Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia
Edition 52 - March 2021
WIN-WIN DOHA, RIYADH OCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY NAMES TWO ASIAN GAMES HOST CITIES
Inside the OCA | OCA Games Update | NOC News | Women In Sport
Contents
Inside Sporting Asia Edition 52 – March 2021
9
3 4–9
OCA Games Update
10 – 15
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022
17 – 24 17
23 28 32
Six pages of NOC News in Pictures
10 – 16
16
12
President’s Message
Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021 39th OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020 OCA President’s welcome message
18 – 19
It’s a win-win situation
20 – 21
Muscat Photo Gallery
22
OCA Order of Merit/AYG Tashkent 2025
23
IOC President praises OCA
24
General Assembly Notebook
25 – 27
Inside the OCA
28 – 31
Women in Sport
32 – 33
Road to Tokyo
34 – 35
News in Brief
36 – 37
Obituary
38 – 39
OCA Sports Diary
40
Hangzhou 2022
OCA Sponsors’ Club
*
Page 02
President’s Message
OCA WILL EMERGE STRONGER FROM PANDEMIC PROBLEMS 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 IT Director Editor Amer Elalami Jeremy Walker amer@ocasia.org jeremy@ocasia.org Executive Secretary Nayaf Sraj nayaf@ocasia.org Media Manager Jeans Zhou Jian jeans@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
Front Cover: The OCA President congratulates Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034. See Pages 17-24 for the General Assembly special coverage.
I
t was very disappointing to postpone two of our OCA games in quick succession. The 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China was originally scheduled for November 2020 but had to be put back to April 2021. Unfortunately, with the pandemic situation not improving and international travel so problematic, we had no option but to call them off for a second time. Although we have not fixed new dates yet, we are working closely with the local organising committee and the Chinese Olympic Committee to find a time slot for our very popular beach games event. I would like to thank the National Olympic Committees for your understanding, patience and cooperation over this matter – and I assure you it will be well worth the wait, as Sanya is truly a special city and exotic beach location. We also had to postpone our 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, set for Bangkok and Chonburi province in May 2021. Thanks to the quick work of the organising committee and Thailand NOC, we were able to establish new dates for the AIMAG – March 10-20, 2022.
This will make it a busy year for our NOCs, with the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, AIMAG 6 in March and our 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September. The OCA will do everything in its power to support our NOCs in the coming months, with Tokyo 2020 starting in July and also our 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou, China in November. On a brighter note, everyone was delighted with the outcome of our General Assembly in Muscat last December. We were able to sign up two host cities for our Asian Games - Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034 – as well as Tashkent for our 4th Asian Youth Games in 2025. These additions to our calendar really highlight the strength of the Olympic movement in Asia and reflect the passion and enthusiasm of all stakeholders, most notably our NOCs and athletes. This is why I am confident that the OCA will emerge stronger and even more united following the pandemic problems still facing us today.
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, Olympic Council of Asia
Page 03
NOC News in Pictures
YEMEN Olympic Committee’s strategic plan for domestic and overseas events in 2021 included an evaluation workshop for 11 sports involving 330 promising young players. The sports included judo, wushu, wrestling, swimming, taekwondo and table tennis. (Photo: Yemen Olympic Committee @yemnoc)
CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee, under its President Hong-Dow Lin, held the 2020 year-end reception on December 10 and celebrated the achievements of a difficult year. These included the 10th anniversary of the International Sports Affairs Training Course which featured 125 participants from 19 NOCs. More than 1,400 trainees have attended the course since 2011. (Photo: CTOC)
AFGHANISTAN NOC President Dr. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi led a sports delegation on a special visit to southwestern Nimroz Province where they met athletes, the head of the provincial council, lawyers and officials. Photo: Afghanistan National Olympic Committee @OlympicOfficial.af
NEPAL Olympic Committee launched the Nepali Sports Digital Archive Project 2020-2021 on December 20 in cooperation with Nepal Olympic Museum. The project is supported by Olympic Solidarity and will digitalise the history of sport in Nepal for future generations. (https://nocnepal.org.np)
Page 04
NOC News in Pictures
QATAR Olympic Committee’s First Vice President, HE Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani, and Indonesia NOC President Raja Sapta Oktohari signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 10 to boost sports cooperation and exchange. QOC Secretary General HE Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain and Indonesian Olympic Committee Secretary General Ferry J Kono also attended.
CAMBODIA NOC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun received his COVID-19 vaccination in the presence of athletes, coaches, sports officials and volunteers, as designated by the Prime Minister. This was another step in the process towards Cambodia’s safe hosting of the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2023.
JORDAN Olympic Committee has renewed its partnership agreement with the Crown Prince Foundation for a fifth year to continue overseeing its pioneering Qusai Initiative related to the training of sports therapists to deal with medical emergencies and injuries. The signing ceremony was attended by Nasser Majali, JOC Secretary General, and Dr. Tamam Manko, CEO of Crown Prince Foundation. (www.joc.jo)
MALDIVES Olympic Committee Secretary General Ahmed Marzooq and Treasurer Hussain Rasheed met with the Minister of Education, Dr. Aishath Ali, Minister of State for Education Fathimath Naseer and the Deputy Minister of Education, Mohamed Ihsan, to discuss the MOC’s athlete scholarship initiative. (Photo: Maldives Olympic Committee@OlympicMDV) Page 05
NOC News in Pictures
MONGOLIAN NOC President Naidan Tuvshinbayar and Secretary General Enkhat Badar-Uugan welcomed the women’s 3x3 basketball team to Olympic House to celebrate their historic qualification for Tokyo 2020. The two NOC office bearers presented New Year gifts to all 14 athletes who have qualified for Tokyo 2020 in archery, athletics, boxing, shooting, wrestling and 3x3 basketball. (Photo: Mongolian NOC)
SINGAPORE National Olympic Council Secretary General Chris Chan (centre) presents the 2019 IOC Trophy for Sport and Sustainable Architecture to Suhaimi Rafdi, Senior Director of Our Tampines Hub. IOC Vice President Ng Ser Miang also attended the ceremony and said: “We are very impressed with the design and thought process behind Our Tampines Hub which centered on championing eco-sustainability, optimising resources and minimising waste.” (Photo: SNOC)
TAJIKISTAN NOC will fund 15 athletes through Olympic Solidarity in their bid to qualify for Tokyo 2020, the 19th General Assembly in Dushanbe confirmed on December 29. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vice Presidents Shamsullo Sohibov and Abdullozoda Ahtam. Two boxers from Tajikistan have already qualified for the Olympics. (http://www.olympic.tj)
Page 06
NOC News in Pictures
THE Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China held a ceremony to inaugurate the new Executive Board for the term 2020-2024 at Macau Tower on January 26. The ceremony also welcomed the new Honorary President, former Chief Executive of the Macau SAR Government Fernando Chui Sai On (centre). In his speech, Olympic Committee President Charles Lo thanked Mr. Chui for all the government’s support of the sports movement in Macau during his term of office from 2009 to 2019.
SRI Lanka NOC has launched the Next Olympic Hope initiative to support emerging athletes in collaboration with Crysbro, a long-term partner of the NOC and Sri Lanka's premier poultry producer. Photo: National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka @OlympicLK
LEE Kee-heung was re-elected President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee for a new four-year term on January 18. The IOC Member gained 915 of the 1,974 votes cast to beat three other candidates in a four-way race. (Photo: KSOC)
PALESTINE Olympic Committee honoured the national Muay Thai team with an official reception at the NOC HQ to mark the performance of their athletes in an international online competition. Palestine won 11 medals – eight gold and three bronze – in three styles. Photo: Palestine Olympic Committee @PalOlympic
Page 07
NOC News in Pictures
INDIAN Olympic Association President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra met with Mr Ashish Shellar (right), former Sports Minister of the Government of Maharashtra, in Delhi on January 21. They discussed the state of sport and sporting activity in India and the sports infrastructure in Maharashtra. (Photo: @narinderdhruvbatra.org)
IN his review of the Olympic year in Saudi Arabia, the President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, chose the hosting of the G20 National Olympic Committees Conference on November 17 as one of the highlights of 2020.
VIETNAM has announced that the sao la - a rare, forestdwelling ox - has been chosen as the mascot for the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi and neighbouring cities and provinces this November 21-December 2. The sao la beat more than 550 other entries in a competition lasting two years. (Photo: https://vietnamnews.vn)
TIMOTHY Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the President of the Education University of Hong Kong, Professor Stephen Y.L. Cheung (left), on January 8 to introduce a special admission scheme for retired athletes and those planning to retire. (Photo: SF&OC) Page 08
PAKISTAN Olympic Association President Lt. Gen. (retired) Syed Arif Hasan presided over the first National Athletes Forum organised by the POA Athletes Commission under its Chairman, Muhammad Inam Butt. The forum ran from November 14-15 in Lahore and covered many topics such as protection from harassment and abuse in sport, sports injuries, anti-doping, the rights of an athlete and social media branding. Photo: Pakistan Olympic Association
NOC News in Pictures
KUWAIT Olympic Committee President His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah welcomed the President of Palestine Olympic Committee, Maj. Gen. Jibril Rajoub, to Kuwait on January 19 to sign a joint cooperation agreement in areas such as delegation exchanges for athletes, medical and technical staff, marketing and logistics in organising major sports events. The agreement is for four years. (Photo: Palestine Olympic Committee @PalOlympic)
BAHRAIN Olympic Committee supported motorcycle racer Salman Mohammed as he competed in the gruelling Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia from January 3-15. The Bahraini completed all 12 stages of the rally, which covered 7,646 km. His time was 81 hours, 9 minutes and 20 seconds. (Photo: @bahrainolympic).
THE Olympic Council of Malaysia posted a Facebook tribute to tenpin bowling queen Shalin Zulkifli, who announced her retirement on January 5 after a medalfilled 28-year career with the national team at the Asian Games, SEA Games and Commonwealth Games. “Malaysia will surely miss her strikes at the bowling alley. Happy retirement, Shalin Zulkifli!” said the OCM.
Page 09
Games Update Hangzhou 2022
HANGZHOU 2022 OPENS SPORT ENTRY PROCESS confirm the number of NOCs participating in each sport/discipline and provide the core data used in developing the competition schedule and in organising catering, accommodation and transportation services.
The Sport Entry process is complete for these DPR Korea athletes at the 18th Asian Games Village in Jakarta (Photo: Yonhap News Agency)
Entry by Number (four months): September 2021 to December 2021: The second phase is when NOCs submit the number of their male and female athletes, and the total number of athletes, that will be taking part in each event across all sports and disciplines. This phase will allow HAGOC to estimate the total number of athletes taking part and the overall scale of the Games.
he 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 moved a big step closer for the OCA’s 45 National Olympic Committees when organising committee HAGOC announced the start of the three-phase Sport Entry process on December 28, 2020. The timeline is:
Entry by Name (three months): March 2022 to May 2022: In the third and final phase, NOCs must submit the names of all eligible, participating athletes. The Organising Committee and the International Federations/Asian Federations will review the entry information of each NOC and finalise the list of participating athletes after the Pre-DRMs and DRMs (Delegation Registration Meetings).
Entry by Sport (two months): December 28, 2020 to February 20, 2021: The first phase will see NOCs submitting entries nominating the sports/disciplines in which they intend to participate, via e-mail to HAGOC. This will allow HAGOC to
HAGOC said: “We look forward to a fruitful and productive working relationship with all the NOCs over the next few months to ensure a smooth and efficient Sport Entry process and a successful 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.”
T
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 10
Games Update
Hangzhou 2022
HAGOC SIGNS UP THREE EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIERS
O
rganising committee HAGOC signed up three more Exclusive Suppliers in the opening weeks of the new year, taking the number in this category to five, alongside 10 Prestige Partners.
The 10 Prestige Partners for the 19th Asian Games to date are: Geely Auto, China Mobile, China Telecom, Alibaba Group, Ali Pay, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), LoongAir, 361 Sport, China Pacific Insurance and DAS-Security.
On January 7, HAGOC teamed up with Guangzhou Y-Light Lighting Technology Co. Ltd. to provide intelligent lighting and control system services for the Asian Games.
The 19th Asian Games will run from September 10-25, 2022 and HAGOC has a robust marketing and sponsorship programme in place in a variety of sectors.
On February 5, HAGOC signed with Yum China Holdings Inc. to provide western catering services. On February 7, HAGOC announced the official supplier of air-conditioners Ningbo Aux Electric Appliances Co. Ltd. Since the beginning of 2021, HAGOC has doubled its efforts to tap into the market for the Asian Games, and the early results can be seen here. The first two exclusive suppliers were for household kitchen appliances (Robam) and architectural ceramics (Monalisa). 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 11
Games Update Hangzhou 2022
ESPORTS, BREAKING JOIN ASIAN GAMES SPORTS PROGRAMME
E
lectronic sports and breaking will become official medal sports for the first time at the 19th Asian Games after being approved at the 39th OCA General Assembly in Muscat, Oman on December 16. The two new Asian Games sports reflect the ever-changing world of international sport and will bring fresh, youthful elements to the traditional Olympic and regional sports favourites.
The Director of the OCA’s Asian Games department, Haider Farman, welcomed the esports community to the official Asian Games programme. “It will be a great honour for everybody to have you participating in these Asian Games as players, as officials and technical officials,” he said.
The OCA General Assembly approved a sports programme of 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 482 events. Esports The OCA has long pioneered electronic sports and recognised its popularity and potential among the youth in a constantly shifting sporting landscape. Esports was an official medal sport for the OCA as far back as the 2nd Asian Indoor Games in Macau, China in 2007 and was included as a demonstration sport at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018. At Hangzhou, esports will be a discipline of Mind Sports, along with chess, xiangqi, go and bridge, and will comprise six events.
Esports was a demonstration event at the 18th Asian Games but will be a full medal sport at Hangzhou 2022 (Photo: AESF)
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 10
Games Update
Hangzhou 2022
“I hope that electronic sports will add value to the Asian Games – and I am sure it will in the future, during the Asian Games 2022 and even beyond that.” The OCA said that the Asian Electronic Sports Federation – the OCA’s partner as a continental sports federation – would be in charge of all technical issues and the operation of the competition in Hangzhou. “We are looking forward to cooperating with the Asian Electronic Sports Federation during the Asian Games and before,” said Mr Farman. Breaking Breaking - or break dancing - made a big impact at the IOC’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018 and has been added to the Olympic Games at Paris 2024. To stay in tune with modern sporting trends reflecting urban culture and lifestyle, the OCA has added breaking to Hangzhou 2022 as the discipline under Dance Sport. There will be two gold medals on offer. At the 2018 YOG, judges determined the winners using six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performance and musicality. Asia produced the first YOG breaking champion in the girls’ event: Ramu Kawai of Japan, known as “Ram”.
Japan’s Ramu “Ram” Kawai won the Breaking B-Girls gold medal at the 2018 YOG. (Photo: Xinhua)
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. 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 11 mobility solutions by 2022 to service the 19th AsianPage Games.
Games Update Hangzhou 2022
HAGOC HOSTS FIFTH EXECUTIVE MEETING TO ASSESS PROGRESS
T
he fifth meeting of the HAGOC executive took place in Hangzhou and via video link to Beijing on January 7 to assess the main work ahead in 2021 and also to review the achievements and milestones of the previous year.
The rugby sevens pitch on the Cangqian Campus of Hangzhou Normal University was the first venue in Zhejiang province to pass the renovation and upgrading inspection. Implementation and operation of the competition venues once construction is complete. Sports programme: 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 482 The beach volleyball venue of Ningbo.
The meeting covered many aspects of Asian Games-related projects and reflected on a successful 2020 despite the challenges of working through the coronavirus pandemic. The main topics included: Competition venues: Of the 53 venues to be used in the Asian Games, the overall completion rate was 76.1 per cent. However, 45 of the 53 venues were 93.3 per cent complete at the end of 2020. All major venues will “top out” by the end of March 2021, meaning the construction of the highest point of the building will be completed.
events. Confirmation of the HAGOC executive members. The successful two-year countdown activities in September 2020 including the unveiling of the sport pictograms, the global call for a volunteer slogan and the launch of the city volunteer services campaign. The opening of several new metro lines on December 30 to aid Asian Games travel. The launch of a new TV series called “Road to Hangzhou 2022”. The colour scheme and branding of the Asian Games.
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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Games Update
Hangzhou 2022
The Fuyang District Sports Centre is 47km from the Asian Games Village and will host shooting, archery and modern pentathlon. On the east and south curtain walls of the shooting complex, 34,000 pieces of rotating shutters have been set up to present the legendary landscape painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains".
The main stadium of the Xiaoshan District Sports Centre provided local residents with a free light show on January 26 as the lighting system was tested. The complex will host football in the main stadium and weightlifting at the adjacent gymnasium. The newly built Zhejiang Ocean Sports Center in the Ningbo competition zone covers a land area of 156,900 sq metres and a floor area of 16,400 sq metres. The sailing venue is located 38km from Ningbo Satellite Village. 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 11
Games Update Shantou 2021
The cultural festival to celebrate the one-year countdown.
COC PRESIDENT, GUANGDONG GOVERNOR HEAD SAYGOC
T
he organising committee of the OCA’s 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou (SAYGOC) in November 2021 has two high-profile leaders to serve as Chairman.
The cultural festival on November 21 included a dazzling display of gongs and drums, wushu, a lion dance and other regional specialties.
They are Gou Zhongwen, Chinese Olympic Committee President and Director of the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC), and Ma Xingrui, Governor of Guangdong Province.
The mascot, slogan and emblem - which featured in Sporting Asia Edition 51 - were chosen from a global entry of 4,447 designs.
The two leaders attended the inauguration ceremony of the organising committee on November 21 and unveiled the commemorative plaque. To mark the occasion, OCA Vice President Song Luzeng read out a congratulatory letter from Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President of the OCA.
The OCA’s third AYG are set to take place in Shantou – a port city in Guangdong province, southern China – from November 20-28, 2021. There are 18 sports on the programme. It is expected that 3,000 athletes from 45 National Olympic Committees will participate.
COC President Gou said: “We need to actively integrate the preparations of the AYG into economic and social development and facilitate the exchange of Asian youth and culture of different countries and regions.” China’s Sports Minister added that the AYG could also contribute to the Belt and Road economic and social development initiative being undertaken by the Chinese President, Xi Jinping. Guangdong Governor Ma said that the province would continue to make the AYG a major priority in order to host a successful event at a high standard and with its own characteristics. Page 16
SAYGOC was established on November 21, 2020.
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
The OCA President is pictured with Oman's Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik.
OCA JOINS ‘NEW WORLD’ ORDER IN MUSCAT
T
he OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, welcomed the OCA family to the “new world” in his opening address at the 39th General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, on December 16.
Sheikh Ahmad thanked the delegates who were able to make the journey in such challenging circumstances and also welcomed the Presidents, Secretary Generals, OCA Executive Board members, NOC staff and other stakeholders who tuned in from afar.
The General Assembly was held in two formats – with 26 National Olympic Committees in attendance and 19 following the proceedings via video link due to travel restrictions and strict health protocols in place around the continent.
Sheikh Ahmad said the memories of Muscat’s hosting of the OCA’s 2nd Asian Beach Games in 2010 were still fresh in the memory.
“This is the first experience that the Olympic family of Asia is gathering in this way,” the OCA President said.
“Muscat is a beautiful city – and our Asian Beach Games here in 2010 was one of the best games by the OCA.”
“It is the first time we are sharing between reality and technology. It is the new world.”
The 74th meeting of the OCA Executive Board took place on the previous day, December 15, again in two formats.
Eight pages of General Assembly special coverage Page 17: OCA President’s introduction Pages 18 – 19: A “win-win” situation for Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034 Pages 20 – 21: Photo Gallery in Muscat Page 22: OCA Order of Merit; Asian Youth Games Tashkent 2025 Host City Contract signing ceremony Page 23: IOC President’s praise for Asia Page 24: General Assembly Notebook Page 17
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
IT’S A ‘WIN-WIN’ SITUATION FOR DOHA
T
he 39th OCA General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, on December 16, 2020 will never be forgotten.
The build-up to the General Assembly had focused on the race to host the 21st Asian Games in 2030: Two great and historic Asian capitals in Doha and Riyadh and two adventurous bids to build on the rich sporting and cultural legacy of the OCA’s showpiece event. In an unprecedented move by the OCA, taken in recognition of the quality of the two bids and the passion and enthusiasm of the two cities and countries to host the Asian Games, it was decided that the city with the most votes in the election would host the 2030 Asian Games, and the city with the second highest number of votes would host the 2034 Asian Games. After a voting process held by delegates in Muscat and online by the NOCs unable to attend, Sheikh Ahmad declared: “The city who has the highest vote and will host 2030 is - Doha.” With Riyadh now committed to the 22nd Asian Games in 2034, this meant that the OCA had the next four Asian Games in place: Hangzhou 2022, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034.
Not only was it the first OCA General Assembly to be held in two formats, in person and online, it was also the first to award two Asian Games at the same time.
Olympians Mutaz Barshim (high jump) and Nada Mohamed Arakji (swimming) help to present Doha’s bid. Page 18
This was a remarkable achievement for the OCA, and highlighted once again the trust and confidence in the OCA and also in the ever-growing global brand of the Asian Games as the world’s second biggest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.
QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, are pictured with the OCA President.
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
2030, RIYADH 2034 – AND FOR OCA For Doha, it will be the second time to host the Asian Games, after the 2006 event provided the springboard to become a global sports hub. The World Athletics Championships in 2019 and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are among the many major international events in a wide range of sports to have built on this strong 2006 Asian Games foundation.
“Despite the difficult circumstances, we have had a full house of all our partners and stakeholders attending the General Assembly and this cannot be done without the cooperation of everybody.”
As for rising Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital is also building up an impressive “sportsfolio”, with boxing and golf already making the headlines and a Formula-1 race on the calendar. The 22nd Asian Games in 2034 will write another chapter in the Kingdom’s sports history and add value to the OCA’s continuing success story. The double award was also the “win-win” situation the OCA President had spoken of. It could even be described as a “win-win-win” scenario, as not only Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034 benefited but also the OCA will enjoy stability and continuity in the sporting calendar for the next decade and beyond. “I hope we reached our goal,” Sheikh Ahmad said in closing the General Assembly. “I am very happy for the solidarity and unity of the Olympic movement in Asia and I congratulate Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034.
His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud makes his presentation.
Saudi Arabia's YOG Singapore 2010 equestrian bronze medallist Dalma Malhas addresses the General Assembly. Page 19
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
The General Assembly comes to a close
Delegates discuss the voting process.
DPR Korea delegates take their seats in the assembly hall.
Nepal NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha casts his vote.
Afghanistan NOC President Dr Hafizullah Wali Rahimi completes the voting process
Page 20
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
The President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, arrives for the meeting.
OCA Executive Board member Gen. Souhail Khoury prepares for the meeting.
Kuwait Olympic Committee President Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah is accompanied by Captain Ali Al-Marri (right)
OCA Medical and Anti-Doping Committee Chairman Dr. Sultan Al Busaidi is pictured with Oman NOC Secretary General Taha Al Kishry.
OCA EB members Natalya Sipovich and Gen. Mowaffak Joumaa
OCA Women and Sport Committee Chair HE Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa gives her presentation. Page 21
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
OCA MERIT AWARD FOR MALDIVES, LEBANON
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he OCA Merit Award was presented to the Secretary Generals of two National Olympic Committees: Ahmed Marzooq (Maldives) and Brigadier General (retired) Hassan Rustom (Lebanon).
In a Facebook post, Marzooq said: “All I can say is overwhelmed by all of the text messages, DMs, Tweets, FB posts and messages from everybody congratulating me on receiving the award. I want to say ‘Thank You’ to all for your positive thoughts and vibes.”
Marzooq has been a member of the OCA Media Committee since 2010 and also served on the Commonwealth Games Federation Sports Committee from 2015-17. He is a well-known footballer and coach in Maldives, having represented the national team at U-16, U-19 and U-23 levels. Gen. Hassan has been Secretary General of Lebanon NOC since 2013 and President of the Lebanon Rowing Federation since 1998.
Ahmed Marzooq (right) and Gen. Hassan Rustom (left) receive their OCA Merit Award.
OCA SIGNS UP TASHKENT FOR AYG 2025
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he OCA calendar took another big step forward at the General Assembly when Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, signed the Host City Contract for the 4th Asian Youth Games in 2025. With the 3rd AYG set to take place in Shantou, China, in November 2021, this new agreement highlights the OCA’s commitment to the youth of Asia in providing competitive sport in a top-class environment while cultivating tolerance, friendship and respect throughout the continent.
NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov (left) and Izzatbek Djuraev at the signing ceremony.
The Tashkent delegation in Muscat included Mr. Izzatbek Djuraev, Adviser to the Mayor of Tashkent city on tourism and sports development, NOC President Mr. Rustam ShaabduraPage 22
khmonov, Mr. Ravshan Irmatov, First Deputy Minister for Physical Culture and Sports Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and new OCA Vice President Otabek Umarov.
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
IOC President Thomas Bach sent a video message to the OCA General Assembly (Photo: IOC/Greg Martin)
IOC PRESIDENT LOOKS AHEAD TO TWO ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ OLYMPIC YEARS IN ASIA
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OC President Thomas Bach said he was looking forward to two “extraordinary” years for the Olympic movement in Asia with Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 as well as the 19th Asian Games. Addressing the OCA General Assembly in a video message, President Bach also thanked the OCA for being “reliable partners” of the IOC. President Bach said that Asia was “taking centre stage in the sporting world” by hosting the next two Olympic Games and the next Asian Games all within the next two years. “I can tell you that the preparations in Beijing for 2022 are going extremely well,” he said.
“I would like to thank our Chinese partners and friends for all the efforts they are undertaking to make these Games successful and safe at the same time. “I would also like to thank OCA and all the National Olympic Committees for being such reliable partners on our side as we look forward to these two extraordinary Olympic years ahead. “Today we enjoy a very strong partnership in many areas. We are cooperating on promoting the Olympic values, to ensure safe sport and to put sport at the service of society.”
‘Today we enjoy a very strong partnership in many areas.’ IOC President Thomas Bach
President Bach spoke highly of the preparations for Tokyo 2020, saying he could “almost feel the Olympic spirit already now” in the new Olympic Stadium and in the Olympic Village on his most recent visit to Japan. He described the facilities as “fantastic” and said the delayed Tokyo Olympics this July would be “a celebration of solidarity and resilience of humankind”. The IOC President described the Tokyo 2020 facilities as “fantastic”.
President Bach concluded: “See you in Tokyo, Japan, Asia!” Page 23
OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020
GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTEBOOK HEALTH PROTOCOLS PROVE EFFECTIVE
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total of 667 people attended the OCA General Assembly in Muscat – providing a stern test of the health protocols in place by the government of Oman. Prior to travel, delegates had to register in the Tarassud app developed by the Ministry of Health for use in Android and iPhone devices. They also had to take a nucleic test 72 hours before travel and another test on
arrival at Oman Airport. The results were delivered within 12 hours. The final test was conducted in the hotel before delegates began the journey home and was free of charge, courtesy of the Oman government. A fantastic job, said the OCA President!
GOOD NEWS FROM OLYMPIC SOLIDARITY
ASSOCIATION OF ASIAN OLYMPIC ACADEMIES
lympic Solidarity brought some good news to the NOCs at the end of a frustrating year for athletes and officials alike.
OC Vice President and OCA Advisory Committee Chairman Ng Ser Miang of Singapore introduced the Association of Asian Olympic Academies.
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The General Assembly heard that the Olympic Solidarity budget for 2021-2024 has increased by 16 per cent to USD 590 million. The direct support for athletes and support for NOCs have both increased by 25 per cent compared to the previous cycle, guaranteeing a bright future at the end of the dark tunnel.
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The Association will bring together all the National Olympic Academies in Asia and focus on a coordinated programme of Olympic education. This collaboration will involve National Olympic Academies already established under a National Olympic Committee, Education Committees of the NOCs and OCA and the International Olympic Academy.
OOC CHAIRMAN’S HIGH PRAISE
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he Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, paid a fulsome tribute to the OCA President in his closing address. Sheikh Khalid was particularly impressed with how Sheikh Ahmad handled the double Asian Games award. “It was an excellent outcome, a win-win situation for both cities. It is a very happy day for all sports people and sports fans in the region,” he said. Sheikh Khalid added: “The result of awarding Riyadh the 2034 Asian Games was an excellent outcome. We have to be thankful for the wise leadership and guidance of Sheikh Ahmad.”
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Oman Olympic Committee Chairman Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi
Inside the OCA
OCA WELCOMES TWO NEW VICE PRESIDENTS FOR ASIAN GAMES COORDINATION IN DOHA AND RIYADH
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he Olympic Council of Asia has welcomed two new Vice Presidents to the Executive Board in connection with the Asian Games of Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034.
figures in the Olympic sports movement in West Asia and throughout the continent as new Vice Presidents on the OCA Executive Board.
His Excellency Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, will be OCA Vice President for Doha 2030 and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al-Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, will be OCA Vice President for Riyadh 2034.
“They are both young and dynamic leaders yet have vast experience in all aspects of sport.
The OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, commented: “I am delighted to welcome two such prominent
HE Jassim Al Buenain
HE JASSIM AL BUENAIN A former striker in Qatar’s national team and a professional footballer for 12 years, the QOC Secretary General was Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Bid Committee for the 21st Asian Games 2030 from July to December 2020. He also played a major role in the success of the inaugural ANOC World Beach Games Doha 2019 as Vice President and Director General of the organising committee. Al Buenain is responsible for delivering the QOC’s new strategic direction and roll-out of its new brand which collectively aims to connect, inspire and unite the whole nation through the power of sport. Athlete turned sports administrator, he holds an Executive MBA from the University of Plymouth in the UK and a Bachelor in Administrative Sciences and Economics from Qatar University.
“We are sure they will make a big contribution to the work of our Executive Board, especially concerning the preparation and planning for the 21st Asian Games Doha 2030 and the 22nd Asian Games Riyadh 2034.”
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal
HRH PRINCE ABDULAZIZ BIN TURKI AL-FAISAL AL-SAUD President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and Minister of Sport in the Kingdom, HRH Prince Abdulaziz has quickly made his mark in the OCA as Chairman of the OCA Education Committee. He is leading efforts towards developing a vibrant sporting economy, creating opportunities for the entire country to play sport and helping Saudi’s athletes on their journey from amateur to elite level. His motor racing record has earned him the status as a Red Bull athlete, and HRH Prince Abdulaziz is also Chairman of the Arab Football Federation, President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation and a member of the IOC Marketing Commission.
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Inside the OCA
UMAROV JOINS EXECUTIVE BOARD, KOTANI RETURNS
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he President of the OCA, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, introduced one new member and one returning member at the 74th OCA Executive Board meeting in Muscat on December 15. The new member was Otabek Umarov, who has joined the OCA EB as Vice President connected to Uzbekistan’s hosting of the fourth Asian Youth Games in Tashkent in 2025. The returning member was Mikako Kotani, who joined the OCA EB meeting via video link from Japan where she is Sports Director of Tokyo 2020. The two-time Olympic Games bronze medallist in synchro (now artistic) swimming at Seoul 1988 returns to the EB as Chair of the OCA Athletes Committee in place of Koji Murofushi, who has become Commissioner of the government’s Japan Sports Agency. Umarov said: “I am very happy and honoured to join the OCA Executive Board at this very exciting time for the Olympic sports movement in Asia.
OCA Vice President Otabek Umarov with the OCA President.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the OCA family to our capital city Tashkent in 2025 for the fourth Asian Youth Games.
Planning and preparations are already well underway and we are confident that we will host one of the best games in OCA history.”
Mikako Kotani of Japan, who is a member of the Japanese Olympic Committee Executive Board, said: “I am thrilled to be back in the OCA after 16 years and I would like to say thank you to the OCA President and Executive Board members for giving me this opportunity. “I am looking forward to helping the athletes and the Asian Games from an athlete’s point of view. Thank you very much for having me back.” (Photo: Tokyo2020.org)
CHEY’S NEW ROLE ON OCA EB Korean sports leader Chey Tae-won was elected OCA Vice President at the OCA General Assembly on December 16 with the role of coordinating and building a relationship between the more than 90 Asian Sport Federations recognised by the OCA. Chey is President of the Korean Handball Federation, Vice President of the Asian Handball Federation and Chairman of the South Korean conglomerate SK Group. (Photo: KHF)
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Inside the OCA
OLYMPASIA - which provides Olympic Solidarity funding to NOCs through the OCA’s Continental Programme - contributed 100,000 USD for the renovation and refurbishment of Sri Lanka NOC’s Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium. The newly modernised, high-tech auditorium officially opened on December 14. (Photo: Sri Lanka NOC)
OCA President HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah attended the Doha World Judo Masters 2021 on January 13 and honoured the winners of the men’s -90kg event. Sheikh Ahmad praised the organisation of the IJF event and the covid countermeasures in place for the athletes and officials from around the world. (Photo: Team Qatar)
OCA skateboarding youth camp graduate Soroush Sakhi brought glory to Afghanistan in an international competition – in snowboarding! The all-action Afghan, who attended the OCA skateboarding youth camp in Nanjing in July 2019, won the silver medal in men’s parallel giant slalom at the Pakistan International Snowboarding Championship at Malam Jabba on January 23. (Photo: Afghanistan Snowboarding Federation)
OCA Entourage Committee Chair Ryu Seung Min, 38, has been re-elected President of the Korea Table Tennis Association. The IOC Member and Athens 2004 table tennis champion was praised for his work to enhance the voice of athletes at all levels and for his efforts to promote the Olympic values through innovative sports education programmes at the PyeongChang 2018 Legacy Foundation, of which he is also President. (Photo: www.olympic.org)
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Women in Sport
Nicol in relaxed mood.
Nicol in action on the squash court.
MALAYSIAN SQUASH CHAMPION NICOL DAVID VOTED WORLD GAMES GREATEST ATHLETE OF ALL TIME
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alaysia’s squash legend Nicol David was voted the World Games Greatest Athlete of All Time in a poll conducted by the International World Games Association. The retired eight-time world champion collected 318,943 votes of the 1.2 million cast online over a three-week period. Tug of War strongman James Kehoe (Ireland) was second with 113,120 votes followed by powerlifter Larysa Soloviova (Ukraine) with 80,790 votes. Nicol, who was the only Asian athlete on the list of 24 nominations by International Federations which compete in the World Games, said: “This is such a huge honour.
“I'm truly humbled to actually get such overwhelming support from everyone, especially all those back in Malaysia voting for me to win this award. It’s a proud moment to represent my country and Asia." The five-time Asian Games singles champion added: “I’ve been truly overwhelmed by all the love and support from everyone. It means so much to me as a retired athlete to continue to receive beautiful words, thoughts and encouragement from you. “It just fills me with a huge sense of gratitude coming from each one of you with the way you have expressed your love and cheering me on as a nation and from all those closest to me in the squash world."
NICOL DAVID PROFILE
(Photo: Nicol David Facebook @nicoldavidofficial)
Full Name: Nicol Ann David
Pro Tour Titles: 81
Country: Malaysia
World No. 1: 112 months
Date of Birth: August 26, 1983
World Open Champion (8): 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
Age: 37
World Games Champion (3): 2005, 2009, 2013
Hometown: Penang
Commonwealth Games Champion (2): 2010, 2014
Took up squash: 5 years old
Asian Games Champion (Singles - 5): 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018
Turned pro: 18
Asian Championship (9): 1988, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2015
Retired: 2019
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Women in Sport
CHINA'S WINTER YOG STAR GU SETS SIGHTS ON GOLD AT BEIJING 2022 OLYMPICS
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he rise and rise of China’s winter sports glamour girl Eileen Gu Ailing continued at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado at the end of January. The 17-year-old freestyle skier and fashion model won two gold medals, in Superpipe and Slopestyle, and a Big Air bronze on her rookie appearance in the Winter X Games. With the Beijing Winter Olympics now less than one year away, Gu has become the face of China’s challenge for medals on home snow and ice from February 4-20, 2022 – especially after winning two gold medals and one silver at the Winter YOG Lausanne 2020. Talking about her X Games success, Gu said: "This is something I wouldn't even dream of. I came into this contest with the goal of one podium - and I thought that was ambitious."
Eileen Gu celebrates after winning three medals - two gold and one bronze - at the Winter X Games.
Born in San Francisco, California to an American father and Chinese mother from Beijing, Gu decided to represent China in 2019 and will be one to watch at Beijing, where she is targeting gold to boost China’s goal of attracting 300 million people to the joys of winter sport. (Photo: © courtesy of Gu Yan/Xinhua)
TTY ENDS BADMINTON SEASON ON A BANGKOK HIGH
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hinese Taipei’s Asian Games champion Tai Tzu Ying ended the badminton season on a high by beating Spain’s Rio 2016 Olympic champion Carolina Marin in the final of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020 in Bangkok on Sunday, January 31. The 26-year-old world No. 1 from Kaohsiung defeated the left-handed Marin 14-21, 21-8, 21-19 in 67 minutes. Marin had beaten “TTY” in the final of the two previous competitions on the Asian leg of the tour – the Yonex Thailand Open and Toyota Thailand Open all played in the Bangkok badminton bubble. “Finally, I won,” said the champion, who claimed her third season-ending title. “This victory is significant because I had to really maintain focus. Marin forces a lot of pressure as she is fast. If I lose a bit of focus the gap becomes big and very hard to chase down. I needed to take care of that because every point matters against her.”
Feeling champion – Tai Tzu Ying in Bangkok (Photo: BWF) Page 29
Women in Sport RAJESHWARI KUMARI ADDS TO FAMILY’S GOLDEN LEGACY
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ndian shooter Rajeshwari Kumari is following in the footsteps of her famous father – OCA Hon. Life Vice President, six-time Olympian and 1978 Asian Games champion Raja Randhir Singh! Rajeshwari, 29, led an Indian clean sweep of the women’s trap event at the First Asian Online Shooting Championship held on January 29-30 and hosted by the Kuwait Shooting Federation. Competing from the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, Rajeshwari took home the gold medal with a score of 138. Teammates Shreyasi Singh won silver and Manisha Keer bronze. The two-day competition saw 274 shooters from 22 Asian countries take part.
Rajeshwari Kumari (Twitter @RiaKumari7)
AFGHAN WOMEN EMBRACE WINTER SPORTS
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he Afghanistan Snowboarding Federation has formed a women’s section due to the growing popularity of winter sports in the country. The federation reports that 18 female winter sports enthusiasts joined the Kabul ski and snowboard teams and are keen to practise and compete. An introductory seminar included a brief report on the history of skiing and snowboarding, safety guidelines and competition rules. They also met with the Secretary General of the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee, Dr. Mohammad Yonus Popalzay, who has offered the support of the NOC in developing the two winter sports and cooperating with the federation.
The winter sports enthusiasts were welcomed to Olympic House (Photo: Office@asf.af)
“We are very proud of our ladies who want to bring changes to many aspects of their life,” said the Afghanistan Snowboarding Federation, which was established in 2017. "Both sports require a lot of practice."
ENG. Azzah Bint Suleiman (pictured left), United Arab Emirates NOC Assistant Secretary General for Finance and Administrative Affairs, welcomed HE Nada Askar Al-Naqbi, Director General of the Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation, to NOC HQ in Dubai on January 10. The two parties discussed the state of women’s sport in the UAE and how to enhance the participation of Emirati women at all levels of sport, including technical and administrative aspects. (Photo: UAE Olympic Committee @uaenoc)
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Women in Sport
SINGAPORE NOC SO PROUD OF PUTRI'S SCHOLARSHIP
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he Singapore National Olympic Council congratulated women’s national team striker Putri Nur Syaliza Binte Sazali on becoming the first local female footballer to be offered an overseas athletic scholarship, in the United States. The Football Association of Singapore reported that Putri, who turns 18 in March, has accepted a four-year scholarship at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee. “Our heartiest congratulations to Putri Nur Syaliza, an eight-time recipient of the Singapore Olympic Foundation-Peter Lim Scholarship,” Singapore NOC said in a Facebook post. “All the best in your academic and sport pursuits.” Putri, who will play for the Cumberland Phoenix in the Mid-South Conference Tournament of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, said: “I hope this athletic scholarship will spur and motivate other girls to pursue their passion in football since they now know that it is actually possible to achieve something like this.
Putri Nur Syaliza in action. “We just need to work hard and have faith in ourselves, and eventually everything will work out well.” (Photo: © Football Association of Singapore)
IRANIAN PARALYMPIC MEDAL WINNERS HONOURED
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tatues of four Iranian female Paralympic medal winners were unveiled on February 3 at the Sports Federation for the Disabled headquarters in Tehran, the Tehran Times reports. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC), the statues of Nayereh Akef (shooting), Azam Khodayari (discus), Zahra Nemati (archery) and Sareh Javanmardi (shooting - air pistol) were displayed. The ceremony was attended by NPC head Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, Iran NOC President Reza Salehi Amiri and the head of the Iran Sports Federation for the Disabled, Mohammad Shervin Asbaghian.
The four statues are unveiled on February 3. (Photo: Tehran Times)
YEMEN Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission honoured pistol shooter Yasameen Al-Raimi with a trophy for her outstanding performances at Arab and continental levels over the past two years. During this time she competed in an Olympic Games qualifying tournament, a shooting grand prix in Kuwait and the 10th Arab Championship, winning a silver medal in women’s 10m air pistol. (Photo: Yemen Olympic Committee @yemnoc)
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Road to Tokyo ASIAN ATHLETES BOOK PLACES FOR SPORT CLIMBING DEBUT
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he International Federation of Sport Climbing has issued a list of qualified athletes for Tokyo 2020, when the exciting, tension-packed sport makes its Olympic Games debut. The sport climbing competition will feature only two events – combined format for men and women. Combined requires the athlete to take part in three different elements – boulder, lead and speed – rather than specialising in just one discipline. There will be 20 entries in each event, and the IFSC named 19 qualified athletes on December 20, with one place still open. They include:
Kazakhstan’s Rishat Khaibullin has qualified for Tokyo 2020 (Photo: Kazakhstan NOC)
WOMEN: Akiyo Noguchi (Japan), Miho Nonaka (Japan), Song Yiling (China).
MEN: Tomoa Narasaki (Japan), Rishat Khaibullin (Kazakhstan), Kai Harada (Japan), Pan Yufei (China).
IRAN TO FACE FAVOURITES USA IN MEN'S BASKETBALL
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ran will face the mighty United States in the men’s basketball tournament at Tokyo 2020. The draw for the men’s and women’s tournaments was made at FIBA HQ in Mies, Switzerland on February 2 and gave the Iranians the opportunity of a lifetime to play against the NBA stars and gold medal favourites in front of a global TV audience. Iran will be making their third appearance in the Olympic Games and are aiming for a top-eight finish.
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Only eight of the 12 teams have been determined in the men’s event, with the other four coming from qualifying tournaments between June 29 and July 4. In the women's tournament, all 12 teams have already booked their spots including Japan, Korea and China. A new competition format will be in place for Tokyo 2020. The teams that finish first and second in the three groups (six teams) will be joined by the two best third-place teams in the quarter-finals.
Road to Tokyo
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL QUALIFIER POSTPONED TO APRIL
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he Asian Football Confederation announced on February 2 that the women’s qualifying playoff for Tokyo 2020 between China and Korea has been postponed. “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overall restrictions prevailing in the region, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have decided to postpone the two-legged Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 playoff series between Korea Republic and China PR,” the AFC said in a statement.
“The matches were originally scheduled to be played on February 19 and 24, 2021, but will now be played in the April 2021 window. The first leg will be on April 8 and the return game on April 13.” The Koreans were due to host the first leg on February 19 on Jeju Island. The second leg was scheduled for Suzhou, China on February 24, but the AFC did not specify the venues for the new dates in April. (Photo: @chinawomensfootballteam).
China’s “Steel Roses” and Korea will now meet in April.
JAPAN’S SEVEN GOLDEN RULES FOR SEVENS SUCCESS
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apan’s rugby sevens women's team manager, Akane Kagawa, has revealed the seven golden rules they are following in order to challenge for gold in Tokyo this summer, Asia Rugby reports. The seven rules are: self-management, consideration, gratitude, respect, pride, decency and harmony. “For us to perform well in the game of rugby, it is required of all the players not only to train hard but also put value on their attitude as a national representative player, on and off the field,” Kagawa says. “Therefore, both our players and staff always have these rules in their mind, and try to implement them on an every-day basis.”
Japan’s women’s rugby sevens team (Photo: Asia Rugby)
GABUCO ASSISTS BOXING MEDAL HOPE MAGNO
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ormer women’s world boxing champion Josie Gabuco of the Philippines is helping another female boxer in her quest for Tokyo gold.
Gabuco, women’s world champion at light-flyweight at Qinhuangdao, China in 2012, is assisting Irish Magno in her Olympic preparations. “I know Irish is a very dedicated fighter and this Olympic stint means a lot to her,” Gabuco, a five-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medallist, told Business Mirror. “With the help of our coaches and their expertise, I’m so confident Irish will be successful in Tokyo. Our preparation is very important because Irish’s victory will be a victory for the entire team.”
Josie Gabuco Facebook
SEA Games boxing champion Josie Gabuco. Page 33
News In Brief
IOC Session to be held remotely
FIBA Asia gathers basketball statisticians
The 137th IOC Session, set to take place from March 10-12, 2021 in Athens, Greece, will now be held virtually.
An online FIBA statisticians’ workshop was held from January 16-17 by the FIBA Regional Office in Tokyo in preparation for the Olympic Games.
The Session agenda will include the presidential election, in which IOC President Thomas Bach will stand unopposed for the IOC Presidency. The IOC Executive Board will propose to the IOC Session that Athens should host the IOC Session in 2025.
This second such workshop added to the ongoing efforts of the Regional Office to raise the quality and level of basketball in the region. A total of 33 statisticians attended.
(www.olympic.org)
(http://www.fiba.basketball)
Asia’s new young Olympic leaders
Mongolia NOC turns 65
The International Olympic Committee has selected 25 new IOC Young Leaders who will leverage the power of sport to make a positive difference in their communities.
Mongolia NOC produced a special logo to celebrate its 65th anniversary.
This fifth generation of IOC Young Leaders will benefit from an enhanced version of the programme as it moves from an annual exercise to a four-year model. The seven young leaders from Asia are: Lin Shiling (People's Republic of China), Rishav Bhowmik (India), Lee Sangeun (Republic of Korea), Mayssa Bsaibes (Lebanon), Tania Lee (Malaysia), Lawrence Tan (Philippines) and Dhukhilan Jeevamani (Singapore). (www.olympic.org)
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
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The NOC was established on February 26, 1956 and its first President was E. Darisuren. Since then, Mongolia has attended 13 Olympic Games and 14 Winter Olympics and won 26 medals in wrestling, judo, boxing and shooting – an outstanding return for a country with a population of 3 million.
News In Brief
Beijing 2022 unveils Olympic torch
New Tokyo 2020 President
On the occasion of the one-year countdown to the Beijing Winter Olympics, organisers revealed the torch design on February 4.
Seven-time Olympian Seiko Hashimoto has succeeded former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori as President of Tokyo 2020.
The 2022 Olympic torch spirals upward to resemble two overlapping fluttering ribbons. The inner red ribbon evokes rising flames and the outer ribbon is plated in silver to produce a striking contrast. Beaming with dynamism and vitality, the two-tone torch presents a metaphor of ice and fire, symbolising how it will bring light and warmth to the winter sports gala.
Hashimoto, 56, represented Japan in track cycling in the Olympic Games and in speed skating in the Winter Olympics, winning a 1500m bronze medal at Albertville 1992. She also won six gold medals in two Asian Winter Games, in 1986 and 1990.
(www.beijing2022.cn)
Hashimoto resigned her position as Olympics Minister in the Japanese government so she could accept the role as head of the organising committee on February 18. (Photo: Getty Images)
Fukuoka to host marathon swim qualifier
Triathlon qualification delayed until May
The Japanese city of Fukuoka, together with Tokyo 2020 and FINA, have confirmed that the Olympic Marathon Swim Qualifier 2021 will be held on May 29-30 at the Seaside Momochi Beach Park.
The World Triathlon Executive Board has announced that qualification for the Olympic and Paralympic Games will not resume before May 1.
The two races (men’s and women’s) will provide the final 15 qualifiers for the 25-strong field in each event at the Olympic Games. (www.fina.org).
After consultation with the athletes, coaches, medical and technical committees, the EB decided that the final decision would be made on March 18. (https://www.triathlon.org)
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
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Obituary
TAN ENG KIM - SOFT TENNIS PIONEER IN MALAYSIA
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he Olympic Council of Malaysia paid tribute to a former OCM Executive Secretary, Tan Eng Kim, who passed away peacefully on January 17. He was 88 years old. He worked for the OCM for over 30 years and retired in 1998. He was also honorary treasurer of the Malaysian Amateur Athletics Union from 1974 to 1990 and played a leading role in establishing the Soft Tennis Association of Malaysia in 1990, serving as Deputy President in 1998-99. “He was a dedicated and hardworking sports leader and contributed very much to the development of the OCM and to Malaysian sport,” the OCM said.
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TAN HWEE HOCK - ASIAN GAMES HERO
sian Games water polo champion Tan Hwee Hock passed away peacefully on January 26. He was 91. Tan represented Singapore at the 1951 Asian Games in New Delhi, winning two silvers - one in the 4 x 100m medley and the other in water polo. However, it was at the 1954 Asian Games in Manila that sealed his place in the pinnacles of Singapore sports history when he scored a hat trick in a 4-2 victory over Japan in the final. Tan went on to become coach of the national water polo team, leading them to a bronze medal in the 1962 Asian Games and a silver in 1966. (Singapore Swimming Association)
MEHDI ATTAR ASHRAFI OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTER
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ormer Iran weightlifter Mehdi Attar Ashrafi passed away on January 9, the Tehran Times reported. He was 72. Attar Ashrafi represented Iran at the 1976 Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran at -75kg. Attar Ashrafi also claimed a silver medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in 1979. (Photo: Tehran Times)
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Obituary
NIKOLAY CHEBOTKO – KAZAKH CROSS-COUNTRY SKIER
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ikolay Chebotko, a famous skier of the Kazakhstan crosscountry team and bronze medallist at the 2013 World Championships, passed away at the age of 38, Olympic.kz reported. The four-time Winter Olympian died in a traffic accident on the night of January 24 near Borovoe village, Akmola region. He made his World Cup debut in December 2001 and won three gold, four silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Winter Games. His most recent competition was the national championships on December 25, 2020. “The National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nikolay Chebotko on behalf of the entire sports community of the country. We share with you the pain of irreparable loss. We will all remember him as a talented skier, real Olympian and wonderful person,” the NOC said. (Photo: Olympic.kz)
NUHA HATTAR – GYMNASTICS
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uha Jamil Hattar, a valued member of the FIG Gender Equality Commission and long-standing Secretary General of the Jordan Gymnastics Federation, died on January 1 following a long battle against COVID-19. She was 68. A very active woman, she dedicated much time and effort to developing gymnastics in Jordan, the Middle East and beyond, driven by the desire to keep young people fit and healthy, the International Gymnastics Federation said in a tribute on January 4. In 2017, she was named as a member of the very first FIG Women in Gymnastics Commission - which was later renamed the Gender Equality Commission - where she ably represented Asia and the Middle East. (Photo: FIG)
NIKHIL NANDY OLYMPIC FOOTBALLER
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ootball player Nikhil Nandy, who represented India at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, died on December 29 after a prolonged illness. He was 88. All India Football Federation President Praful Patel said: “His contribution to Indian football will never be forgotten. I share the grief.” General Secretary Kushal Das added: “Nikhil Nandy was a gifted player and will always be alive in his achievements. He has been the inspiration of so many footballers.” (Photo: All India Football Federation) Page 37
OCA Sports Diary
2021 Lausanne, Switzerland (Virtual): March 10 – 12 37th IOC Session (Election of President)
Shantou, China: November 20 – 28 OCA 3rd Asian Youth Games
Sanya, China: April 2 – 10 OCA 6th Asian Beach Games
Hanoi, Vietnam: November 21 – December 2 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: May 21 – 30
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 10 – 12 FINA World Aquatics Convention
OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 13 – 18 FINA Swimming World Championships (25m)
Doha, Qatar: June 5 FINA General Congress 2022 Tokyo, Japan: July 23 – August 8 Olympic Games
Chandigarh, India: January (dates to be determined) Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships
Tokyo, Japan: August 24 – September 5 Paralympic Games Seoul, Korea: October 26 – 27 ANOC General Assembly/ANOC Awards
Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 Olympic Winter Games Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 Winter Paralympic Games
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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OCA Sports Diary
2024 Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: March 10 – 20
OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
Gangwon, Korea: Dates to be determined IOC 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games
Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 19th FINA World Championships
Paris, France: July 26 – August 11 Olympic Games
Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 World Athletics Championships Oregon22
2025
Birmingham, UK: July 28 – August 8 Commonwealth Games
Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Dates to be determined OCA 4th Asian Youth Games
Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 OCA 19th Asian Games
2026
Doha, Qatar: November 21 – December 18 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
2023
M.T.
MILANO CORTINA 2026
20th Asian Games
Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Phnom Penh, Cambodia: May 5 – 16 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
Milano Cortina, Italy: Dates to be determined Olympic Winter Games Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4 OCA 20th Asian Games Dakar, Senegal: Dates to be determined IOC 4th Youth Olympic Games
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
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ALIPAY BROTHER BRAND
19th Asian Games
www.ocasia.org