevention and control of the coronavirus was a “big challenge” for the organising committee and that all steps

 The accreditation system opened on October 1 and will run until December 31. See: https://acr.sanya2020.cn or http://www.sanya2020.cn.

Dates: April 2-10, 2021 The opening ceremony will be held in a newly constructed Asian Beach Games Park at the tourist hotspot of Tianya-Haijiao on April 2. (Photo: Feng Shuo).

YAYA the mascot deer joined 2,000 “vloggers” at a social media carnival from October 19-21 and checked out the feast of video bloggers on Sanya and the Asian Beach Games.

Sports: 16 Disciplines: 18 Events: 82 Prelim rounds (team sports): From March 31 Torch Relay: March 3 to April 1 Location: Hainan Province Page 13

Games Update Shantou 2021

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR ASIAN YOUTH GAMES

he OCA Coordination Committee held an online meeting with the Shantou Asian Youth Games 2021 organising committee on Monday, November 16. The meeting was chaired by OCA Life Vice President Raja Randhir Singh and covered a wide range of topics including the sports programme, venue construction, the AYG Village and the torch relay. The third edition of the AYG will take place from November 20-28, 2021 and for the first time will incorporate the IOC’s Youth Olympic Games educational platform. With the IOC’s next YOG in Dakar, Senegal postponed from 2022 to 2026, the IOC is encouraging the five continental associations to adopt the so-called DNA of the YOG. The five major themes are Olympic Values, injury prevention, protection against harassment and abuse in sport, career management and competition manipulation.

“I think it is a very good initiative by the IOC and it will be great for the IOC and OCA to work together on this programme and enlighten the young people on how they can contribute to peace and prosperity through sport,” said Raja Randhir. SAYGOC has also released the official emblem, mascot and slogan. The emblem is based on the ancient red-coloured merchant boats to be found in Shantou port; the mascot is named “Jinfengwa” and is inspired by the Shantou city flower, Jinfeng; and the slogan “Surging Waves, Dynamic Youth” reflects the ocean spirit and the vigour and passion of Asian youth. There will be 25 competition venues, with construction work estimated at 65 per cent, and the AYG Village on the campus of Shantou University will accommodate up to 4,000 athletes and officials. The torch will be lit on June 21 in a ceremony on Nan’Ao Island.

AYG HISTORY AYG1: Singapore 2009 AYG2: Nanjing, China 2013

SPORTS PROGRAMME

AYG3: Shantou, China 2021

The OCA has confirmed 18 sports for AYG3, with 158 events planned: aquatics (swimming, diving and water polo), athletics, badminton, basketball 3x3, beach volleyball, dragon boat racing, football, gymnastics, golf, handball, hip hop dance (breaking), sport climbing, rugby sevens, surfing, table tennis, taekwondo, wind surfing and wushu.

AYG4: Tashkent, Uzbekistan 2025

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LET'S HAND IT TO

HANGZHOU! N E X T A S I A N G A M E S H O S T C I T Y C E L E B R A T E S T W O -Y E A R C O U N T D O W N

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

HANGZHOU HOSTS COLOURFUL COUNTDOWN CARNIVAL

angzhou welcomed the 19th Asian Games to their city two years in advance with a day-long carnival of music and dance and sports celebrations on Tuesday, September 22. The capital city of Zhejiang province in eastern China held a memorable event to round off a series of countdown celebrations to mark the 19th Asian Games, which will run from September 10-25, 2022.

Hangzhou 2022 put on a dazzling show.

The September 22 gala incorporated four main events during a theatrical performance by day at the Great Hall of the People of Zhejiang Province and a music party by night in downtown Hangzhou. The four elements were: 

the presentation of the 59 sport pictograms in 40 sports



the launch of the campaign to choose a volunteer slogan



the introduction of the Asian Games Documentary



the start of the "Smart Asian Games One Stop" mini programme.

As well as the four main developments on the road to Hangzhou 2022, organising committee HAGOC produced a series of interactive activities such as cultural and sports exhibitions, music performances and a national fitness campaign while creating a party atmosphere to promote, welcome and support the 19th Asian Games.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

Sport Pictograms After a promotional video of the 59 pictograms in 40 sports, athletes held display cards on stage and performed movements corresponding to the design of each discipline. This was accompanied by a spectacular light and shadow show as the dynamic images were projected on to the big screen. The pictograms were designed by the same team that produced the “surging tides” emblem of the 19th Asian Games and will be widely used in promotion and publicity along with the emblem, slogan and mascots. (See Pages 20-21)

Smart Asian Games One Stop Shop The Smart Asian Games One Stop Shop mini programme provided the audience with 18 kinds of smart Asian Gamesrelated services such as travel, catering, hotels, tourism and tickets. It also created a one-stop digital viewing platform for all aspects of the Asian Games and highlighted the smart services available through mobile phones. Nearly 100 Asian Games stores will be established in Hangzhou and other cities to allow people to access the smart applications and experience the charm and services of the co-hosting cities.

Volunteer Slogan Volunteer representatives from all walks of life joined together to display their unity and support for Hangzhou and the 19th Asian Games. Many of them served as volunteers for the G20 Summit in Hangzhou in 2016 and for other major international events, and some also fought in the front lines against COVID-19. The volunteer slogan must capture “the spirit of dedication, friendship, mutual assistance and progress" throughout society. Entries were accepted online and offline over a five-week period. Asian Games Documentary IOC Member and Chinese Olympic Committee Vice President Li Lingwei took part in the introduction of the Asian Games Documentary, which is being produced by HAGOC to chronicle the history of the Asian Games from the first edition in 1951. (See Page 26)

Volunteers will play a crucial role at the Asian Games.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

ASIAN GAMES PARTNERS ESTABLISH SPONSORS CLUB

he organisers of the 19th Asian Games have formed a Sponsors Club involving the Prestige Partners and Exclusive Suppliers of Hangzhou 2022. Geely Auto has been appointed the first rotating chair of the club. As a second part of the agreement, the Geely Preface (Xing Rui) has been selected as the official vehicle of the Asian Games. The Deputy Secretary-General of HAGOC, Mao Genhong, said: “Hangzhou 2022 is not only a sports extravaganza but an excellent platform for enterprises to present themselves. “The reason we have established this Sponsors Club is that we hope to promote information-sharing, communication and cooperation between the sponsors to build a new model for sports marketing and create a win-win situation for Hangzhou 2022 and its sponsors.”

 DAS-Security became the official cyber security partner of HAGOC when signing a Prestige Partner contract at a ceremony in Wuzhen on November 23. DAS-Security has provided cyber security services at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010, Shenzhen 2011 World Universiade and the World Military Games in Wuhan in 2019.  Prestige Partners (10): Geely Auto, Alibaba, Alipay, China Telecom, China Mobile, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), 361 Sport, Zhejiang Loong Airlines, China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd and DAS-Security. 

Exclusive Suppliers (2): Robam and Monalisa.

In other news:  China Pacific Insurance Group Co. Ltd. signed with HAGOC as official insurance service partner at a ceremony in Shanghai on November 5. It will provide a package of insurance protection and comprehensive risk management services for the 19th Asian Games.

HAGOC Deputy Secretary-General Mao Genhong (left) at the launch of the Sponsors Club on October 18. (Photo: Geely Auto)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Enjoy E-mobility @ the Asian Games with Geely Zhejiang Geely Holding Group was founded in 1986 and entered the automotive industry in 1997. Since then, it has grown with a dedication towards technological innovation, talent cultivation, tempering of core strengths, sustainability. Geely has developed into a global enterprise engaged in the design, R&D, production, sales, and service of vehicles, powertrains, and key components. The Group is in the midst of transforming into a global mobility technology enterprise engaged in the fields of mobility services, digital technology, financial services, education, sports, and other business. In 2019, Geely Holding Group was listed on the Fortune Global 500 for eight consecutive years with annual sales of over 2.17 million vehicles, assets totaling over 330 billion RMB, and employing more than 120,000 people. Headquartered in Hangzhou, the group owns several brands including Geely Auto, Lynk & Co, Geometry, Volvo Cars, Polestar, PROTON, Lotus, London Electric Vehicle Company, Farizon Auto, Terrafugia, CAOCAO, Qianjiang Motorcycle, Joma, Saxo Bank, Mitime Group, etc. The group and its subsidiaries have set up a global development network with R&D and design centres located around the world. The Group operates world-class manufacturing facilities in China, US, UK, Sweden, Belgium, Belarus, and Malaysia. Geely is also the largest shareholder in Volvo AB and Daimler AG.

Page 02

In April 2019, Geely Holding Group became the official prestige partner of the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Under the slogan “Enjoy E-mobility @ the Asian Games with Geely,” the Group will empower the games with green, intelligent, and humanistic technologies. Geely will develop a series of full autonomous mobility solutions by 2022 to service the 19th Asian Games.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

SPORT CLIMBING VENUE LOOKS ROCK SOLID

port climbing has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting and entertaining sports around.

of the silk industry, combined with the unique texture of fabrics and the aesthetics of rock climbing.

It was a big hit at the 18th Asian Games in co-host city Palembang, drawing large crowds of spectators who were enthralled by the tension and amazed by the agility and strength of the athletes. The same can be said for the ANOC World Beach Games in Doha in October 2019, when the scene was set for the Olympic Games debut of sport climbing – or rock climbing as it also known – at Tokyo 2020. The 19th Asian Games will build on this success and present the sport at a newly constructed stadium in Shaoxing – the largest city outside of Hangzhou to host sports at the Asian Games.

The attractive design of the Yangshan Rock Climbing Centre.

The Yangshan Rock Climbing Centre in Keqiao District recently passed the evaluation inspection by organising committee HAGOC and looks set to stage a world-class climbing event.

Shaoxing, which is 52km from Hangzhou, will host five disciplines at the 19th Asian Games: baseball/softball, basketball, sport climbing and volleyball.

The design of the venue is inspired by a silk cocoon, the symbol

(Photo: 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Facebook)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

ICBC | Integrity Leads to Prosperity Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (hereinafter referred to as ICBC) was established on 1 January 1984, through its continuous endeavor and stable development, the Bank has developed into the leading bank in the world, possessing an excellent customer base, a diversified business structure, strong innovation capabilities and market competitiveness. The Bank regards service as the very foundation to seek further development and adheres to creating value through services while providing a comprehensive range of financial products and services to 7,033 thousand corporate customers and 607 million personal customers. The Bank has been consciously integrating the social responsibilities with its development strategy and operation and management activities, and gaining wide recognition in the aspects of promoting inclusive finance, supporting targeted poverty relief, protecting environment and resources and participating in public welfare undertakings. The Bank was ranked the 1st place among the Top 1000 World Banks by The Banker, ranked 1st place in the Global 2000 listed by Forbes and topped the sub-list of commercial banks of the Global 500 in Fortune for the sixth consecutive year, and took the 1st place among the Top 500 Banking Brands of Brand Finance for the third consecutive year. 12th September 2019, ICBC has become official prestige banking service partner of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

ASIAN GAMES PICTOGRAMS Organising committee HAGOC has issued the official sport pictograms for the 19th Asian Games. They cover 59 disciplines in 40 sports and are set against the backdrop of the "surging tides" emblem.

Competitive Sports / 22 Disciplines

Combat Sports/ 9 Disciplines

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

Ball Sports / 18 Disciplines

Aquatics / 10 Disciplines

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

ALL DRESSED UP FOR A ‘SMART’ ASIAN GAMES

ith Hangzhou firmly established as a major international e-commerce centre and high-tech hub, organisers are promising a “smart” Asian Games in 2022. The same applies to the eye-catching Asian Games products, notably the fashionable clothes now becoming available as the merchandise campaign continues to expand. The black sweat shirt seen here is among the latest selection of 13 items to be released and the design gives pride of place to the Big Lotus – main stadium of the Hangzhou Olympic International Expo Park.

The list of newly franchised products also includes tea cups with mascot-themed lids and money boxes. The white t-shirt with the distinctive design of the Hangzhou 2022 “Surging Tides” emblem was launched on October 10 – another reason to look forward to a “smart” Asian Games from a fashion point of view! In other news on the merchandise front: The autumn fair recruiting sellers for licensed commodi ties was held online on November 2. This was the fourth time the fair had been held and the second time online. Over 100 representatives and staff from more than 40 franchised manufacturing enterprises, authorised retailers and sponsors from across the country participated in the fair through a live streaming platform.  HAGOC set up an Asian Games promotion pavilion at the 14th Hangzhou Cultural and Creative Industry Expo from October 29 to November 1. It was the first time for HAGOC to join this event. 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

READ ALL ABOUT IT! HANGZHOU 2022 LAUNCHES OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

angzhou Asian Games organising committee HAGOC launched the official magazine for the 19th Asian Games on Wednesday, October 21. The magazine, known as Hangzhou 2022, is a bilingual publication in Chinese and English and will record the preparations and major developments leading up to the 19th Asian Games in two years’ time.

countdown and provide a one-stop media platform to learn about all aspects of the Asian Games. The official journal, sponsored by HAGOC, is printed in full colour with lavish illustrations and informative text. The layout conforms to the design style of international mainstream media and with distinctive characteristics, said HAGOC.

The contents will include Asian Games sports, Asian Games city and Asian Games brands and will set the scene for the events about to unfold from September 10-25, 2022. HAGOC held an inauguration ceremony to mark the first edition of Hangzhou 2022, which is datelined October 20, 2020. The cover headline says “A call to the world” and includes the “surging tides” emblem as well as the official slogan, “Heart to Heart, @Future”, and the three sporty robot mascots. The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, sent a congratulatory message to HAGOC and said the magazine would capture the excitement of the

Issue One of Hangzhou 2022.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

Countdown Ceremony Photo Gallery @Hagoc

The whole community supports Hangzhou 2022.

The launch of the 59 pictograms.

We salute you!

Excitement in the crowd for the evening's music party.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

A proud young man displays his Asian Games donation certificate.

Students display their pride for their home city.

A beautiful ballet production delighted the audience.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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           ’  

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     

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ALIPAY BROTHER BRAND

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

OCA INVITES NOCS TO JOIN HAGOC PROJECT

he Olympic Council of Asia is calling on its 45 National Olympic Committees to contribute to the production of a ground-breaking “Hi, Asian Games” documentary to be aired in the spring of 2022.

The circular outlines six major themes and provides examples, such as the rise of kabaddi from rural India to popular Asian Games sport and the journey to the top of women’s badminton by Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei. (Photo: Olympic Channel)

“We believe this will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase sport in Asia as well as being a valuable contribution to the Asian Games brand,” said a circular to the NOCs signed by OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam and HAGOC Deputy Secretary General Chen Weiqiang, who is also Vice Mayor of Hangzhou. Each NOC is being asked to contribute story ideas, text, photographs and videos and to assist the HAGOCappointed production team during filming and promotion.

Chinese Taipei’s Tai Tzu Ying won the Asian Games badminton gold at Jakarta.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

杭州2022年第19届亚运会官方合作伙伴

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Asia’s Olympic Era

ASIAN GAMES MVP JOINS AQUATICS INAUGURATION

he OCA MVP of the 18th Asian Games, Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, took part in the inauguration ceremony of the Tokyo Aquatics Centre for the Olympic Games on October 24.

The 15,000-capacity Aquatics Centre was the last of the eight newly built permanent venues for Tokyo 2020 to be unveiled, following a seven-month delay due to the pandemic. Ikee, who won six gold and two silver medals in Jakarta in 2018, swam a freestyle lap in the sparkling pool and raved about the venue that will host swimming, artistic swimming and diving next summer. "When I got here and had a look at the pool it all started to sink in - that the Olympics is coming here next year," Ikee said in a statement. "It was comfortable to swim in because it’s three metres deep and I think it’s a great arena."

The new Tokyo Aquatics Centre (Photo: Tokyo 2020) The Tokyo Aquatics Centre was constructed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and completed in February 2020. It includes a 10-lane main pool, a sub pool and a diving pool and will become the cornerstone of Japanese swimming after Tokyo 2020.

GREAT WALL HOSTS 500-DAY COUNTDOWN TO BEIJING 2022

eijing 2022 reached another major landmark on September 21 by marking 500 Days to Go to the Winter Olympics, which will run from February 4-20, 2022.

A series of countdown events were held in Beijing and the surrounding areas to celebrate the occasion, notably at the popular Badaling section of the Great Wall. Earlier in September, as part of the 500 Days to Go activities, an aircraft was decorated in Olympic-themed branding at Beijing Capital International Airport. Named “Winter Olympic Ice and Snow”, the plane carries the emblems of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and images of the mascots, Bing Dwen Dwen and Shuey Rhon Rhon. Senior leaders from the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Beijing 2022 and from other organisations joined its inaugural flight from Beijing to Chengdu.

Children celebrate 500 days to go to Beijing 2022 (Photo: China Daily)

 Beijing 2022 and the IOC have published a Chinese language version of the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP). Page 27

Women in Sport

SAOC HONOURS FIRST BATCH OF SAUDI FEMALE DCOS

HH Prince Fahad bin Jalawi awards the first batch of Saudi female DCOs.

is Highness the Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee (SAOC), Prince Fahad bin Jalawi, and HRH Princess Dilayel bint Nahar, Director of Sports and Federations Relations at the SAOC, awarded 30 female trainees with their Doping Control Officer (DCO) certificates on October 25. (Photo: SAOC) The trainees successfully completed the first women’s training course for Doping Control Officers organised by the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) under the supervision of the President, Dr Mohammed Salih Alqunbaz, and Secretary-General Abdulaziz Almsaad. The three-day workshop took place at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh and covered the main areas of detection, awareness and training, with both written and practical exams.

MIKAKO Kotani has succeeded Koji Murofushi as Sports Director of Tokyo 2020. Kotani, 54, won two bronze medals in artistic (formerly synchro) swimming at the Seoul 1988 Olympic Games in women’s solo and women’s duet. She is also a member of the Japanese Olympic Committee Executive Board. Murofushi, the 2004 Olympic hammer champion, has been appointed commissioner of the government's Japan Sports Agency.

MANASI JOSHI EARNS 'INCREDIBLE' BARBIE TRIBUTE

ndian para-badminton star Manasi Joshi has received the ultimate tribute – a Barbie Doll in her honour.

and join my friend & fellow athlete @dipakarmakarofficial and other empowering BARBIE SHEROES who have made young girls believe that one can be anything they want to be,” she said, referring to Rio 2016 Olympic gymnast Dipa Karmakar.

The 31-year-old para-badminton world champion in 2019 described the tribute as “incredible” and said she hoped it would inspire young girls to fight hard and reach their full potential.

“I hope that my story inspires many more lives, encourages young girls to harness their true potential to fight hard and become whoever they set out to be.”

“Thank you @Barbie,” she wrote on her Facebook account on October 11. “It’s incredible to have an OOAK (One Of A Kind) Barbie Doll modelled after me. I am honoured to be in this league of Role Models Page 28

Manasi Joshi with her Barbie Doll (@joshimanasig·Sportsperson)

Manasi was seriously injured in December 2011 when riding her motorbike to her office in Mumbai. Her left leg was crushed and had to be amputated.

Women in Sport

BANGLADESH’S CRICKETING BRIDE IS A BIG HIT

hen Sanjida Islam was preparing for a pre-wedding photo shoot in her colourful bridal attire, her mind was distracted by a group of children playing cricket. Sanjida just couldn’t help herself – and decided to pick up the bat and play a few shots on the grounds of Rangpur Stadium. Her behaviour was quite understandable considering she is a member of Bangladesh’s national women’s cricket team - and has an Asian Games silver medal from Incheon 2014 in her collection.

Sanjida Islam plays a few shots dressed in her wedding attire.

The photos were taken by a friend who was accompanying her on the photo shoot – and received global attention on social media thanks to the International Cricket Council, the OCA and local, national and international media.

“As a cricketer I could not control my emotions and joined the game with those kids for a few moments,” says 23-year-old Sanjida. “I wasn't really posing ...it was pure and candid.” (Article: Samiur Rahman – Bangladesh Sports Press Association/AIPS)

GOMA - PRIDE OF BHUTAN

he Bhutan Olympic Committee has rewarded athlete Goma Pradhan for her devotion to sport and studies with a cash incentive. The middle-distance runner secured second place in her first-year exams at the Royal Thimphu College, where she is studying for a BSc. in nursing and midwifery. "I feel happy to be able to perform well and balance my time between academics and athletics,” she said. Goma is also preparing for the 6th Asian Beach Games to be held in Sanya, China from April 2-10, 2021.

DR Razan Baker of Saudi Arabia has been appointed Chair of the International Bowling Federation’s Women in Sport Committee. Dr Baker serves on the Saudi Bowling Federation Board and is Director of International Communications for the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee as well as a sports columnist for the Arab News.

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Women in Sport

AFGHANISTAN SPORTS WOMEN CALL FOR CEASEFIRE

fghanistan’s female sports leaders and athletes have called for a permanent ceasefire in the country and also for a role in peace negotiations. The calls were among six resolutions to come out of a conference held on October 24 and which were sent to both sides in the peace negotiating board, reports the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee. The conference featured several influential female sports leaders, including Member of Parliament Robina Jalali, who is

Vice President of the Women’s Division of Afghanistan NOC and President of the Afghanistan Athletics Federation. Other speakers came from the government’s youth welfare and education commission, the women’s athlete development department of physical education and sport and from the Ministry of Higher Education. More than 100 female athletes from various federations attended, along with many media representatives. (Photo: Afghanistan NOC)

Robina Jalali addresses the conference.

A group photo after the conference.

BASEBALL UMPIRE PO JOINS UNITED NATIONS EVENT

OC Women and Sport World Trophy winner Po Chun Liu of Chinese Taipei conducted a baseball camp for 75 girls to mark the United Nations International Day of the Girl Child at New Taipei City Sanchong baseball stadium. Po won the prestigious IOC global award in 2019 for her determination to break down gender stereotypes and achieve her dream of becoming a baseball umpire. The camp brought young girls together to experience the fun of playing baseball and learning the values of being part of a team. Po is a certified World Baseball Softball Confederation umpire for women's baseball and is known as the “Mother of Women’s Baseball” in Chinese Taipei. Po Chun Liu conducts the baseball camp. Page 30

The United Nations marks International Day of the Girl Child annually on October 11. (Photo: WBSC)

Women in Sport

IOC DECLARES TORCH RACE BOARD GAME A WINNER

“We came up with all the cards which were later on verified by the IOC - and I did all the branding and illustrations for the game.”

he creative and innovative work of IOC Young Leader Christel Saneh of Lebanon has been recognised by www.olympic.org.

The official IOC website highlights an Olympic-themed board game called Torch Race produced by Christel and her IOC Young Leaders programme colleague Tony Tarraf. “The project's aim is to promote Olympism, Olympic Education and the Olympic Games through play. The project was entirely created by us,” says Christel, an athlete, artist and illustrator.

The Torch Race board game.

The concept of the board game is based on the torch relay. Each player is a torch bearer with a mission to light the cauldron. The first player to do so is declared the winner.

ASIAN GAMES CHAMP DIAZ INSPIRES CHILDREN’S BOOK

he successful weightlifting career of Hidilyn Diaz has inspired the publication of a children’s book in the Philippines.

The book is called “Ginto’t Pilak” (Gold and Silver) and tells the story of her rise to the podium at Rio 2016, winning an Olympic silver medal, followed by Asian Games gold in Jakarta in 2018 and SEA Games gold in 2019 in Manila. “I am so excited to announce the launch of a children’s book that I am featured in,” she said on her Facebook account. “This book is the story of my life to inspire the younger generation to dream high and tell them to reach their dream - but they have to work hard because there is no instant in life. “I hope you will get inspired by this book, especially right now we are in Pandemic, we need inspiration, hope, and care.”

Her success has enabled her to build a weightlifting gym in her home town and to inspire a young generation to dream. “I came from nothing to eventually becoming a silver medallist. We never know, one of these kids might be the next gold medallist,” she added. The book is published by @anvilpublishing.

MALAYSIAN DIVER NG LOOKS FORWARD TO THIRD OLYMPICS

or many athletes, appearing at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle of their career. At the age of 27, Wendy Ng Yan Yee has already been to two – London 2012 and Rio 2016 – and will complete an Olympic hat-trick in Tokyo next summer as part of the talented Malaysian diving team.

“My most memorable moment is qualifying for my third Olympics,” she said in an interview with the Olympic Council of Malaysia. It has been a tough path to three Olympic Games, and Wendy admits it needs self-confidence and self-belief to maintain such a high level in this physically and mentally demanding sport. “Even if nobody believes in you, you need to believe in yourself and never give up because the journey as an athlete will never be easy,” she added.

Wendy Ng Yan Yee relaxes after training.

A three-time Asian Games silver medallist and five-time SEA Games champion, the Kuala Lumpur-born Ng bases her competition mindset on concentrating on the next dive and forgetting the previous effort as quickly as possible. Page 31

Road to Tokyo

SHAHINTAB TO COACH IRAN’S MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

he Islamic Republic of Iran Basketball Federation confirmed on September 29 that coach Mehran Shahintab will lead the men’s national team at the Olympic Games next July. Shahintab, 54, guided the team through a tough qualifying campaign to Tokyo, where Iran’s men’s team will be making their third appearance in Olympic history following London 1948 and Beijing 2008. Iran lost all five games in Beijing and finished 11th out of 12 teams but the federation president, Ramin Tabatabaei, says the Persians are aiming to qualify for the quarter-finals in Tokyo for the first time ever. At the Tokyo Olympics, 12 teams will be divided into three groups of four. The top two teams in each of the three groups will qualify for the last eight, along with the two best third-placed teams. “Our first goal is to advance to the next phase since we want to be among the world’s top eight teams,” Tabatabaei told the Tehran Times.

Iran’s coach Mehran Shahintab. (Photo: Tehran Times)

INDIAN boxer Lovlina Borgohain and several of her fellow Tokyo-qualified teammates went to Assisi, Italy for a training camp from October 15 to December 5. “With 10 months to go before the Olympics, getting to compete against European opponents will be really helpful,” she said. (Photo: Olympic Channel)

SCHOOLING - THE MODEL ATHLETE

ingapore’s Olympic Games swimming champion Joseph Schooling has returned to the United States to prepare for his title defence in Tokyo next summer. Schooling made history at Rio 2016 when winning Singapore’s first ever gold medal – in the men’s 100m butterfly in an Olympic record time of 50.39 seconds. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, the 25-year-old swimmer returned from Singapore to the United States at the end of October to begin his preparations for Tokyo 2020. “I’m settling in pretty nicely,” he told his fans, after his first week in Christiansburg, Virginia. “I would like to thank everybody for their support and best wishes and I will keep you updated on my preparations.”

Singapore golden boy Joseph Schooling promotes the iconic Boss brand for The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

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Before leaving Singapore, Schooling had time for a glamorous photo shoot with his sponsor Hugo Boss, promoting a “new month, new look” with the hashtags #ThisisBOSS, #BOSSgenerations and #BOSSeyewear. (Photo: Bobby Tonelli)

Road to Tokyo

CHINA’S ‘STEEL ROSES’ PREPARE FOR PLAY-OFF

he head coach of China’s women’s national football team, Jia Xiuquan, is confident his team can beat South Korea in next year's qualifying play-off to secure a berth in Tokyo, reports Xinhua News. Jia made the remarks on the sidelines of the 2020 Chinese Football Association Women's Super League in Kunming, where he had been observing the players and mulling the line-up for the two-legged play-off against Korea on February 19 and 24, 2021. Jia said the super league had provided some much-needed competitive action for the Steel Roses players. "The players are finding their rhythm on the field, but they have yet to hit their best form to ensure a victory over South Korea next February," he said. "They need to further improve their techniques, coordination and tactics." (Photo: Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)

China’s Luo Guiping challenges Australia’s Stephanie Catley in an Olympic qualifier in Sydney on February 13, 2020.

PAKISTAN’S EQUESTRIAN HERO IN ‘SHOCK’ OVER HORSE’S DEATH

akistan’s eventing athlete Usman Khan announced the sudden passing of his New Zealand Thoroughbred Azad Kashmir on September 17 in Melbourne, Australia, reports Horse Sport.

Usman Khan, who had qualified for Tokyo 2020 with Azad Kashmir, said the 13-year-old bay gelding died of a “severe heart attack,” according to the family. “I have buried the horse with an Olympic flag. I am in a state of shock,” Usman told Pakistan’s The News. Usman will now have to attempt to qualify another horse for the Olympics – but time is running out. “We are devastated. We don’t have a back-up horse,” Usman said.

Usman Khan and Azad Kashmir. (Photo: Horse Sport)

OKUHARA BEATS OLYMPIC CHAMPION MARIN ON BADMINTON’S RETURN

ne of the hottest tickets in town next summer will be badminton due to the high Asian interest, notably from host country Japan.

Okuhara was full of praise for the officials who had worked so hard to stage the event.

Just to set the scene for the women’s singles in Tokyo, Japan’s Nozomi Okuhara pulled off a sensational win over the reigning Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain in the final of the HSBC BWF Danisa Denmark Open from October 13-18.

“I appreciate that I could attend this Denmark Open and that people have worked very hard towards making this happen,” she said.

The 25-year-old Okuhara prevailed 21-19, 21-17 in 56 minutes to complete a five-match sweep without conceding a single game in the USD 750,000 tournament. The event marked the return of World Tour badminton and

“For the last seven months I have been confused in my daily life, how to practise and so on. But I wanted to go to a tournament as soon as possible. I feel special, and I thank every fan and supporter.” (Photo: BWF) Page 33

Obituary

OCA PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE AMIR OF KUWAIT

he Olympic Council of Asia conveyed heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the citizens of Kuwait on the sad demise of HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, The Amir of Kuwait, on September 29. He was 91. HH Sheikh Sabah was a muchrespected leader not only in Kuwait but worldwide and was known for his humanitarian work around the globe. He was also a great lover of sport and supported the OCA and its activities whole heartedly. He was a father figure not only to Kuwaiti citizens but also to other expats living in Kuwait. “He will be missed immensely, not only by the citizens of Kuwait but also by all the sports lovers around the world,” the OCA said.

HH Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah.

MAHAM AFTAB – PAKISTAN’S YOG TAEKWONDO ATHLETE

akistan’s taekwondo ace Maham Aftab passed away at the young age of 26 on October 23, shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. Besides winning international and national events, she also represented Pakistan at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010.

Pakistan Taekwondo Federation President Col (retired) Waseem Ahmed said: “Her services will be remembered always as she won laurels for Pakistan.” (Photo: @Daily Times)

HEYDAR SHONJANI - IRAN’S FIRST OLYMPIC SWIMMER

egendary Iranian swimmer Heydar Shonjani passed away at the age of 75 on Sunday, November 8, reports the Tehran Times. Shonjani was the first

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Iranian swimmer to compete at the Olympic Games. He participated at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo in the men’s 100m freestyle but failed to reach the final with a time of 1:02.1. Shonjani was also a member of Iran’s national water polo team that won a gold medal at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran and represented Iran in water polo at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. (Photo: Tehran Times)

Obituary

LEE KUN-HEE – SAMSUNG CHAIRMAN

he International Olympic Committee reported on October 5 that Samsung Chairman and IOC Honorary Member Lee Kun-hee had passed away. He was 78. The Chairman of the Samsung Group since 1987, Lee was responsible for growing the company from a local business in Korea into one of the global leaders in technology and a Worldwide Olympic Partner. Lee was a member of the Korean Olympic Committee and later became Vice President (1993-1996) and Honorary President. Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee.

(Photo: Getty Images/IOC)

AFGHAN CRICKETER DIES IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, 29

he Afghanistan National Olympic Committee reported on the tragic death of talented opening batsman Najeeb Tarakai, who was 29. Tarakai, who played in 12 Twenty20 matches and one One-Day International for Afghanistan, sustained a severe head injury after being hit by a car while crossing a road in Jalalabad on October 2. He was taken to a nearby hospital in Nangarhar and underwent surgery while in a coma but died four days later on October 6, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. “It is a big loss for the Afghanistan sports community and @ACBofficials,” said the NOC. (Photo: Afghanistan NOC)

RANJIT WEERASENA – FORMER NOC SRI LANKA PRESIDENT

former President of NOC Sri Lanka, Ranjit Weerasena, passed away on October 13. He was 78. Nicknamed the Gentle Giant, he was a champion athlete in the discus and later became a leading sports administrator. He was NOC President from 1980 to 1982. Weerasena became President of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka at the age of 37; he was also a Council member of the Asian Athletics Association from 1998 to 2007. Page 35

Obituary

HASSAN ZAID – YEMEN’S SPORTS MINISTER

he Yemen Olympic Committee expressed its deepest condolences over the assassination of Hassan Zaid, Minister of Youth and Sports, on October 27. Zaid was killed by gunmen in the Hadda area of Yemen’s capital Sana’a. He died in hospital from his wounds after gunmen on a motorbike fired on his car.

Hassan Zaid. (Photo: @Yemen Olympic Committee)

In a statement issued on its Facebook page, the Yemen Olympic Committee said: “We call on the concerned authorities to prosecute the perpetrators and bring them to justice so that they can be a deterrent to those who beg to harm the security and peace of society.”

DR HARJIT SINGH – HALL OF FAME CRICKETER

driving force behind the development of cricket in Malaysia, Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh, died on October 20. He was 70.

pushes the boundaries. It was a big loss for our cricket industry as many young talents and national cricketers have been developed under his leadership.” (Photo: OCM)

He won many plaudits as a player for Johor and later as an administrator, and was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2017. Among his achievements was founding the first cricket programme in primary schools, not only in the State of Johor but also in Malaysia in 1987. The President of the Malaysian Cricket Association, Mr Mahinda Vallipuram, said: “Dato’ has been a great contributor to the development of the game in Malaysia and Johor. He has always been there to lend a view and constantly

ABDUL RASHEED JUNIOR – PAKISTANI HOCKEY LEGEND

akistani hockey great and former Olympic team captain Abdul Rasheed Junior passed away on November 4. He was 79. Rated as the best centre forward of his time, Abdul Rasheed Jr. was the only Pakistani athlete to win gold (Mexico 1968), silver (Munich 1972) and bronze (Montreal 1976) medals in the Olympic Games. He was the highest goal-scorer at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics and scored 96 goals in a glittering career for Pakistan. (Photo: © Asian Hockey Federation) Page 36

Obituary

MOHD SHAH ALIAS NORBIT – MALAYSIAN FOOTBALLER

“ nother legend has fallen,” said the Olympic Council of Malaysia, after former national team footballer Mohd Shah Alias Norbit passed away on October 19. He was 68. The midfielder played for Selangor and the national team in the 1970s. He won a SEAP Games silver medal in Bangkok in 1975 – Malaysia lost 2-1 in the final to Thailand - and represented Malaysia in two games against the visiting English club Arsenal in the same year. The Sports Minister and the Football Association of Malaysia joined the OCM in paying tribute to the five-time Malaysia Cup winner and former coach.

DATUK MOHAMAD BAKAR OLYMPIC FOOTBALLER

CY CHIN – MALAYSIAN DANCE SPORT FOUNDER

“The late Datuk Mohamad Bakar will always be remembered for his glory in football, especially when he was part of the Malaysian team in the men’s tournament at the 1972 Olympics in Munich,” said the OCM in a Facebook post.

CY Chin, as she was popularly known, was the founding President of the Malaysian Dance Sport Berhad (MDSB). She was also the person who initiated the formation of the MDSB as well as its affiliation to the Olympic Council of Malaysia in 2001.

He won a total of 43 international caps and helped Malaysia win the bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran. He was also a respected coach.

She made a huge contribution towards the development of dance sport in Malaysia over the past two decades and is a great loss to the movement. (Photo: Star Cherish)

he Olympic Council of Malaysia sent its deepest condolences to the family of Malaysian football legend Datuk Mohamad Bakar, who passed away peacefully on November 8. He was 75. (Photo: New Straits Times)

he Malaysian sports family was in mourning when Madam Chin Chooi Ying passed away on November 6. She was 70.

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News in Brief

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Badminton bona nza in Bangkok The Badminton World Federation will stage three events in Bangkok in January 2021 to round off a fractured 2020 season caused by the COVID -19 pandem ic. The three-leg series incorporates two HS BC BWF World Tour Super 1000 tou rnaments and the HS BC BWF World Tour Finals. The schedule is: * YONEX Thailand Op

en (Super 1000), Ja

* TOYOTA Thailand * HSBC BWF World

nuary 12-17

Open (Super 1000), Tour Finals 2020, Ja

January 19-24

nuary 27-31.

OCA Sports Diary

2020 Muscat, Oman: December 16 OCA 39th General Assembly

Seoul, Korea: October 26 – 27 ANOC General Assembly/Awards Shantou, China: November 20 – 28 OCA 3rd Asian Youth Games

2021 Hanoi, Vietnam: November 21 – December 2 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games

Bangkok, Thailand: January 12 – 17 HSBC Badminton World Federation (BWF) Asia Open 1 (Super 1000)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 10 – 12 FINA World Aquatics Convention

Bangkok, Thailand: January 19 – 24 HSBC BWF Asia Open II (Super 1000)

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 13 – 18 FINA Swimming World Championships (25m)

Bangkok, Thailand: January 27 – 31 HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2000 2022

Busan, Korea: February 28 – March 7 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships

Chandigarh, India: January (dates tbc) Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships

Athens, Greece: March 7 – 9 IOC Executive Board

Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 Olympic Winter Games

Athens, Greece: March 10 – 12 137th IOC Session (election of President)

Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 Paralympic Winter Games

Nanjing, China: March 19 – 21 World Athletics Indoor Championships

Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 FINA World Championships

Hong Kong, China: April 2 – 4 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens

Kyushu, Japan: May 31-June 9 FINA World Masters Championships

Sanya, China: April 2 – 10 OCA 6th Asian Beach Games

Eugene, Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 World Athletics Championships

Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: May 21 – 30 OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG)

Birmingham, England: July 28-August 8 22nd Commonwealth Games

Doha, Qatar: June 5 FINA General Congress

Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 OCA 19th Asian Games

Tokyo, Japan: July (tbc) IOC Executive Board

2025

Tokyo, Japan: July (tbc) 138th IOC Session (Executive Board elections)

Tashkent, Uzbekistan: (dates tbc) OCA 4th Asian Youth Games

Tokyo, Japan: July 23 – August 8 Olympic Games Chengdu, China: August 18 – 29 31st FISU World University Games Tokyo, Japan: August 24 – September 5 Paralympic Games

2026

20th Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya 2026

Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4 OCA 20th Asian Games

Page 39

19th Asian Games in Colour

“Meeting the World” Core Graphics Theme of Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 The core graphics draws inspirations from silk - a quintessential cultural element of the host city Hangzhou, which was a key linking point on the Maritime Silk Road. Its design represents a combination of traditional and modern styles and static and dynamic touches, and a welcome to all Olympic Council of Asia members to the sports event in 2022.

“Harmony of Colours” Colour System Theme of Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 The colour system of Hangzhou 2022 is dominated by Rainbow Purple, the main colour of the Games emblem, and complemented by Glowing Red, Mist White, Laurus Yellow, Glimmering Blue and Lake and Mountain Green. It is inspired by lines from one of China's most famous poets Su Shi from the Song Dynasty: "West Lake is like Xi Zi in beauty, at her best: She is gorgeous, richly clothed or plainly dressed."