Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia
Edition 53 - June 2021
INCREDIBLE IKEE ASIAN GAMES MVP COMPLETES OLYMPIC COMEBACK
OCA CONGRATULATES OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS OCA WOMEN IN SPORT OCA GAMES UPDATE OCA SPORTS DIARY
Contents
Inside Sporting Asia Edition 53 – June 2021
18
3 4–9
19
OCA Games Update
10 – 15
Hangzhou 2022
16
Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021
17
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026
24
Road to Tokyo
18
Tokyo 2020 – Finally!
19
Miracle Worker: Rikako Ikee
20 – 21
23
Six pages of NOC News in Pictures
10 – 17
18 – 24
22
OCA President’s Message
Photo Gallery on Asian qualifiers
22
Steel Roses show nerves of steel
23
Rugby Repechage, handball draw
24
Taekwondo, rowing, sport climbing
25 – 27
Inside the OCA
28 – 31
Women in Sport
32 – 35
Obituary
36 – 37
News in Brief
38 – 39
OCA Sports Diary
40
Hangzhou 2022 Volunteers
OCA Sponsors’ Club
*
Page 02
President’s Message
ASIAN ATHLETES SHOW TRUE OLYMPIC SPIRIT ON ROAD TO TOKYO 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 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: Asian Games OCA MVP Rikako Ikee shows her delight in qualifying for the Olympic Games at the Japanese national trials in Tokyo in April 2021.
I
t has been a long wait for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, but we are now turning the last corner and hitting the home straight together. The finishing line is in sight in terms of organisation and preparation, and soon the Olympic Games will be upon us. This will come as a huge relief for all concerned, to finally begin the sports competitions and use the magnificent venues built or renovated for this grand occasion and global celebration. It has been a build-up like no other – and it will be an Olympic Games like nothing before due to the health protocols in place for athletes and officials from the National Olympic Committees around the world. At this point I would like to congratulate all our Asian athletes and our NOCs for their tireless work during the past year in particular. All our plans and preparations were put on hold in March 2020 when the Olympics were postponed for a year, and since then everyone has had to regroup and refocus on their targets. The athletes have shown remarkable dedication and determination to keep the Olympic spirit burning in their hearts and to keep alive their hopes of winning a medal and representing their flag with pride on this massive Olympic stage.
The postponement and the changes in protocol brought about by the pandemic and health requirements have created an array of new challenges for our administrators, but they have worked diligently behind the scenes to produce the best environment for the athletes to enable them to produce their peak performance at such an important time in their life. It was decided several months ago that there would be no spectators allowed from overseas, but the athletes can rest assured they will be cheered passionately and enthusiastically by their family, friends and everyone back home. In this respect, the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will truly bring the world together again and provide some positive and exciting news in the weeks to come.
The OCA wishes all our Asian athletes the best for Tokyo 2020 and we are sure you will add to the proud legacy of the Olympic Games, not only in your own country or region but throughout our continent. Our NOCs, too, must take a lot of credit for coming this far.
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, Olympic Council of Asia
(Photo: AFLO SPORT/JOC)
Page 03
NOC News in Pictures
PALESTINE Olympic Committee’s events department organised a seminar on athlete nutrition and a healthy lifestyle at the Joseph Blatter Academy to mark the World Health Organisation’s World Health Day on April 7. Young athletes from wushu, fencing, swimming and other sports heard a presentation from nutritionist Reem Masharqa from the Palestine Olympic Medicine Center.
SINGAPORE National Olympic Council reported on a special gift from a special family: A S$500,000 donation from the famous water polo-playing Tan family to support the development of the sport in Singapore. Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, principal donor Dr Tan Eng Liang and IOC Vice President Ng Ser Miang launched the fund on March 21.
TAJIKISTAN NOC held a two-day workshop on March 18-19 in Dushanbe city to discuss preparations of national teams at a number of major international events in 2021, including the Tokyo Olympics and the Asian Youth Games. The seminar was attended by head coaches and representatives of national sport federations.
SRI Lanka NOC’s OVEP Debater 2020 competition for schools was won by Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya of Colombo, ahead of Hillwood College Kandy in second place and Chundikuli Girls' College, Jaffna in third. The prize presentation was held in the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium of Olympic House. The NOC began this debater competition in 2017 as a pilot project and plans to expand it in Sinhala, English and Tamil languages. Page 04
NOC News in Pictures
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, sent his congratulations to Dr Thomas Bach on his re-election as IOC President on March 10 through to 2025. HRH Prince Abdulaziz described President Bach as a visionary leader during his first eight-year term of office and said the future of the Olympic movement was very bright.
TRACK cycling champion Sarah Lee Wai Sze was named Athlete of the Year for the sixth time at the Cathay Pacific 2019 Hong Kong Sports Awards organised by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China on April 10. Fencer Vivian Kong Man Wai was named Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. The VIP guest was Chief Executive Carrie Lam (pictured with Sarah Lee).
UZBEKISTAN NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the President of the Turkish Olympic Committee and World Archery President, Ugur Erdener, during a visit to Tashkent. President Shaabdurakhmonov said: “We know that Turkey is a country with great opportunities, particular in the field of sport. Our athletes often hold training camps in Turkey - in rowing and canoeing, cycling, weightlifting and athletics - and I am sure both sides will benefit from this arrangement.”
HIS Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee, chaired the UAE NOC 44th General Assembly on April 22. His Highness said that developing the UAE sports sector and enhancing the competitiveness of UAE athletes was key to raising the country’s profile in international events and was in line with the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years. Page 05
NOC News in Pictures
NEPAL Olympic Committee President the Hon. Jeevan Ram Shrestha attended a one-day painting exhibition in Kiritpur Municipality in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board and the Peace Through Sport Commission. The exhibition promoted the history and culture of Kiritpur and showed how art and sport can bring peace and unity among the people.
UNDER the patronage of Yemen Olympic Committee and with the support of Olympic Solidarity, the Yemen Athletes’ Committee organised a seminar on psychological support for national team athletes on March 22 at the OlympAsia Hall of the Olympic Complex. The symposium attracted 86 participants. Yemen NOC Secretary General Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ahjeri stressed the importance of mental training as well as physical and technical skills.
KOREAN Sport and Olympic Committee President Lee Keeheung signed an official partnership agreement with Youngone Outdoor Corporation (The North Face) Chairman and CEO Sung Ki-hak in the sports apparel category of Team Korea. The deal was signed on March 17 at the Olympic Culture Center in Songpa-gu, Seoul and will run through to 2024.
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NOC News in Pictures
MONGOLIA'S IOC Member and NOC First Vice President Batbold Battushig gave a welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the “Mongolia NOC – 65” international online conference and read out a congratulatory message from the IOC President, Thomas Bach, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the NOC in 1956. He also gave a presentation on the first ever Mongolia House at an Olympic Games, planned for Tokyo 2020, at the 137th IOC Session held virtually from March 10-12.
AFGHANISTAN National Olympic Committee President Dr. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi presented prizes at the Open Blitz Chess Tournament for Women to mark International Women’s Day on March 8 at the Kabul Serena Hotel. The event attracted 12 players.
PAKISTAN Olympic Association President Lt Gen (ret) Syed Arif Hasan led the POA’s White Card campaign to mark the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6. He was joined by athletes and officials from many sports in the country.
CAMBODIA NOC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun said - on a site visit on April 4 that the main stadium of the new Morodok Techo National Sports Complex was 95 per cent finished and was on course to be completed by the end of May 2021. The complex will be the main sports hub for the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in May 2023.
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NOC News in Pictures
INDIAN Olympic Association President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra (right) met with former IOA President Mr. N Ramachandran, President, Tamil Nadu Olympic Association and Honorary Life President, Squash Rackets Federation in Chennai on April 9. Representatives of National Sports Federations joined the occasion.
QATAR Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani announced on March 28 that the QOC would undertake a comprehensive Gender Equality Review to determine how Qatari sport can build on recent progress and where further advancements can be made. The findings will be used to develop a first-of-its-kind Gender Equality Policy for the QOC and National Federations. Page 08
TAN Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, chaired a meeting of the selection committee for the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Vietnam 2021 on March 23. The OCM President is pictured (left) with Chef de Mission Datuk Haji Hamidin Haji Mohd Amin.
CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee celebrated the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6 for the third year in a row by inviting elite athletes to join the White Card campaign. Here, karate athlete Wen Tzu-Yun shows her support.
NOC News in Pictures
MALDIVES Olympic Committee held its Annual General Assembly on May 1 chaired by the President, Mohamed Shaweed. Ex Co members attended in person and 19 member associations followed the meeting online. The 2020 Annual Report, 2020 Audited Expenditure Report and Estimated Budget for 2021 along with an amendment to MOC Statutes put forward by the Swimming Association of Maldives were all approved. (Photo: @images.mv)
THAILAND NOC’s Olympic Academy continued its Olympic Day in School campaign by visiting Montrisuksa School in Khonkaen Province from April 5-7. The Olympic culture and education activities included a general sports knowledge quiz and Olympic values.
HIS Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, opened an integrated water complex at Al Jazayer beach on April 11. The ceremony was attended by Royal Life Saving Bahrain Chairperson Shaikha Najla bint Hamad bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and other NOC and sports officials.
BHUTAN Olympic Committee and Drukair Corporation Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 21 for a period of 30 months, extending an agreement as official carrier first signed in 2016. The MoU includes discounted airfares and excess baggage waiver for all official travel of athletes and officials. As well as branding and marketing rights, Drukair will now have free access to the BOC Astroturf Football Ground at Paro once a week. Page 09
Games Update Hangzhou 2022
HAGOC MARKS 500 DAYS TO OPENING CEREMONY
E
xcitement is building in Hangzhou and throughout Zhejiang province in eastern China as the organising committee of the 19th Asian Games (HAGOC) continues to tick off major milestones. One of these landmarks fell on April 28, when HAGOC marked 500 days to go to the opening ceremony on September 10, 2022. The celebrations included the inauguration of a series of countdown clocks in strategic locations around the city, including the City Balcony leisure and viewing area of Qianjiang New City, Hubin Pedestrian Street and Canal Culture Square. “Can't wait for all the excitement!” HAGOC said on countdown day. HAGOC reported that the first phase of the Sport Entry process for National Olympic Committees – Entry by Sport – had been completed successfully on March 16. The OCA’s 45 NOCs took the first step in the three-stage procedure by submitting their entry for the 40 sports and 61 disciplines.
Asian Games mascot Congcong clears another hurdle on the road to Hangzhou 2022.
HAGOC is planning a series of events to mark the one-year countdown. These include an Asian Superstars Concert at the Big Lotus main stadium on September 11, a Symphony Orchestra Concert at Hangzhou Grand Theatre on September 8, a 2,022-metre street art graffiti wall on both banks of the Qiantang River, an Asian Games merchandise market from September 10-12, a nationwide English Star speaking competition from May to August and activities in co-host cities Ningbo, Wenzhou, Jinhua, Shaoxing and Huzhou.
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 10
Games Update
Hangzhou 2022
GLOBAL SEARCH BEGINS FOR 52,000 VOLUNTEERS On April 21, HAGOC announced that a global campaign to recruit 52,000 volunteers for the 19th Asian Games would begin in May 2021. The recruitment campaign will run for six months and interested parties will have until the end of October to register for a place. The preliminary candidates will be selected in November and will undergo interviews and psychological and English tests before the end of March 2022.
Volunteers at the two-year countdown festival.
The successful candidates will be announced in May 2022 and then have three months of training before they start their duties ahead of the September 10-25 Asian Games.
he Asian Games has grown to become the second biggest international multi-sport event in the world after the Olympic Games – and that is reflected in the number of volunteers the organising committee will need for Hangzhou 2022.
The OCA always appreciates and acknowledges the crucial role of volunteers as they help to ensure the smooth running of the Asian Games in a wide range of areas, such as arrival and departure protocol, accreditation, transportation, NOC team liaison officers and VIP guest assistants.
T
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
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Games Update Hangzhou 2022
TWO OFFICIAL SPONSORS JOIN MARKETING PROGRAMME
O
rganising committee HAGOC has announced the first two Official Sponsors of their four-tier marketing programme. They are: YTO Express as official logistics services sponsor New Oriental Education and Technology Group (XDF.CN) as official online education service. Founded on May 28, 2000, Shanghai YTO Express (Logistics) Co., Ltd. is a large private express company in China which is committed to advancing this sector of business and society. The company motto is "YTO Express - Choice of the Chinese". “With the help of our self-developed YTO Thorough Monitoring and Management System, we are capable of ensuring the efficiency and safety of every package,” the company said. The signing ceremony with New Oriental took place in Beijing on April 29. Founded in 1993, the company will provide online education and training and, through the Asian Games, will engage students and young people in promoting the Olympic spirit and building a sports culture. New Oriental has had 64.9 million student enrollments and has a network of 1,625 learning centres and over 48,000 teachers in 104 cities.
Mao Genhong (left), Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC, signs the contract with Yang Zhihui of New Oriental in Beijing on April 29.
In other sponsorship news: Osaka-based Tasogare Coffee became the exclusive official coffee supplier at a signing ceremony with HAGOC on April 12 and pledged to provide 100 million free cups of coffee to people who contribute to the organisation and preparation of the Asian Games, as well as to athletes and officials during Games time.
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 10
Games Update
Hangzhou 2022
GLITZY NEW HOME FOR BREAKING’S ASIAN GAMES DEBUT one each for girls and boys, will be contested at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium. Newly built, the gymnasium has a floor area of 21,500 square metres and a seating capacity of 6,500. The same venue will also host the table tennis competition at the 19th Asian Games.
Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium will host breaking and table tennis.
T
he new Asian Games sport of breaking, or break-dancing, will have a glitzy new home for its debut appearance. The breaking competition, which will have two events in total,
Breaking proved to be a big success at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018 and has been added to the sports programme for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
It was added to the 19th Asian Games at the OCA General Assembly in Muscat last December and has attracted 17 National Olympic Committees in the initial “entry by sport” phase.
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
FACTS AND FIGURES ON THE 19th Asian Games
OCA Protocol
Opening ceremony: September 10, 2022 Closing ceremony: September 25, 2022 Competition days: 16 Sports: 40 Disciplines: 61 Events: 482
OCA HQ hotel: 1 Official hotels: 5 Total rooms: 2,200 Protocol assistants: 850
Asian Games Village
Medical Services Designated hospitals: 32 Asian Games Village Polyclinic: 1 Clinics: 216, comprised of Athletes’ clinics: 85 Field of Play clinics: 56 Spectator clinics: 75
Buildings: 108 Topped out: December 2020* Completion: End of December 2021 Ready for operation: March 2022 Capacity: Athletes and officials: 10,400 Technical officials: 3,800 Media: 5,000 Satellite Villages: 4 Location: Ningbo, Jinhua, Wenzhou, Chun’an. Total capacity: 2,613 athletes and officials. *Topped out = Ceremony to mark the completion of the highest point of construction
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
ROAD TO HANGZHOU 2022 Doping Control
Chefs de Mission Seminar
Run by: China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA)/HAGOC Doping Control Stations in venues and AGV (to date): 57 Doping Control Officers: 393 Chaperones/volunteers: 580
Arrival: September 9 CDM Seminar: September 10 Venue and Village Tour: September 11 Departure: September 12 Venue: Asian Games official hotel Virtual CDM Seminar: September 9-10
Venues
Note: OCA/COC to decide CDM Seminar format in July 2021
Competition Venues: 55 Venues completed by March 2021: 42 Major venues ready for operation: June 2021 Remaining venues completed: October 2021 Training venues: 33
Medical Personnel
Torch Relay
Doctors: 503 Nurses: 503 Public health officials: 130 Total: 1,136 Ambulances: 112, 1-2 per venue Helicopters: 3, in Chun’an, Tonglu and Xiangshan
Torch Lighting: China Relay: China (only) Torchbearer selection: 2022 Online relay: Began September 2020 Operator: Alipay Users: 11 million
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 11
Games Update Shantou 2021
SHANTOU AYG FLAG, MASCOT ON TOP OF THE WORLD
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he flag and mascot of the OCA’s 3rd Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021 were taken to the top of the world in an epic expedition and public relations exercise from the summit of Mount Everest. With the AYG set to take place in Shantou – a port city in Guangdong province – from November 20-28, 2021, the profile of the event has never been higher thanks to the exploits of Hong Genglong, President of the Shantou Long Distance Running Association.
Hong Genglong shows the AYG flag at the top of Mount Everest.
Hong informed the world of his successful mission to the summit of Mount Everest on WeChat on May 13, writing: "At 10am Beijing time on May 11, I successfully climbed the summit of Mount Everest from the southern slope of Nepal. I have returned to Kathmandu safely."
He said the journey, involving a team of nine climbers over 23 days, displayed the pride of Shantou in hosting the AYG and the determination, vitality and vigour of the youth in reaching their goal.
AYG ORGANISERS COMPLETE BADMINTON VENUE
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hantou 2021 has announced that the Shantou Zhengda Gymnasium is the first competition venue to be completed for the AYG and is ready to host the badminton competition. The project, which started in May 2020, includes the renovation of the original Zhengda Gymnasium, the building of a new multi-sport training centre and the upgrading of a road network and landscaping. The refurbished gymnasium has a seating capacity of 3,198, while a new car park can accommodate 165 vehicles, including 10 spaces for buses, and offers charging poles for electric vehicles. There will be 18 sports, 21 disciplines and 161 events at the AYG.
ORGANISING committee SAYGOC opened its third official merchandise store in April. The new outlet is located in Qunguang Square and offers almost 100 licensed products including the mascot Jinfengwa, key chains, pin badges and attractive sports apparel. A further 20 stores are planned.
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Shantou Zhengda Gymnasium will host the AYG badminton.
Games Update
Aichi-Nagoya 2026
AICHI-NAGOYA 2026 MARKS 2,026-DAY COUNTDOWN sports and 15,000 athletes and officials from the OCA’s 45 NOCs. “Let’s celebrate the 2,026-day countdown to Aichi-Nagoya 2026,” AINAGOC said in a Facebook post. “For the next 2,026 days, the organising committee will be preparing for a competition that will be welcomed by athletes and everyone coming to the Asian Games in 2026.” The slogan for the 20th Asian Games 2026 is “Imagine One Asia”.
Aichi-Nagoya 2026 celebrates 2,026 days to go.
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rganising committee AINAGOC celebrated the 2,026-day countdown to the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on March 3. The Games will be held in Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture from September 19 to October 4, 2026 with approximately 40
20th Asian Games
Aichi-Nagoya 2026
The organisers also produced a video slideshow on March 29 marking 2,000 days to go. The video featured athletes from Aichi prefecture and members of the public showing their support for the Asian Games coming their way in 2026. Some of the slides were taken at a PR booth marking the 2,000-day countdown.
ASIAN GAMES NEWS FOCUSES ON PROPOSED VENUES
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he third edition of Asian Games News – official publication of organising committee AINAGOC – introduces four sports on the proposed sports programme for 2026: surfing, sport climbing, skateboarding and breaking. Surfing, sport climbing and skateboarding will all make their Olympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020, while breaking will join at Paris 2024. Asian Games News Edition 3 (March 2021) also looks at 10 of the proposed venues for the 20th Asian Games, including the Aichi Sky Expo for skateboarding and six stadiums for the men’s and women’s football tournaments. There is also a report on the Asian Games joint promotional video made in cooperation with Hangzhou 2022 that focuses on the culture and landmarks of the two cities and regions in China and Japan.
Asian Games News Edition 3. Page 17
Road to Tokyo
The Torch Relay begins its journey around Japan. (Photo: Getty Images)
TOKYO OLYMPICS WILL SHOW ‘SOLIDARITY, UNITY’, SAYS IOC PRESIDENT
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hen Tokyo won the right to host the 2020 Olympic Games in 2013, no one could have predicted the world that lay ahead. Right up until the end of 2019, just seven months before the Opening Ceremony was due to take place on July 24, 2020, the planning was at such an advanced stage that the IOC President, Thomas Bach, declared the Japanese capital as the best prepared hosting city he had ever seen. Then the Covid-19 pandemic took a grip, and the IOC – together with the Japanese authorities – decided on March 24 to postpone the Olympic Games for the first time in history. Within a few days the new dates had been set for July 23-August 8, 2021, and the sports world quickly adjusted its calendar to focus on Tokyo 2020 in 2021. Addressing the OCA General Assembly in December 2020, President Bach acknowledged that the world had changed “dramatically” and that “nothing is as it was before”. However, he was confident that the Tokyo Olympics would be “a celebration of solidarity and resilience of humankind” and stressed that “our top priority remains the health and safety of all participants.” Setting the scene for the Olympics, President Bach added: “When the athletes of all 206 National Olympic Committees and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team finally come together in Tokyo, it will send a strong message of solidarity and unity of humankind in all our diversity. Page 18
“In this way, these postponed Olympic Games will be the light at the end of the dark tunnel that we all find ourselves in right now.” Since then, widespread vaccination programmes have kicked in, Olympic qualifying tournaments have been held in numerous sports and Tokyo has hosted a series of successful test events, all the while putting in place the strict health protocols in preparation for the Olympic Games. Tokyo 2020 will be an Olympic Games like no other – but the names of the Olympic champions will join the roll of honour just like all the rest. It’s time for the sport to begin and for Olympic history to be made in Tokyo!
TOKYO 2020 Opening Ceremony: Friday, July 23 Closing Ceremony: Sunday, August 8 Ceremony Venue: Olympic Stadium Sports: 33 - Events: 339 - Venues: 42
Opening Ceremony: Tuesday, August 24 Closing Ceremony: Sunday, September 5
Road to Tokyo ASIAN GAMES MVP IKEE COMPLETES INCREDIBLE COMEBACK
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he Olympic spirit never dimmed in the heart of the OCA MVP at the 18th Asian Games, Rikako Ikee – even when she was diagnosed with cancer. After winning six gold and two silver medals in the Jakarta pool in 2018, Ikee looked set to be the face of Tokyo 2020 in her hometown Olympics. But then, just six months after the Asian Games, the Japanese swimmer was diagnosed with leukemia, and her Tokyo dreams looked to be over. But with the Olympics delayed for one year, and with Ikee displaying remarkable courage and determination, she managed to qualify for Tokyo 2020 at the national trials in April 2021 to complete her incredible recovery. "I can't begin to describe how happy I felt,” Ikee told the Olympic Channel on April 4, unable to hold back tears at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. "At that moment, I remembered everything I had to go through to get here. “I was shocked. I couldn’t make sense out of anything. I think it’ll take a while for all this to sink in. In the end, I went into the race thinking, 'I'm home. I belong here’.” The 20-year-old Rio 2016 Olympian said her goal now was to improve her condition in time for the Olympic Games, which start on July 23.
Tokyo Timeline September 2018: Ikee is named OCA MVP for the 18th Asian Games and returns to Jakarta from Tokyo to collect her award and USD 50,000 prize money. She is the first female athlete to be named Asian Games MVP. February 2019: During a three-week training camp in Australia, she feels unwell and returns to Tokyo to see a specialist. On February 12 she announces she has been diagnosed with leukemia. December 2019: After 10 months of treatment, she is able to leave hospital. March 2020: Ikee is cleared to swim again – one year after her leukemia diagnosis – and admits she was lucky to be alive. August 2020: Makes her competitive comeback and states that her goal is to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024. January 2021: Swims in the Kosuke Kitajima Cup in Tokyo and meets the qualifying standard for the national championships/Olympic trials in April. April 2021: Ikee wins four titles at the national championships and qualifies for two relay races at the Olympic Games – the 4x100m medley relay and 4x100m freestyle relay. Her astonishing comeback is complete.
“It will be my second Games and I think there’s a lot I can pass on with my experience. I want to help lead the team and enjoy it,” she said.
Rikako Ikee at the 18th Asian Games (Photo: Reuters)
Rikako Ikee wins four titles at the national championships in April 2021. (Photo: AFLO SPORT/JOC) Page 19
Road to Tokyo
O C A C O N GR A T U L AT ES ALL AS I AN ATH LET ES O N O L Y M P IC GAMES Q U ALI F I CATI ON!
Bhavani Devi, 27, became the first fencer from India to qualify for the Olympic Games. The Chennai-born sabre specialist booked her Tokyo ticket at the FIE World Cup in Budapest, Hungary from March 11-13. (Photo: www.bhavanidevi.com)
Mongolia has qualified for the Olympic Games in a team sport for the first time in history thanks to the efforts of their women’s 3x3 basketball team. The three-a-side format, long promoted by the OCA, will make its debut at Tokyo 2020 with eight teams in each competition. (Photo: https://news.mn)
Iranian freestyle wrestler Hassan Yazdani, Rio 2016 Olympic champion at 74kg, will be aiming for a golden double in Tokyo after overpowering all his opponents 10-0 at 86kg in the 2021 Asian Championships in Almaty on April 18. The 26-year-old grappler was using the event as preparation for the Olympics. (Photo: UWW)
Singapore sailor Amanda Ng, 27, has shown her versatility on the ocean waves by qualifying for Tokyo 2020 in the women’s RS:X windsurfing – four years after teaming up with Jovina Choo in the women’s 470 (two-person dinghy) at Rio, where the pair finished 20th. (Photo: Singapore Sailing)
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Road to Tokyo
Thailand is set to have its first ever canoe sprint athlete at an Olympic Games after Orasa Thiangkathok won the women’s C1 200 quota place at the Asian Canoe Confederation qualifiers in Pattaya on May 6. (Photo: ICF).
Kuwaiti skeet shooter Mansour Al Rashidi will be hoping to follow up his Asian Games gold medal in 2018 with Olympic gold in Tokyo. The 36-year-old shooter qualified for the Olympics way back in April 2019 by winning the ISSF World Cup in Al-Ain, UAE.
Qatar’s 2018 Asian Games men’s beach volleyball champions Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan produced some sparkling form on the FIVB Cancun Hub in Mexico to earn direct qualification. They are ranked seventh in the world and fifth in the Olympic classification.
Kazakhstan’s Yekaterina Smirnova, 34, qualified for her third Olympic Games in canoe slalom after winning the women’s K1 at the 2021 Canoe Slalom Asian Olympic Qualifier in Pattaya, Thailand from April 30 to May 2. She finished 12th at Beijing 2008 and 19th at Rio 2016.
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Road to Tokyo
China’s players thank their fans after the epic encounter with Korea (Photo: www.the-afc.com)
STEEL ROSES HOLD OFF KOREA IN PULSATING PLAY-OFF
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hina clinched the final qualifying spot for Asia in the women’s football tournament at Tokyo 2020 following a gripping play-off victory over Korea. After winning the first leg 2-1 in Korea, the “Steel Roses” were red-hot favourites to finish the job when the two sides met again five days later in China. But the Koreans stormed into a 2-0 lead on the day to surge ahead 3-2 on aggregate and looked poised to complete a remarkable and totally unexpected comeback. When China cut the deficit to 2-1, the score was tied at 3-3 and the play-off went into extra time. The deciding goal came in the 103rd minute when Wang Shuang brought China level 2-2 and they held on to qualify 4-3 on aggregate in front of 13,500 jubilant fans.
Men’s draw for Tokyo 2020 - Group A: Japan, South Africa, Mexico, France. Group B: New Zealand, Korea Republic, Honduras, Romania. Group C: Egypt, Spain, Argentina, Australia. Group D: Brazil, Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Saudi Arabia. Women’s draw - Group E: Japan, Canada, Great Britain, Chile. Group F: China PR, Brazil, Zambia, Netherlands. Group G: Sweden, USA, Australia, New Zealand
ASIAN PLAY-OFF First leg: April 8 At: Goyang, Korea Score: Korea 1 China 2
China’s coach, Jia Xiuquan, praised his players for their fighting spirit. “The match was even harder than I expected,” he said.
Second leg: April 13
“I would like to thank all my players for not giving up when we were 2-0 down. As long as they can carry on the same spirit, I believe that our team will become better and better."
Score: China 2 Korea 2 (after extra time)
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At: Suzhou, China Result: China won 4-3 on aggregate.
Road to Tokyo
ASIAN TEAMS HEAD TO MONACO FOR RUGBY REPECHAGE
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ith Korea (men) and China (women) safely in the draw for the Tokyo 2020 rugby sevens competitions after winning their respective Asian qualifiers, the dream is still alive for other Asian teams. The World Rugby Sevens Repechage will take place in Monaco on June 19-20 when two women’s teams and one men’s team will complete the 24-team line-up for the Olympic Games. The women’s repechage features 12 teams, including Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, in three groups of four. The top two teams in each group (six teams), plus the two best third-placed teams, will qualify for the knockout stages.
Asian Games champs Hong Kong (in blue shirts) will be trying to qualify for Tokyo 2020 in the world repechage at Monaco. (Photo: https://www.hkrugby.com)
Women’s Repechage
Men’s Repechage
Pool A: Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Samoa. Pool B: Papua New Guinea, Kazakhstan, Jamaica, Tunisia. Pool C: France, Hong Kong, Colombia, Madagascar.
Pool A: Samoa, Ireland, Tonga, Zimbabwe, Mexico. Pool B: France, Hong Kong, Chile, Uganda, Jamaica.
The men’s repechage features 10 teams in two groups of five. Asia is represented by 2018 Asian Games champions Hong Kong, who were beaten in the final of the Asian Olympic qualifier by Korea. After a round-robin, the top two teams in each group (four teams) will advance to the semi-finals. The winner of the final will claim the last ticket to Tokyo.
The Olympic men’s rugby sevens competition will take place from July 26-28, with the women’s tournament following on July 29-31. All the action will take place at Tokyo Stadium, which was a venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019. Rugby sevens is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the Tokyo Games following the success of the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
The International Handball Federation conducted the draw for the men’s and women’s handball tournaments at the Olympic Games on April 1. The top four teams in each group of six will advance to the quarter-finals.
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Road to Tokyo JORDAN UNDERLINES HOSTING POTENTIAL
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ordan put on another memorable Olympic show on the Road to Tokyo by hosting the Asian taekwondo qualifying tournament on May 21-22. As well as qualifying two athletes – Julie Alsadeq (women’s -67kg) and Saleh Salah El Sharabaty (men’s -80kg) – Jordan staged a top-class event that matched their hosting of the Asia-Oceania boxing qualifier in March 2020. Jordan Olympic Committee Secretary General Nasser Majali praised the local taekwondo federation for producing athletes to compete at such a high level. “We are also very pleased with the organisational success of the Asian qualifying tournament and the organising committee of the championship which applied a very successful health protocol in light of the current situation globally. This reflected the capabilities of Jordan to host such a big international event,” he said. Eighty-four players from 28 countries and regions attended. Chinese Taipei won four of the 16 Olympic tickets on offer followed by Uzbekistan (3), Jordan (2), Kazakhstan (2) and China, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand and Iran with one each.
The International Federation of Sport Climbing announced on March 9 that the final two places for Tokyo 2020 would go to Korean duo Chon Jongwon (pictured) in the men’s combined and Seo Chaehyun in the women’s event. There will be 20 athletes in each competition for the sport’s debut at Tokyo 2020. (Photo: René Oberkirch/IFSC) Saleh Salah El Sharabaty and Julie Alsadeq won taekwondo places for host Jordan. Amer Elalami
OCA YOUTH CAMP GRADUATE QUALIFIES FOR TOKYO 2020
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graduate from the OCA’s rowing youth camp has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication – with a ticket to Tokyo.
Cris Nievarez, 21, was a member of the Philippines delegation at the OCA youth camp in Pattaya, Thailand in October 2016, when 38 athletes and 21 coaches from 21 National Olympic Committees took part. After competing in the Asia-Oceania Olympic qualification regatta in Tokyo in early May, Nievarez learned on May 10 that he had been allocated a slot in the men’s single sculls by World Rowing. Among the many people to congratulate Nievarez was Chris Perry – the OCA’s chief instructor at the youth camp in Pattaya. The Hong Kong-based rowing coach said the Tokyo slot was a just reward for the hard work of the Philippine Rowing Association. Page 24
Cris Nievarez has qualified for Tokyo 2020. (Photo: Icon Fornea)
Inside the OCA OCA-AESF LAUNCH ‘ROAD TO ASIAN GAMES’ PROGRAMME
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There will be six events at Hangzhou 2022, and the AESF will be responsible for selecting the six games, organising the regional qualifiers and managing the competition at Hangzhou 2022 – under the auspices of the OCA.
he OCA, in partnership with the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), announced the “Road to Asian Games” initiative at a virtual signing ceremony held simultaneously in Kuwait and Hong Kong on March 1. The “Road to Asian Games” programme also underlines the OCA’s commitment to the AESF as the sole authority for esports at Hangzhou 2022. Esports will make its debut as an official medal sport at the 19th Asian Games following its appearance as a demonstration sport at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018.
The OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam, said: “We wish our partners at the AESF all the best on the journey ahead. The OCA will provide full support to make sure the esports competition at Hangzhou 2022 is a big success.” AESF President Kenneth Fok added: “I would like to express our sincere appreciation for the continuous support and trust from the OCA. The Asian Games presents the best stage for us to share Olympic values with the esports community.” Esports effect After the OCA approved the addition of esports for the 19th Asian Games at the General Assembly in Muscat on December 16, Chinese social media went into overdrive. The news became a hot trending topic on the Sina Weibo Chinese microblogging website with 190 million views.
OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam.
AESF President Kenneth Fok.
This figure climbed to 300 million across all online platforms, highlighting the interest in esports in China ahead of the Asian Games in September 2022.
XIACHENG Digital Park Esports Centre, with a floor area of 80,000 square metres and a seating capacity of 4,087, will host the esports competition at Hangzhou 2022.
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Inside the OCA OCA ‘VERY COMFORTABLE’ WITH ASIAN GAMES PROGRESS
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istance could not keep apart the determined joint efforts of the OCA and organising committee HAGOC when the 4th Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 took place on April 8. With video conference links to OCA HQ in Kuwait and to CC members around Asia, as well as to HAGOC HQ and the Chinese Olympic Committee and General Administration of Sport of China in Beijing, the three-hour virtual meeting covered 11 major aspects of planning and preparations.
The Hangzhou 2022 team attends the 4th OCA CC meeting on April 8.
The Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee, Raja Randhir Singh, congratulated HAGOC on the “excellent” presentations and thanked them for making the presentations in English to assist with the smooth flow of the meeting.
conditions created by the Covid-19 pandemic, Raja Randhir noted: “How far we have travelled! Quietly and efficiently, the organising committee has gone about their work day by day so that we find ourselves in this current position.
“Every presentation made a big impact,” he said.
“We are going through very difficult times and the way of life is changing, but we feel very comfortable with the way the organisation is taking shape.” (Photo: HAGOC)
Looking at the overall progress, especially in such difficult
CHINESE GOVERNMENT PRAISES OCA
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he Chinese government’s sports ministry has credited the OCA for creating stability in the Olympic movement during the pandemic. Addressing the 4th OCA Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games on April 8, Deputy Sports Minister Gao Zhidan said: “Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the OCA has taken the initiative for the unity and stability of the Olympic movement. “The OCA has made positive contributions to the fight against the epidemic and also to the sustainable and healthy development of the Asian Olympic movement. “We are grateful to the OCA for your active support of sport in China and will continue to support the work of the OCA. We will be united and confident and tide over the difficulties together, thus contributing to the international community’s victory over the epidemic, world economic recovery and the safety and health of people in all countries.” Gao Zhidan is Deputy Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee. Page 26
HAGOC informed the OCA Coordination Committee meeting about plans to establish anti-doping education outreach stations in the Asian Games Village. This programme has proved very popular at previous OCA events, including here at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Ashgabat 2017. (Photo: OCA)
Inside the OCA
OCA ANNOUNCES NEW EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR
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he Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, His Royal Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, is the new Chair of the OCA Education Committee. Prince Fahad bin Jalawi succeeds HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, who has been appointed OCA Vice President in relation to Riyadh’s hosting of the Asian Games in 2034. On the recommendation of the SAOC, the OCA Executive Board nominated Prince Fahad bin Jalawi as the new Chair of the OCA Education Committee for the remainder of the term 2019-2023. “The OCA welcomes HRH Prince Fahad to the OCA family and wishes him all the best in his endeavours as Chair of the Education Committee,” the OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al-Sabah, said in a circular dated April 7.
“We would like to thank HRH Prince Abdulaziz for his excellent work as Chair of the OCA Education Committee and we look forward to continuing working together on the OCA Executive Board.”
OCA International Relations Committee Chair HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck was unanimously re-elected President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee for the term 2021-25 at the 5th General Assembly on May 21.
HRH Prince Fahad bin Jalawi.
OCA Culture Committee Chair Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul of Thailand was re-elected unopposed Deputy President of the Badminton World Federation at the 82nd BWF AGM on May 22. The new term will run from 2021 to 2024.
OCA URGES NOCS TO FIGHT COMPETITION MANIPULATION
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he OCA is encouraging its National Olympic Committees to take a leading role in the fight against competition manipulation. In a circular to NOCs dated April 28, OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam said the OCA has set up a special department under the OCA Athletes’ Committee to focus on the prevention of competition manipulation. “The Olympic Council of Asia will be working very closely with the International Olympic Committee in this regard,” Mr Al Musallam said. The OCA Director General is asking NOCs to establish a dedicated Prevention of Competition Manipulation unit and to appoint ambassadors to lead the awareness programme by engaging with athletes and officials. “The OCA is ready and available to support the activation process, provide more information and work with all NOCs
The OCA will work with the IOC to fight competition manipulation.
hand in hand to fight against competition manipulation in sport,” said Mr Al Musallam. (Photo: IOC) Page 27
Women in Sport KAZAKHSTAN NOC APPOINTS FIRST FEMALE VICE PRESIDENT
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ward-winning banker Umut Shayakhmetova has become the first female Vice President in the history of NOC Kazakhstan, Olympic.kz reports. The NOC elected her unanimously (37-0) at the online Extraordinary General Assembly on April 28. Her term of office will run until 2024. Umut Shayakhmetova fills the vacant Vice President for International Relations position held previously by Andrey Kryukov, who was elected as the new NOC Secretary General in December 2020.
(Photo: Olympic.kz)
Umut Shayakhmetova is the first female Vice President of Kazakhstan NOC.
The new Vice President has been working on sports development in Kazakhstan as a member of the Executive Committee for more than five years. From 2011 to 2021 she was President of the Kazakhstan Gymnastics Federation. Also, she is Chair of the Business Women’s Council of the Kazakhstan National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. She has
succeeded in both the corporate and sports worlds and actively empowers other women. As an economist, she successfully led the banking, financial, educational, sports and other areas over the last 20 years. She has received numerous awards, both governmental and international.
TURKMENISTAN weightlifter Yulduz Jumabayeva was presented with a gold medal by the President of Turkmenistan and Turkmenistan NOC, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in a special ceremony on March 11. Yulduz, 22, had originally finished second in the women’s 45kg category of the IWF World Championships in Ashgabat in November 2018 but the gold medal-winner was later disqualified for a doping offence. Yulduz also received the “Love of the Motherland” medal and a white Lexus LX570 Sport Plus for her victory. (www.olympic.tm)
NEPAL NOC MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
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epal NOC’s Women and Sport Commission celebrated the 111th International Women’s Day at the NOC HQ on March 8.
recognise the achievements of female athletes and sports administrators.
NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha inaugurated the special occasion and said the country’s constitution secured the role of women in society and protected women’s rights, and that the NOC was committed to equal participation of female and male athletes in upcoming multi-sport games. The Women and Sport Commission honoured middle distance runner Mrs. Bimala Joshi Amatya for winning the bronze medal in the 3rd South Asian Games-Calcutta 1987 and long-serving National Sports Council admin staff Mrs. Bhawani Adhikari. President Shrestha and Women and Sport Commission President Jyoti Rana handed over Rs. 25,000 to each awardee. The awards will be made every year instead of every two years to Page 28
The awards presentation on International Women’s Day.
Women in Sport
ASIAN GAMES CHAMP NAMED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
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ising golf star Yuka Saso was named Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association for her sensational rookie season on the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association Tour in 2020.
Media Centre in Manila. It was the second time the young golfer had been named Athlete of the Year following her sparkling Asian Games year in 2018.
Saso, 19, won two tournaments from 15 starts in 2020 and ended the year as the leading money-winner with over 93 million yen (USD 860,000/43 million Philippine Peso) and second in the Mercedes points rankings. “I hope my play can inspire the Filipino people especially in these challenging times of the pandemic,” said Saso, who won two gold medals for her country at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia – individual and women’s team. The awards night was held online on March 27 and organised jointly by the PSA and San Miguel Corporation at the TV5
Yuka Saso won the Athlete of the Year in the Philippines. (Photo: olympics.com)
YUKO Arakida, a former Chair of the OCA Athletes’ Committee, was appointed Vice President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee on March 3 with a brief to further promote gender equality and respect for diversity. “Yu-san” was a member of Japan’s gold medal-winning women’s volleyball team at Montreal 1976. (Photo: FIVB)
SHEIKHA ASMA TO ATTEMPT EVEREST CHALLENGE
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he Qatar Olympic Committee reports that avid adventurer and QOC official Sheikha Asma Al Thani aims to become the first Qatari woman to climb Mount Everest.
Sheikha Asma has set herself the daunting goal in 2021 as part of her drive to inspire women and young people in the region to challenge stereotypes and fulfil their dreams. Everest represents the toughest challenge yet on Sheikha Asma’s journey to become the first woman from the Middle East to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, which involves climbing all of the Seven Summits and reaching the North Pole and South Pole. She has already completed three of the nine challenges. Sheikha Asma said: “I have dreamed of climbing mountains ever since I was young – a dream which has always been ignited by my love of sport and its ability to inspire.
Sheikha Asma will attempt to climb Mount Everest.
“In my extensive work within sport in Qatar, I have seen first-hand the powerful impact that sport and its incredible athletes can have on the lives of so many. If they fall, they always get up and try harder. And if they lose, they always rise stronger. Ultimately, they inspire us all to be better versions of ourselves.” Page 29
Women in Sport MONGOLIAN OFFICIAL BECOMES UWW ASIA GENERAL SECRETARY
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ongolian wrestling official Buyana Pelje is the new General Secretary of United World Wrestling Asia. “Buya” was one of seven new members elected to the Executive Committee of the Asian governing body at the UWW Asia General Assembly in Almaty, Kazakhstan on April 12. “Buya has been Director of the International Division of the Mongolian Wrestling Federation since 2014,” Mongolia NOC said in a statement. “She is the third wrestling official from Mongolia to sit on the Asian Executive Committee but the first woman – and the first official from Mongolia to be General Secretary.”
Buya is pictured with the women’s team trophy in Almaty.
Mongolia’s female wrestlers then showed their prowess on the mat by winning the women’s team title at the Asian
Championships with 173 points from India (168) and Kazakhstan (156).
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN PALESTINE
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alestine Olympic Committee reports that the Palestinian Sports Culture Federation held a family fun walk to mark International Women’s Day on March 8. The event, in Gaza and Hebron, attracted participants of all ages and began with a 3km walk. The federation stressed the importance of regular exercise to contribute to a healthy lifestyle and said the International Women’s Day activity would promote sports culture in the community. The organisers praised the cooperation and coordination of various other women’s institutions to make the event a big success and thanked all the women who took part.
International Women’s Day in Palestine.
KABUL A beat Herat in the final of the women’s national basketball championship, which was held from April 7-11 at the Physical Education and Sport Ministry’s Gymnasium in Kabul. Kandahar finished third in the seven-team event, which was attended by senior officials of Afghanistan NOC and the government.
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The 3km sports walk served as an introduction to other activities planned for the northern and southern governorates in Palestine.
Women in Sport KONERU HUMPY NAMED BBC INDIAN SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
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hess marvel Koneru Humpy is the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2020.
The 33-year-old grandmaster beat an all-star cast of sprinter Dutee Chand, shooter Manu Bhaker, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and hockey captain Rani Rampal to win the award after a public vote. Humpy is the world rapid chess champion having won the title in December 2019 after a two-year maternity break. In 2020, she won the Cairns Cup, an elite-level tournament for the top female players. Advising young sportswomen to "just enjoy the game", she added: "Try to make it to the end and believe in yourself. You have to earn your respect and recognition, be confident and look up to the goal.
Grandmaster Koneru Humpy. (Photo: Koneru Humpy/Twitter)
"I won over the years because of my willpower and confidence. A female player should never think about quitting her game. Marriage and motherhood are just a part of our life and they should not change the course of our lives," she said.
LAO’S FEMALE RUGBY PLAYERS SHOW THEY ARE ‘UNSTOPPABLE’
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ao Rugby Federation CEO Viengsamai Souksavanh organised a networking event in Vientiane to help promote women’s rugby in the community. The event was attended by 17 members of the “Unstoppable” initiative – a World Rugby campaign with the hashtag “Try and Stop Us” to display the determination of women and girls to play rugby. The focus of the day-long activity was on leadership development workshops and creating a better environment for female rugby players in the future.
The 17 members of the Lao “Unstoppable” women’s rugby campaign.
The event coincided with International Women’s Day and highlighted the popularity of the women’s game in Laos, where
more than 50 per cent of players and coaches are female. (Photo: Asia Rugby)
IRANIAN archer Zahra Nemati - a two-time Paralympic champion - has been nominated for the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council elections at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Nemati became the first Iranian woman to win gold at either a Paralympic or Olympic Games at London 2012. There are 22 candidates for six positions. (Photo: Tehran Times)
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Obituary
DR. DEMCHIGJAV ZAGDSUREN: The OCA was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Demchigjav Zagdsuren on April 21 following an illness at the age of 62. He was Vice President of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee from 1999 to 2001 and was the 12th President from 2001 to August 2020. A renowned and popular sports doctor as well as visionary leader, he oversaw several major developments in the Olympic movement in Mongolia, notably the establishment of an independent, fully integrated Olympic House in 2002. He was Chairman of the OCA Information and Statistics Committee and contributed invaluable data to the OCA on the performances of Asian NOCs and athletes in the various disciplines of international multi-sport games.
MILAN KWEE: The veteran sports administrator and Vice President of the Singapore National Olympic Council passed away on March 9 aged 74. He was a former President of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation and a distinguished taekwondo athlete, as well as respected representative of the National Sports Associations in Singapore. (Photo: The Straits Times) Page 32
CELSO L. DAYRIT: The former Philippine Olympic Committee President passed away on April 28 at 70 years old. “A champion for Filipino sports, he lived a life filled with compassion, dedication and kindness,” the POC said of “Cito”, who was President from 1994 to 2004 and was the incumbent President of the Fencing Confederation of Asia for 15 years. He was awarded OCA and ANOC merit awards.
JS GEHLOT: The OCA and Indian Olympic Association paid tribute to “Mr Kabaddi” Janardan Singh Gehlot, who passed away on April 28. He was a kabaddi pioneer and raised the profile of the sport in Asia through the Asian Games since 1990 and around the world as President of the International Kabaddi Federation. He was also President of the Asian Kabaddi Federation.
Obituary
RASHED AL-SWAISAT: The sports community in Jordan was rocked by the death of boxer Rashed Al-Swaisat, 19, on April 26 in Kielce, Poland – 10 days after being taken to hospital during the AIBA Youth World Championships. The Jordan Olympic Committee expressed deep sadness and pain and offered sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates. (Photo: AIBA).
BALBIR SINGH JUNIOR: A member of India’s Tokyo 1958 Asian Games silver medal-winning hockey team, Balbir Singh Junior died on April 11. He was 88. The Sports Authority of India paid tribute to the “esteemed” national team player.
CATHERINE CHE KUK-HUNG: Hong Kong’s first Asian Games gold medallist, tenpin bowler Cat Che, passed away on May 10 at the age of 69. Cat won the women’s singles title at the 10th Asian Games in Seoul in 1986. (Photo: South China Morning Post)
FORTUNATO FRANCO: One of the unsung heroes of Indian football’s golden generation passed away on May 10 in Goa. He was 84. The midfielder helped India win Asian Games gold at Jakarta 1962 and was a member of the Olympic squad at Rome 1960. He won 26 caps for India before a knee injury ended his career in 1966. (Photo: The Hindu)
ASIR VICTOR: Malaysia lost a track great from the 1960s when Datuk Asirvatham Victor Asiruvatham passed away on May 11. He was 81. The 400m runner competed in the Olympic Games (1964-1968), Asian Games (19621966-1970), Commonwealth Games (1962) and Southeast Asian Peninsular (now SEA) Games. He won four gold medals in the SEAP Games in 1965 and 1967 and two silver and one bronze in the Asian Games. (Photo: OCM)
TOSHIHIKO KOGA: The three-time Japanese Olympian and three-time world judo champion died at the age of 53 on March 24 following an illness. Known for his creativity, artistry and courage on the mat, he was Olympic champion at Barcelona 1992 and silver medal-winner at Atlanta 1996. He later coached the women’s national team to Olympic glory. Koga is pictured on a goodwill judo mission to Bhutan. (Photo: Bhutan Judo Association) Page 33
Obituary
RP SINGH: A member of India’s gold medalwinning hockey team at Moscow 1980, Ravinder Pal Singh passed away in Lucknow on May 8 due to Covid-19 complications aged 62. The centre half also played at Los Angeles 1984, the Champions Trophy in 1980 and 1983, World Cup in 1982 and Asia Cup in 1982.
ANUPAMA PUCHIMANDA: Asian hockey mourned the passing of the popular player turned international umpire on April 18 in Bengaluru at the age of 40 due to Covid19 complications. AHF President Fumio Ogura said Anu would be greatly missed by the hockey family in India and Asia. (Photo: The Hindu)
MK KAUSHIK: Indian hockey hero Maharaj Krishan Kaushik excelled as a player and coach, winning Olympic gold at Moscow 1980 and later leading the men’s and women’s national teams. He died on May 8 in New Delhi due to Covid-19 complications aged 66.
HO LIEN SIEW: Singapore NOC reported on April 5 that the Melbourne 1956 basketball Olympian passed away aged 88. Ho was nicknamed “Shen Shou” (Sharpshooter). He played in three SEAP Games, winning a bronze medal in 1961, and the Asian Games in 1962 and coached basketball until he was 82.
LIM HENG CHEK: The Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame swimmer/coach/official passed away peacefully on May 15 aged 85. He competed in all four major multi-sport games, namely the Olympic Games (Melbourne 1956), Asian Games (Tokyo 1958 and Jakarta 1962), British Empire and Commonwealth Games (Perth 1962) and the South East Asian Peninsular Games, winning two gold medals (100m backstroke and 100m butterfly) at Bangkok 1959 and silver (100m backstroke) at Yangon 1961.
HAZIQ KAMARUDDIN: The two-time Olympic archer, 27, died at his home in Selangor on May 14. The Olympic Council of Malaysia paid tribute to the athlete, who had been a member of the national men’s recurve team since 2010, winning Asian Games silver at Incheon 2014 and four gold and two silver medals in five SEA Games. The Ministry of Health said he died due a blocked artery in his heart and it was not connected to the Covid-19 vaccination he took on May 4 ahead of Tokyo 2020. (Photo: OCM)
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(Photo: © Lovorth Media/SNOC)
Obituary
VENUGOPAL CHANDRASEKHAR: The Indian table tennis legend, three-time national champion, coach and Arjuna awardee passed away due to Covid-19 complications on May 12. Chandra was 63. (Photo: Team India)
RATEB AL AWADAT: The former Jordan national football team defender and club coach passed away on March 26 aged 50, Jordan NOC reported. The AFC President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, said Al Awadat would always be remembered for his passion for the game and his contribution to football in Jordan. (Photo: © Nasser Majali Facebook)
KIYOKO ONO: The two-time Olympic gymnast, who won a women’s team bronze for Japan at Tokyo 1964, passed away on March 13 aged 85. Elite athlete turned politician, she was the first female Vice President of the Japanese Olympic Committee and an icon of sport and society. (Photo: © Japan Gymnastics Association/Kishimoto)
RAJ KUMAR SACHETI: The Boxing Federation of India Executive Director died on May 4 after battling Covid-19. He was 56. Six-time women’s world boxing champion MC Mary Kom said: “You left us too soon. You are simple, humble, trustworthy. I will always hold you close in my thoughts.” (Photo: BFI)
HO YEN CHYE: Singapore NOC announced that the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games and 1990 Beijing Asian Games judoka Ho Yen Chye had died in Jakarta on April 12 aged 54. The former national heavyweight champion won medals at consecutive SEA Games from 19831991, including gold in 1987. (Photo: @Singapore NOC)
GENEBERT BASADRE: The 2005 SEA Games gold medal-winning boxer and 2006 Asian Games bronze medallist died on April 25 after collapsing at his home in Cagayan de Oro City. He was 37. “Gone too soon. Thank you for bringing honor to our country, Genebert,” said the 2019 SEA Games Facebook account. Page 35
News In Brief
IOC President re-elected
Gangwon 2024’s youth vision
IOC President Thomas Bach was re-elected for an additional four-year term at the 137th IOC Session held virtually on March 10. The 67-year-old German received 93 yes votes and 1 no vote from the 94 valid votes.
The first Winter Youth Olympic Games to be held in Asia – at Gangwon, Korea, in 2024 – has announced a powerful vision that will provide the foundation for all their activities for the years to come: "Gangwon 2024 – youth celebrating peaceful coexistence and unity through sport to create a better future together.”
President Bach, who won Olympic gold with the men’s foil fencing team at Montreal 1976, was first elected IOC President in 2013 for an eight-year term. His new term will conclude in 2025.
The announcement was made during the first meeting between the IOC Coordination Commission and Gangwon 2024, the Korean hosts of the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games.
FINA announces Abu Dhabi logo
World Athletics sets Yangzhou 2022 timetable
FINA has unveiled the logo for the 15th edition of the FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for December 16-21, 2021.
The World Athletics Council has confirmed the competition timetable for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships scheduled to take place in Yangzhou, China on March 27, 2022: 9.30am, women’s race; 10.0am, men’s race, followed by mass race for recreational runners.
The official logo symbolises the past and present and is inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving heritage. It features a swimmer constructed from pearls who is powering through the water, which is representative of both the city’s proud history and the competitive nature of the world short-course championships.
As with previous editions, there are no entry standards for the competition. A maximum of seven athletes may be entered by a member federation, but only five can start the race. The top three finishers for each member federation will count towards the team competition.
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News In Brief
Badminton announces equipment partners
Chinese Taipei to host final baseball qualifier
The Badminton World Federation has concluded its periodic tender process to award its official equipment partners for BWF major championships 2022-2025. Victor has been awarded the rights for the BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2022 (Thailand) and 2024 (China), as well as the BWF Sudirman Cup 2023 (India) and 2025 (China). Yonex will continue as equipment supplier of the BWF World Championships in 2022 (Japan), 2023 (Denmark) and 2025 (France).
Olympic honour for Asian rugby refs
The World Baseball Softball Confederation will stage the WBSC Baseball Final Qualifier for Tokyo 2020 in Taichung from June 16-20. The event will provide the sixth and last qualifier for the baseball tournament in Tokyo and qualification games will be played at Taichung and Douliu. The six participating teams will be world No. 4 Chinese Taipei, No. 6 Australia, No. 9 Netherlands, No. 22 China and the second and third-placed teams from the WBSC Baseball Americas Qualifier in Florida.
New dates for Chengdu
World Rugby has announced a list of 22 match officials from 12 countries for the women’s and men’s rugby sevens competitions at Tokyo 2020. The list includes eight female refs.
The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has confirmed that the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games will take place in Sichuan province from June 26 to July 7, 2022.
Asia Rugby reports that Matt Rodden (Hong Kong) and Noriaki Hashimoto (Japan) will officiate at the Olympics for the first time in the men’s tournament.
The world’s largest international multi-sport event for studentathletes was due to be held in August 2021 but was postponed on April 1 due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic.
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OCA Sports Diary
2021 Doha, Qatar: June 5 FINA General Congress
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 13 – 18 FINA Swimming World Championships (25m)
Monaco: June 19 – 29 World Rugby Sevens Repechage for Tokyo 2020
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
Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 Olympic Winter Games
Seoul, Korea: October 26 – 27 ANOC General Assembly/ANOC Awards
Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 Winter Paralympic Games
Shantou, China: November 20 – 28 OCA 3rd Asian Youth Games
Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: March 10 – 20 OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
Hanoi, Vietnam: November 21 – December 2 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
Yangzhou, China: March 27 World Athletics Half Marathon Championships
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 10 – 12 FINA World Aquatics Convention
Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 19th FINA World Championships
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杭州2022年第19届亚运会官方合作伙伴
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OCA Sports Diary
2024 Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 World Athletics Championships Oregon22
Gangwon, Korea: Dates to be determined IOC 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games
Birmingham, UK: July 28 – August 8 Commonwealth Games
Paris, France: July 26 – August 11 Olympic Games
Konya, Turkey: August 9 – 18 5th Islamic Solidarity Games
2025
Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 OCA 19th Asian Games
Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Dates to be determined OCA 4th Asian Youth Games
Doha, Qatar: November 21 – December 18 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
2026
2023
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MILANO CORTINA 2026
Nanjing, China: March 17 – 19 World Athletics Indoor Championships 2023 Phnom Penh, Cambodia: May 5 – 16 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
20th Asian Games
Aichi-Nagoya 2026
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
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