Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia
Edition 57 - June 2022
HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES POSTPONED OCA LOOKS FOR NEW DATES IN 2023 OCA SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN KUWAIT OCA IN UZBEKISTAN OCA GAMES UPDATE
Contents
Inside the 36-page Sporting Asia Edition 57 – June 2022
13
3 Acting President’s Message 4 – 9 NOC News in Pictures 10 – 15 Hangzhou Asian Games
15
10 – 11 12 13 14 15
OCA press statement on postponement Asian Games Fun Run international series Asian Games Children’s Art Competition Official Posters New skateboard park
16 – 21 OCA Special development project for referees and coaches
16
16 – 17 Overview 18 – 19 Photo Gallery 20 – 21 Participants’ back story 22 – 25 Inside the OCA
22
22 – 23 OCA in Tashkent 24 OCA committee meetings 25 OCA Games Update 26 – 29 Women in Sport 30 – 31 Obituary 32 – 33 News in Brief
23
34 – 35 OCA Sports Diary 36 Hangzhou Asian Games Prestige Partners
OCA Sponsors’ Club
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Page 02
Acting President’s Message
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: The latest image of the main stadium in Hangzhou Olympic and Expo Park, which is ready for the 19th Asian Games. (Photo: HAGOC)
I
OCA HAD ‘NO OPTION’ BUT TO POSTPONE HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES
t was a very difficult decision to make but, in the end, the Olympic Council of Asia had no option but to postpone the 19th Asian Games.
With such large numbers involved, and with the OCA and all stakeholders eager to maintain the high standards of organisation of the Asian Games, we all felt that a postponement was the best way forward.
As you all know, the Hangzhou Asian Games were set for September 10-25, 2022, and the preparations of the organising committee have been exceptional, even during the two years of the pandemic.
The decision was announced four months before the due starting date, as it was important to give clarity to the athletes and allow them to adjust their training schedules and adapt their calendar of competition.
However, with the covid-19 situation still affecting China, particularly in terms of travel and health protocols, the OCA thought it was in the best interests of all parties to postpone the Asian Games to 2023 on dates to be decided in the near future. The decision was made at the OCA Executive Board meeting in Tashkent on May 6, and only after in-depth consultation with the Chinese government, the Chinese Olympic Committee and the city of Hangzhou. At this point I would like to thank China for all their hard work and cooperation in recent weeks, and I am sure that Hangzhou 2022 in 2023 will still be a great success when the OCA family reunites for our major event. Preliminary registration indicated that 32,000 people would be coming into China from Asia and all over the world, and that a further 20,000 would participate from within China.
Our Asian Games Task Force will study the international sports events coming up in 2023 very carefully before putting new dates forward to the OCA Executive Board as it is important to make a swift decision, again in the best interests of the athletes. The OCA would like to say a special thank you to our National Olympic Committees for once again showing your loyalty, solidarity, understanding and support. We are working through this pandemic together and we will return stronger together.
Raja Randhir Singh Acting President, Olympic Council of Asia
Page 03
NOC News in Pictures
OMAN Olympic Committee Chairman Khalid bin Muhammad Al Zubair chaired the first meeting of the OOC Executive Office on March 14 and discussed Oman’s participation in upcoming meetings and sports games. (www.ooc.om)
CAMBODIA NOC hosted a meeting of the South East Asian Games Federation Council in Siem Reap province from April 8-10 to discuss plans and preparations for the 32nd SEA Games to be held in Phnom Penh in 2023. (Photo: Khmer Times)
BANGLADESH Olympic Association President General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed chaired a meeting of the executive committee during which BOA treasurer AK Sarkar was confirmed as Chef de Mission for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. (Photo: Dhaka Tribune)
SINGAPORE NOC welcomed IOC President Thomas Bach on April 29 and SNOC President Tan Chuan-Jin praised him for steering the Olympic movement through two turbulent and challenging years of the covid-19 pandemic. At the National Orchid Garden at Botanic Gardens, an orchid – Dendrobium Thomas Bach – was named in his honour. (Photo: SNOC)
Page 04
NOC News in Pictures
UNDER the patronage of His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar Museums opened the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum at Khalifa International Stadium on March 30. Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, addressed the 400 guests who included the QOC President, HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, and IOC President Thomas Bach.
PAKISTAN Olympic Association President Lt Gen (ret) Syed Arif Hasan held up a white card to support the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6. “The White Card campaign, initiated by @peaceandsport in 2014, shows that sport can be an answer to social issues and that it can build a culture of peace. Raise it. Join us. Share it,” he said. (@NOCPak)
(Photo: Al Mayassa Al Thani Facebook)
SYRIA’S Tokyo 2020 Olympic table tennis prodigy Hend Zaza won the gold medal in the girls’ under-13 category of the Iraq International Table Tennis Championship in Sulaymaniyah on March 19. Sixty players from eight countries took part. (Photo: Syrian Arab News Agency)
TAJIKISTAN NOC reported on April 13 it had secured 17 Olympic Solidarity athlete scholarships in six sports for Paris 2024. The scholarship runs from January 1, 2022 to August 31, 2024. The funding of USD7,500 per month to the NOC will be distributed to the 17 athletes in boxing (5), canoe (1), judo (5), swimming (1), taekwondo (3) and wrestling (2). (www.olympic.tj)
Page 05
NOC News in Pictures
CHINESE President Xi Jinping hosted a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on April 8 to honour 148 groups and 148 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the success of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. In his address to 3,000 attendees, President Xi urged the people to carry forward the spirit of the Games. (Photo: Xinhua)
JORDAN Olympic Committee Secretary General Nasser Majali (right) signed a renewal of the partnership deal with Toyota Jordan on April 7. Toyota will continue to support the JOC and athletes in achieving their goals and bringing further glory to Jordan at regional and international levels. (www.joc.jo)
PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino joined a cycling festival in Manila to celebrate “Terre de Jeux 2024” – the “Land of the Games” 24-hour global sports rally coordinated by the French government ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The event was held on April 6 – the United Nations’ International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Page 06
NOC News in Pictures
FIVE athletes representing the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China have been awarded Olympic Solidarity scholarships on the road to Paris 2024: Jessica Ching Siu Nga (athletics), Lee Cheuk Yiu (badminton), Cheung Ka Long (fencing), Doo Hoi Kem (table tennis) and Oscar Coggins (triathlon). They will each receive USD 1,500 per month for 32 months to assist in their preparations. (Photo: SF&OC)
SRI Lanka NOC President Suresh Subramaniam and Secretary General Maxwell de Silva welcomed the OCA Director General and FINA President, Husain Al Musallam, to Colombo on March 25 to discuss the Olympic Movement in the island nation and in particular the aquatics scene. (@OlympicLK)
BAHRAIN Olympic Committee Secretary General Faris Mustafa Al-Kooheji participated in the 94th Executive Office meeting of the Presidents of the National Olympic Committees of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on March 21. (@bahrainolympic)
IRAN NOC President Dr. Salehi Amiri, along with Chef de Mission Peyman Fakhri, met with Shooting Federation President Morteza Ghorbani and team officials on March 2 to discuss their preparations for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
KAZAKHSTAN President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the new Table Tennis Centre in Almaty, Olympic.kz reports. The head of state toured the 5,200 sq m complex, played table tennis with a young athlete and signed a table tennis bat. (https://olympic.kz)
(http://www.olympic.ir) Page 07
NOC News in Pictures
BHUTAN Olympic Committee reports that the Bhutan Football Federation inaugurated the first ever Football Academy School in the Kingdom on April 4. The ceremony was graced by His Eminence Tshogi Lopen, Dorji Rinchen of Zhung Dratshang, and Ms. Zimbiri, chairperson of women’s football in Bhutan.
LEBANESE Olympic Committee President Pierre Jalkh (right) presents the shield of Lebanon NOC to the Minister of Youth and Sport, George Kallas, during a meeting at the NOC HQ in Baabda on April 6.
(Photo: Bhutan Olympic Committee/Bhutan Today)
(@lebolympic)
THAILAND NOC and the Mayor of Nong Khai province in northeastern Thailand are supporting the Olympic Day 2022 activities being planned by the Thailand Olympic Academy. The theme this year for the annual June 23 celebration is “Stronger Together” and the Thailand Olympic Academy will promote Olympic values, culture and education to children.
MALDIVES Olympic Committee, in partnership with Advocating the Rights of Children, conducted a two-hour workshop for athletes on April 9 on safeguarding and protecting young athletes in training and competition. Athletes from badminton, basketball, carrom, chess, handball, netball, swimming, table tennis and tennis attended the event.
(Photo: Suriyan Somphong) (@olympicmv) Page 08
NOC News in Pictures
IRAQ NOC President Raad Hammoudi and his counterpart from the Spanish Olympic Committee, Alejandro Blanco, held a joint press conference at the Iraq NOC HQ in Baghdad on April 5 to activate and promote the Olympic sports cooperation and exchange memorandum signed by the two NOCs. (@nociraq)
SAUDI Paralympic athletes won 46 medals – 10 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze – and finished sixth at the 12-nation 3rd West Asian Para Games in Bahrain from February 19-26. (Photo: Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee – SOPC)
INDONESIA NOC announced on March 31 that it would send 476 athletes to the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam in May. The total delegation is 738, including 207 team officials and 55 headquarters staff.
MONGOLIA IOC Member and NOC First Vice President Batbold Battushig attended the presentation ceremony of ski equipment to Mongolian Winter Olympic athletes by Japanese Ambassador Hiroyuki Kobayashi on behalf of the Japan Ski Association on March 13.
(Indonesia Olympic Commitee) (Photo: Montsame News Agency) Page 09
Hangzhou 2022 HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES POSTPONED TO 2023
T
he Olympic Council of Asia Executive Board made a momentous decision at their meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 6 – that the 19th Asian Games would be postponed from September 2022 to new dates to be fixed in 2023.
Committee (HAGOC), the OCA Executive Board (EB) today decided to postpone the 19th Asian Games, which were scheduled to be held in Hangzhou, China, from 10-25 September 2022.
The Director General of the OCA, Husain Al Musallam, informed the Executive Board that the OCA had met with the Chinese Olympic Committee, Chinese government and Hangzhou city five days before the Executive Board meeting and discussed all aspects of the organisation of the Asian Games in light of the continuing problems caused by the covid-19 pandemic.
“The new dates of the 19th Asian Games will be agreed between the OCA, the COC and the HAGOC and announced in the near future.
The EB members were asked to vote on a proposal to postpone the 19th Asian Games and to form a Task Force to select new dates in 2023 after studying the international sports calendar. Approval was unanimous. After the decision had been taken – and made headline news around the sports world – the OCA issued the following statement, dated May 6, 2022: “Following detailed discussions with the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising
The logistics centre for the 19th Asian Games will provide a series of shipping support services such as warehousing, transportation and customs affairs. (Photo: HAGOC)
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 10
Hangzhou 2022
“HAGOC has been very well prepared to deliver the Games on time despite global challenges. However, the above decision was taken by all the stakeholders after carefully considering the pandemic situation and the size of the Games. “The name and the emblem of the 19th Asian Games will remain unchanged, and the OCA believes that the Games will achieve complete success through the joint efforts of all parties. AYG Shantou 2021 cancelled “Additionally, the OCA EB also studied the situation of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which was scheduled on 20-28 December this year in Shantou, China.
In reporting the postponement on its official website, HAGOC said: “Since winning the bid to host the 19th Asian Games, Zhejiang province has been making steady progress in its preparations for the Games with help from, and under the guidance of, the OCA and the COC, despite the challenges brought about by covid-19. “With support from both organisations, we will continue our preparations in all respects. We remain confident that the Hangzhou Asian Games postponed will be a success with the joint efforts of all parties.”
“After discussion with the COC and the Organising Committee, the OCA EB decided that, as the Asian Youth Games had already been postponed once, the Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021 will be cancelled. The next Asian Youth Games will, therefore, be held in 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. “The OCA thanks the Shantou Organising Committee for its great work during the preparation phase. We strongly believe that this effort will be beneficial to many different aspects of the development of the city, especially in the field of sport as well as for the promotion of the Olympic spirit in Asia.”
The Shantou 2021 Asian Youth Games has been cancelled.
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 11
Hangzhou 2022 OCA LAUNCHES ASIAN GAMES FUN RUN AROUND THE CONTINENT
T
he Olympic Council of Asia launched the Asian Games Fun Run international series during a joint press conference with the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee on Tuesday, May 3. The press conference was held via video link from the OCA HQ in Kuwait and HAGOC HQ in Hangzhou, eastern China. The Director General of the OCA, Mr. Husain Al Musallam, said the Asian Games Fun Run had become one of the most enjoyable social sporting events in the OCA calendar.
“Since the first Asian Games Fun Run in 2004, the popularity of the event has spread throughout the five zones of the Asian continent and has attracted people from all sectors of society,” he said. “As the world gradually returns to normal, the OCA has decided to launch the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games overseas promotion plan known as ‘Asian Games for All’.” HAGOC held their own Asian Games 10 Cities Tour last year, supported by Prestige Partner Geely Auto, to promote the Asiad around the country, and now the National Olympic Committees of the OCA will join in the fun. In the question-and-answer session with media in Hangzhou, Mr. Al Musallam said many NOCs had registered to hold an Asian Games Fun Run, including Hong Kong, Palestine, Mongolia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Nepal and Bahrain, and that other countries and regions were due to join the series. “I firmly believe the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run will have great success in our entire Asian continent,” he said.
OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam announces the start of the Asian Games Fun Run international series around the continent.
HAGOC followed the press conference with a drone show in the evening.
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
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Hangzhou 2022 CHILDREN’S ART COMPETITION ALLOWS CREATIVITY TO FLOURISH Olympic Committees featuring the Asian Games Fun Run, Asian Games Children’s Art Competition and Asian Games Youth Reporter Project. The children’s art competition is open for students aged 13 and below and encourages them to embrace the spirit of the Olympic movement by drawing or painting their favourite athlete, favourite sport or any image that depicts unity and harmony among nations at the Asian Games.
Nepal Olympic Committee held an Asian Games Art Exhibition on May 3.
T
he Olympic Council of Asia is always looking to attract the young generation to the joys of sport and the Olympic movement. With this in mind, the OCA has developed a three-pronged “Asian Games for All” promotional campaign for its National
The host NOC will choose the top 10 entries – five girls and five boys – and send them to the OCA for final judging.
The OCA will then choose the best four entries – two girls and two boys – and they will be sent to HAGOC to display in the Asian Games Main Press Centre and the official OCA HQ hotel. The creativity and imagination of Asia’s budding young artists will give the Asian Games a youthful touch in Hangzhou and provide inspiring images and messages for the future.
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.
Hangzhou 2022 OFFICIAL POSTERS DISPLAY VITALITY OF HANGZHOU YOUTH
O
rganising committee HAGOC unveiled the official posters for the 19th Asian Games on April 1 and set about displaying them at landmarks and transport hubs around the city.
HAGOC launched the global design process on July 28, 2021 and received 1,789 poster designs from China and all over the world. The four topics were history and humanity, intelligent technology, sports competitions and a happy city. The posters not only reflect the beauty and history of Hangzhou but also the spirit and energy of sport and the local people. Ji Yu, a post-graduate in visual communication design, provided two of the posters under the theme “Sharing Hangzhou”. She said: “Hangzhou is a young and vibrant city. I am looking forward to the pageant of Hangzhou 2022 and I’d like to express my wish for Hangzhou 2022 from the perspective of a young girl.” In the two posters, Ji Yu depicts cakes, goblets and champagne - the three common elements for parties and celebrations, as well as sports elements such as an athletics track, swimming pool and ball sports.
The two posters designed by Ji Yu. (Photo: https://www.hangzhou2022.cn)
"I hope to show the youthful passion of Hangzhou to the athletes around the world and make them feel the ebullient vigour of Hangzhou," she added.
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
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Page 10
Hangzhou 2022 GRAND PLANS FOR NEW ASIAN GAMES SKATEBOARD PARK
S
kateboarding made a spectacular Asian Games debut at the co-host city of Palembang, Indonesia in 2018. Competitions in the park and street disciplines introduced a conveyor belt of youthful and fearless athletes, and the big crowds at Jakabaring Sports City lapped up the thrills and the frequent spills.
This new-found platform of appreciation for skateboarding continued at Tokyo 2020 when the daredevil sport made its Olympic debut and proved to be one of the most popular shows in town. No doubt the same will apply at Hangzhou 2022 – and the arena for skateboarding passed its acceptance test with flying colours on May 5. The Asian Games Skateboard Park is located in Hangzhou East Bay Headquarters Base and covers a land area of 5,661 square metres. There is a total construction area of about 878 square metres, divided into park and street venues, and the grandstand has a seating capacity of 862. Although the 19th Asian Games has been postponed to 2023, there are long-term legacy plans for the skateboard park as an international competition venue.
The Asian Games Skateboard Park has passed its acceptance test. (Photo: www.hangzhou2022.cn)
It will also be open to the public and stage training and education camps for the youth to make the most of this sparkling new venue and guarantee its sustainability.
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
Page 11
OCA Development Programme Coaches and Referees, West Asia
OCA DIRECTOR GENERAL REFLECTS ON SUCCESSFUL OPENING
T
he Olympic Council of Asia has kicked off an ambitious project to develop coaches and referees that will have a profound long-term effect on sport throughout the region. The programme, in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity, is being conducted in three phases for coaches and referees in nine sports from 12 National Olympic Committees in West Asia.
“This is really, I feel, our duty and responsibility to develop the technical level of all sports, not only in the field of play but also in the other sectors like coaches and referees because they are very important. “I am sure they will get the benefit from participating in the course and, also, I am sure they will provide feedback to their respective National Federation or NOC. It will be encouraging to continue such an event and programme for the future.”
The first and second phases were held in March and the third phase is set for early June, all at the OCA HQ in Kuwait. The plan is to expand the pilot project into the other four zones of the OCA in order to enhance the knowledge and experience of the coaches and referees to assist in the development of sport at national, regional and international level. Speaking on the completion of the second phase of the course, the OCA Director General, Husain Al Musallam, said he was “very pleased” with the outcome and especially with the organisation in partnership with Olympic Solidarity, the International Olympic Committee, the International and Asian Sport Federations and the NOCs. DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY “I am happy to see the sports coaches and referees come here and interact, learn some new methods of coaching or training or what has happened for the new rules for the refereeing,” he said.
The OCA Director General hands out certificates.
Page 16
Words: Alvin Sallay, OCA Media Department Photos: Ramireddy Kona, OCA Video Editor The OCA’s Head of Athletes Development and Special Projects, Tony Tarraf, said it had been very important to receive feedback from the participants and instructors. When asked if the first phase had been a success, he replied: “I am so happy to say that, yes, it was very successful…the number of participants, the commitment, the dedication, the high level of instructors delivering all the courses. “The feedback from participants and instructors makes us feel really happy because we feel that we invested a lot of time for the courses to prepare and to make sure everything is going in the right way, and to make sure that this programme will be really a development programme.
The OCA's Tony Tarraf welcomes participants from Syria.
OCA Development Programme
Coaches and Referees, West Asia
OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECT SUPER HAPPY “You see the feedback, especially after we circulated the survey for all the participants at the end, because it is very important to monitor and evaluate, and you see how participants and instructors were super happy with the content, with the structure, with the instructors, with the organisation and this makes us feel really happy. “The evaluation was really good for us to know if we need to amend or if we need to change. This is a great step for the Olympic Council of Asia to support our National Olympic Committees, the National Federations, coaches and referees for the development of sports in the continent.” Tony described the first phase as a “huge step” and “challenging” because it was the first time the OCA had implemented courses at the HQ in Kuwait rather than developing NOCs by supporting them with programmes. He added that, following discussions with the OCA Director General, the plan was to offer the same opportunities for the NOCs in the other four zones to make sure that the development will go through all the continent. “This is just the start,” he concluded.
OCA Development Programme Coaches and Referees Courses NOCs (12): Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Sports (9): Athletics, Basketball, Football, Handball, Gymnastics, Judo, Swimming, Table Tennis and Volleyball. Phase 1: March 21 – 25 Handball, Swimming and Volleyball. Phase 2: March 27 – 31 Football, Judo and Gymnastics. Phase 3: June 4 – 9 Athletics, Basketball and Table Tennis. Venue: OCA HQ and sports venues in Kuwait City. Aim: To develop further the technical aspects of coaches and referees in West Asia.
Unity, solidarity and friendship were important factors in the success of the OCA special development project for coaches and referees in Kuwait.
Page 17
OCA Development Programme Coaches and Referees, West Asia
Pool side at the swimming school for officials.
Taking in every word at the swimming clinic for coaches.
Ready to learn at the handball referees course.
Handball coaches on the court.
Volleyball officials attend the seminar.
Taking a timeout in the volleyball coaches course.
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OCA Development Programme
Coaches and Referees, West Asia
Learning out on the football pitch...
...and learning in the classroom.
The seminar for artistic gymnastics coaches is underway.
Certificates are presented to the new judges in rhythmic gymnastics.
Ready for action at the judo seminar.
Participants ask and learn at the IJF judo coaching and refereeing seminar.
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OCA Development Programme for Coaches and Referees, West Asia
SAUDI TEENAGER CHASING GYMNASTICS COACHING GOLD
S
audi Arabia’s Sarah Alsaleh is determined to become a top-class gymnastics coach as she says her chance to be a champion athlete has long passed her by. Sarah, 15, was the youngest participant among the 25 coaches in artistic gymnastics during the second phase of the OCA development project. “I couldn’t start early and lost my chance to be an athlete,” she said. “The next best thing is to become a coach - and I’m very grateful for the Olympic Council of Asia as well as the Saudi Arabia Gymnastics Federation for giving me the opportunity to participate in this course.” Still a schoolgirl – a Grade 10 student at Al Tarbiyah Al Islamiyah School in Riyadh – Sarah spends five hours after school in the gym to learn the finer points of the sport. “Life in Saudi Arabia is becoming more open for women. The Saudi Government is putting a lot of effort and resources into developing sport as well as women in sport,” added Sarah.
Sarah, 15, aims to become a top gymnastics coach in Saudi Arabia.
COACHES FROM YEMEN, PALESTINE FIND JOY IN JUDO
Y
emeni coach Mustafa Khousrof eagerly leaned forward on the mat as Germany’s Olympic champion judoka, Udo Quellmalz, demonstrated choking techniques at the Kuwaiti Judo Federation gymnasium in Sabah Al Salem. “This is a rare opportunity to study one of the best in the world and I want to learn as much as possible so I can help other coaches and my club back home,” says an excited Khousrof.
From the sleeve-wheel strangle to the trunk strangle and the one- and two-handed chokes, the participants from 12 NOCs in West Asia lapped it all up. “It’s not every day that you get the chance to learn from an Olympic and world champion. For me, being here is like a dream come true,” said Nur Aburamilah, one of two coaches from Palestine.
Six of 11 Shime-Waza, or choking methods, were displayed on a screen as the International Judo Federation referee instructor from Leipzig took the group of more than 30 coaches and referees through their paces.
Quellmalz, 55, won Olympic bronze at Barcelona 1992 and gold four years later in Atlanta in the half lightweight (-65kg) division. He was world champion in 1991 and 1995.
The German coach watches over his students.
Participants get to grips with judo techniques.
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OCA Development Programme
Coaches and Referees, West Asia
QATAR VOLLEYBALL ACE ALI BAIRAMI LEARNS NEW TRICKS
F
or former Qatar national volleyball player Ali Eshagh Bairami, it was all a new learning curve at the OCA development project in Kuwait City. “This is the first time that I’m taking part in a coaching seminar and clinic where more than just one sport is involved. And I’m learning a lot, not only in volleyball but also from mixing around with other coaches from swimming and handball. It has been a fantastic experience for me,” said the 42-year-old budding volleyball coach. As a player, Bairami represented Qatar from 2000 to 2016. But his best moment on court was captaining Al Rayyan Sports Club to the runner-up position at the 2014 World Club Championship in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Volleyball coach Ali Bairami learned from other sports, too.
“This is a good learning experience for me. I’m finding out new things every day as a coach in volleyball, but when I mix around with the other coaches from swimming and handball it broadens my view. This gives me a better idea of what is needed to become a complete athlete,” added Bairami, an assistant coach with the Qatar national team.
REFEREE ALENEZI RAISES PROFILE OF WOMEN’S HANDBALL
M
aali Alenezi grabs every opportunity that comes her way to raise the profile of women’s handball in Kuwait – and the OCA’s special development project was right down her alley. “I’m here not only to learn more about refereeing but also to help raise the profile of women’s handball in Kuwait,” Alenezi explains.
The PE teacher was accompanied by two other female referees from Kuwait, Dalal Alnaseem and Mariam Bughaith, for the handball seminar conducted by International Handball Federation lecturer Felix Ratz.
“I’m achieving both goals here and I’m thankful that the Olympic Council of Asia has given us this opportunity.”
“This is the first time that I’m learning from an IHF instructor. In the past, I have attended refereeing clinics and seminars run by the Asian Handball Federation. But this is another level,” says Alenezi, a former national player who took up refereeing six years ago.
The handball course for referees is under way.
Referees take notes from the IHF expert.
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Inside the OCA TASHKENT WELCOMES OCA FOR EB MEETING, CELEBRATION
T
ashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, played host to the Olympic Council of Asia for a series of meetings and celebrations over the course of three days from May 5-7. The two major highlights of the jam-packed programme were the 77th OCA Executive Board meeting on the morning of Friday, May 6, followed by the 30th anniversary celebration of the founding of the National Olympic Committee.
President Islam Karimov - by Minister of Sports Development Adkham Ikramov, OCA Vice President Otabek Umarov, NOC Secretary General Oybek Kasimov and NOC Deputy President Azizjon Kamilov. He was joined the following day by the OCA Director General, Husain Al Musallam, and the pair attended a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development and NOC officials.
The OCA Acting President, Raja Randhir Singh, could not speak highly enough of the visit. “We would like to thank the NOC of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan for their warm hospitality and wonderful organisation,” Raja Randhir said. “It has been truly an honour for the OCA to be invited to Tashkent at this special time in history and we congratulate Uzbekistan for everything they have achieved in the Olympic movement during these past 30 years. “We have seen the strong support for sport, for athletes and for the Olympic Committee at all levels of government and I must say the future is looking very bright for the Olympic movement in Uzbekistan.” Raja Randhir arrived on May 4 and was greeted at Tashkent International Airport - named after former
Raja Randhir Singh is welcomed at Tashkent International Airport on May 4. (Photo: @nocuzbekistan)
Raja Randhir and Captain Husain arrive for a meeting with the Minister of Sports Development on May 5. (Photo: @nocuzbekistan)
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Inside the OCA OCA JOINS UZBEKISTAN NOC’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY
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he Palace of International Forums "Uzbekistan" hosted a glittering celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of the National Olympic Committee on Friday, May 6. The chief guests were the Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tanzila Narbayeva, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Adviser to the President Abdujabar Abduvakhidov and Minister of Sports Development Adkham Ikramov. They were joined by senior officials of the Olympic Council of Asia, led by Acting President Raja Randhir Singh, Director General Husain Al Musallam and members of the OCA Executive Board, as well as Uzbekistan NOC leaders and representatives of the IOC and other international sports organisations.
Raja Randhir presents a trophy. (Photo: @nocuzbekistan)
At the beginning of the event, the congratulatory message of the President of the Republic, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was read by the Presidential Spokesman, Sherzod Asadov.
Athlete with the most Olympic medals, Rishod Sobirov (judo)
A video entitled “Awakening” showed the history and achievements of the NOC before the awards ceremony honoured the best athletes and national sports federations over the past 30 years:
Federation with the most medals, wrestling
Federation with the most Olympic medals, boxing Federation with the most Olympic record-holders, weightlifting Best athlete of each decade: 1. Mirjalol Kasimov (football, 1991-2001), 2. Abdullo Tangriev (judo, 2001-2011), 3. Oksana Chusovitina (gymnastics, 2011-2021).
Coach, Marat Kurbanov (boxing)
For services in the promotion of Uzbek sports in the world, Ravshan Irmatov (football referee) Most glorious national team, football (Asian Games gold at Hiroshima 1994) First Olympic Games medal, Armen Bagdasarov (judo) Youngest Olympic champion, Ulugbek Rashitov (taekwondo)
The 30th anniversary celebration is underway. (Photo: @nocuzbekistan)
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Inside the OCA OCA ADVISORY COMMITTEE LOOKS AHEAD TO GANGWON 2024
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he OCA Advisory Committee met in Seoul on May 3 and discussed the latest developments and trends in the Olympic movement and how they will affect and impact Asia. The Advisory Committee is comprised of Asia’s IOC members and serves as a link between the IOC, the OCA and the National Olympic Committees. One of the main topics on the agenda was the Winter Youth Olympic Games due to take place in Gangwon province in 2024. This will be the first Winter YOG to be held in Asia and will build on the legacy of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018.
The OCA Advisory Committee gathers in Korea. (Photo: Ryu Seung Min Facebook)
OCA CULTURE COMMITTEE AIMS FOR ‘ONE ASIA’
U
nder the leadership of Thailand’s IOC member, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, the OCA Culture Committee met virtually on May 5 under the theme “Adapting to the New Normal”. The committee noted that the world was returning to normal after the pandemic with Bangkok hosting the Badminton World Federation AGM on May 7 followed by the Thomas & Uber Cup competitions from May 8-15 and finally the Thailand Open. With the 31st SEA Games set for May 12-23 in Hanoi, this was an encouraging sign that the sports world in Asia was on the move, members agreed. The committee discussed how to achieve the “One Asia” goal following the pandemic and explored the potential of digital communication around the continent to promote culture through sport and the OCA.
OCA Culture Committee Chair Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul chairs the virtual meeting from Bangkok.
OCA EXECUTIVE BOARD: The 77th OCA EB meeting was held at the Palace of International Forums in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Friday, May 6. It was the first time for Uzbekistan to host the OCA Executive Board.
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Inside the OCA OCA SIGNS HOST CITY CONTRACT WITH RIYADH FOR 2025 AIMAG
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he Acting President of the OCA, Raja Randhir Singh, signed the host city contract for the 7th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The ceremony took place at the Riyadh Green Halls in the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex and followed the OCA’s acceptance of Riyadh’s request to host the AIMAG at the OCA General Assembly in Dubai last November. The two signatories on the Saudi side were HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC), and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, Vice Governor of Riyadh Province. Prince Abdulaziz said the AIMAG in 2025, as well as the World Combat Games in 2023, would be good preparation on the road to Riyadh hosting the Asian Games in 2034.
The signing ceremony for AIMAG 7 in 2025 is held in Riyadh. (Photo: SOPC)
TASHKENT OLYMPIC TOWN UNVEILED FOR AYG 2025
U
zbekistan NOC has announced it will build the Tashkent Olympic Town in the Qibray district for the Asian Youth Games in 2025. The new village will be able to host 20 sports and will be built in two phases. The first phase will include an aquatics centre, velodrome, badminton palace, athletics stadium and a rowing complex. The second stage will include accommodation, an indoor athletics stadium, a martial arts arena and an outdoor hockey pitch. Sports officials discuss the new Olympic village in Tashkent with representatives of the British company ARUP. (Photo: www.olympic.uz)
OCA DIRECTOR TO LEAD IKF: The OCA’s Director of International and NOC Relations, Vinod Kumar Tiwari, was elected unopposed as the new President of the International Kabaddi Federation for the term 2022-2026 at the elective General Assembly in Dubai on March 31.
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Women in Sport NEPAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
O
n the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, the Women and Sports Commission of Nepal Olympic Committee honoured Sudha Sen Malla and Julum Puri Giri with cash prizes. NOC President Hon. Jeevan Ram Shrestha handed over Rs 25,000 to Ms. Malla (technical award) and Ms. Giri (administration award) along with a letter of appreciation. Giri took up taekwondo in 1983 and became the first female black belt. She has worked for the National Sports Council for over three decades. NOC President Shrestha emphasised the importance of women's participation in Nepali sports and said that Ms. Malla and Ms. Giri had made an invaluable contribution.
International Women’s Day in Nepal. (@nationalolympiccommittee)
The programme was presided over by the chairperson of Rana. Committee member Pramila Singh Shrestha gave a welcome the commission and Vice President of NOC, Ms. Jyoti speech and secretary Bimala Poudel thanked the participants.
SRI LANKAN MOUNTAINEER LIGHTS UP QUEEN’S BATON RELAY
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he Birmingham 2022 Queen’s Baton Relay for the aims to support survivors of technology-based violence and abuse Commonwealth Games selected Sri Lankan mountaineer and highlights the importance of maintaining records of incidents of Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala as one of five inspirational violence for further action.” baton-bearers on International Women’s Day. The relay toured 72 Commonwealth nations and territories for five months and met many incredible women who took on the role of baton-bearer, none more so than Jayanthi Kuru-Utumpala. “Jayanthi made history by being the first Sri Lankan to summit Mount Everest,” the baton relay organisers announced. “A proud feminist, one of the many projects Jayanthi is involved with is Delete-Nothing - an online platform which
IRAQ NOC THANKS WOMEN IN SPORT: The National Olympic Committee of Iraq recognised the outstanding contribution of women in sport at a special ceremony to mark International Women’s Day on March 8 at the NOC HQ in Baghdad. NOC President Raad Hammoudi praised the role of female athletes and NOC staff in the success of the Olympic movement and distributed gifts and commemorative shields. (Photo: @nociraq)
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Jayanthi flies the flag of Sri Lanka. (https://olympic.lk)
Women in Sport QOC HIGHLIGHTS ‘SUPER WOMEN’ IN WEEK-LONG CAMPAIGN
T
he Qatar Olympic Committee celebrated International “But we still have a long way to go in our journey to support Women's Day by rolling out its week-long “Super Women” development in Qatar as we believe that the responsibility lies in the campaign highlighting the achievements of inspiring hands of both men and women.“ female personalities in Qatar. In addition, Team Qatar female athletes participated in Qatar Foundation’s International Women’s Day “Run the World“ event that took place in Oxygen Park. The “Super Women“ campaign celebrated women’s achievements and aimed to inspire people of all ages and genders by showcasing the experiences and success stories of women in Qatar. Sheikha Asma Al Thani, Director of Marketing and Communications at QOC, said: “Qatari women have achieved remarkable successes and have their voices heard not only in sports but also in other sectors such as politics, culture, arts and media.
(@Qatar_Olympic/www.olympic.qa)
MONGOLIA ADOPTS OCA’S SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
T
o celebrate International Women’s Day, the Women in Sport Commission (WSC) of Mongolia NOC organised an event with the NOC’s female members in the presence of IOC Member and First Vice President Batbold Battushig and NOC Acting President Choijgavaa Naranbaatar. The commission will implement the Olympic Council of Asia’s Social Development through Olympism project and will hold a series of events such as an “empowering female sports leaders” seminar, a sports day with female Olympic medallists, an Olympians activity for high school students and the publication of social media content on female sports leaders as a role model.
Mongolia NOC’s Women in Sport Commission.
DIAZ EARNS TOP AWARD: The Philippines’ first ever Olympic gold medallist, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at Tokyo 2020, was named Athlete of the Year for 2021 by the Philippine Sportswriters Association at the annual awards ceremony at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on March 14. (Photo: Danny Pata/GMA)
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Women in Sport INDIAN WEIGHTLIFTER MIRABAI CHANU WINS BBC SPORTS AWARD
I
ndian weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu was announced the winner of the third edition of the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award for 2021 on March 28. Mirabai Chanu created history in 2021 when she became the first Indian weightlifter to clinch a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. In her reaction to winning the award, Mirabai Chanu thanked the BBC and said: “I am currently training in the United States of America. I will give my best to win gold at this year’s Asian and Commonwealth Games. Thanks again to BBC India for honouring me with the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award.” Tim Davie, BBC’s Director-General, hosted the awards ceremony in New Delhi and commented: “Congratulations to Mirabai Chanu, who is a fantastic sportswoman and a deserving winner of the award. “It’s wonderful to be here in Delhi in the BBC’s centenary year, and to honour the talented Indian sportswomen who’ve achieved so much, often in the face of challenging circumstances.”
BBC News announces the winner of the award. (www.bbc.com)
OLYMPIC CHAMPION KODAIRA ANNOUNCES OCTOBER RETIREMENT
O
lympic speed skating champion Nao Kodaira of Japan announced on April 12 that she will retire from competition at the national single distances championships in her hometown Nagano this October. Kodaira, 35, told a press conference: "When I thought about how long life is, I didn't want it to be only about speed skating. I felt that now was around the right time. I decided to draw the goal line for myself. "There are several reasons but I wanted to race one last time while I still can physically. I wanted the last race to be at home.” Kodaira, a four-time Olympian, won the women’s 500m gold medal at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics. She also has two Olympic silver medals, from the 1,000m at PyeongChang and team pursuit at Vancouver 2010. In the Asian Winter Games, Kodaira won two gold medals at Sapporo 2017, in the 500m and 1,000m, and a bronze in 1,500m at Astana-Almaty 2011.
HISTORY IN SINGAPORE: The Football Association of Singapore has described the debut appearance of the Lionesses women’s national team in the Hangzhou Asian Games as a history-making breakthrough moment for the sport. Pictured is playmaker Putri. (Photo: FAS)
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Nao Kodaira will retire in October. (Photo: Getty Images)
Women in Sport UAE NOC HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANT ROLE OF WOMEN IN SPORT
T
he United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee organised an event to mark International Women's Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on March 8. It was attended by women from various organisations in the Emirates, including sports federations. Engineer Azza bint Suleiman, Assistant General Secretary for Administrative and Financial Affairs of the National Olympic Committee, opened the event programme by welcoming the participants. The prominent sports official confirmed the NOC’s commitment to supporting and developing girls and women in the sports sector, including athletes, administrators and leaders, and thereby contributing to the prosperity of the Emirates.
Eng. Azza bint Suleiman welcomes the participants. (Photo: @uaenoc)
UZBEKISTAN HONOURS OLYMPIC GYMNAST CHUSOVITINA
T
he National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan has announced that the Oksana Chusovitina School of Gymnastics will open in the academic year 2022-23.
The school, dedicated to the 46-year-old eight-time Olympian, is in accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated November 5, 2021 to develop sports and educational institutions until 2025. It will be under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Sports Development. The resolution states that the national programme of sports schools will aim to supply a flow of talented athletes to compete in major events such as the Olympic Games, Asian Games, World Championships and Asian Championships. The gymnastics school will accommodate 165 students from grades 1-11, and the students will receive general education at the nearest secondary school.
Oksana Chusovitina is an eight-time Olympian. (Photo: Getty)
The Ministry of Sports Development, the NOC, the Ministry of Construction and the Tashkent city administration will ensure that the school is organised and equipped by August 1, 2022.
IRAN SHOOT TO GOLD: Iran’s 10m air pistol women’s team of Golnoush Sebghatollahi, Haniyeh Rostamian and Elham Harijani won the gold medal at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Rio de Janeiro on April 14. (Photo: ISSF)
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Obituary THE TRAGIC CASE OF SRI LANKAN TRACK STAR MADUSHANI
S
ri Lankan sport was shocked and saddened by the death of national women’s 400m hurdles champion Kaushalya Madushani on April 24 at the age of 26. Kuliyapitiya Police Division said the athlete was found dead at her home in Dummalasuriya and that the cause was suicide. Madushani had represented Sri Lanka at several international events and had won titles and medals at senior and junior level. These included three medals - a gold, silver and bronze - at the South Asian Games and five national titles in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022. Sri Lanka Track and Field Athletes’ Wing posted a moving tribute to Kaushalya Madushani. “She has been a great asset to our nation, a great friend to all athletes and a humble human being to say the least. “May she rest in peace, and may her family and loved ones find strength during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you.” Sri Lanka NOC’s weekly bulletin “Good Sport News” asked: “Why? Wasn’t it preventable?” and described it as “a tragedy which should not have taken place”.
Sri Lanka NOC commented: “Now the question arises whether this wanton destruction of a blossoming life was preventable if the authorities managed to identify the malady and, at the same time, Madushani was given an insight about the IOC’s Safe Sports Policy which is now adopted by the NOC SL Women’s Committee.” The NOC admitted that it may be “bewildering” for a young girl, especially from a rural background, to move to the concrete jungle of a big city and into a high-pressure sports environment.
The tribute from the Sri Lanka Track and Field Athletes' Wing.
“The athlete may become susceptible to circumstances out of the ordinary and this may lead the athlete to seek shelter unsuspectingly.” The article concluded: “As a matter of fact, the loss is for sport as a whole.”
National women’s 400m hurdles champion Kaushalya Madushani. (Photos: adaderana.lk)
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The front page of the Sri Lanka NOC weekly news bulletin.
Obituary
SHANMUGA RAJAH NAVARATNAM: The Olympic Council of Malaysia reported that the gymnastics pioneer passed away peacefully on April 29 at the age of 73. Shanmuga Rajah Navaratnam was heavily involved in the development of gymnastics in Malaysia. He was one of the founding members of the Malaysian Gymnastics Federation in 1978 and served as Assistant Secretary from 1978 to 1980 and as Honorary Secretary from 1980 until 2017. In 2016 he was honoured with the FIG Silver Distinction Award. (Photo: @Olympic.Council.Malaysia)
SANJU CHAUDHARY: Nepal’s weightlifting champion was found dead in Lalitpur, Kathmandu on May 10 in news that shocked the country. She had won a gold medal in the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal in 2019 and was in training for the 19th Asian Games. Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha was among the mourners to offer condolences.
HOSSEIN MOLLAGHASEMI: The Tehran Times reported that the former Iran national team wrestler passed away on April 25 at the age of 89 at a hospital in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Mollaghasemi won a silver medal at the 1957 World Championships in -62kg freestyle. He then changed to Greco-Roman wrestling and competed at the 1960 and 1964 Olympic Games. He led Iran’s Greco-Roman wrestling team in the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran, where Iran won eight gold medals.
(Photo: Kathmandu Post) (Photo: Tehran Times) Page 31
News in Brief
ONOC re-elects Robin Mitchell as President
IOC signs Deloitte deal
Dr. Robin Mitchell has been re-elected as Oceania National Olympic Committees (ONOC) President during the Continental Association’s General Assembly in Fiji.
The IOC and Deloitte have announced a decade-long, five-Games partnership through 2032 under the Worldwide Olympic Partner programme. Over the course of the partnership, Deloitte will provide the IOC with Management and Business Consulting Services, including digital strategy and transformation, that will advance the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5 goals. (www.ioc.org)
Mitchell, who also serves as Acting ANOC President, was the only candidate standing for the position and was re-elected by acclamation. He will serve for a fourth term through to 2025 having first been elected as ONOC President in 2009. (www.anocolympic.org)
Singapore set to host Olympic virtual sports festival
Over 13 million tickets for Paris 2024
The IOC and Singapore National Olympic Council are exploring the possibility of hosting a festival of virtual sports and gaming in early 2023.
The Paris 2024 Board of Directors have announced there will be almost 13.4 million tickets available for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. With approximately 10 million for the Olympics and 3.4 million for the Paralympics, Paris 2024 will be offering a large number of tickets at affordable prices to make the Games open to everyone and bring people together in a spirit of unity. For the first time in the Games’ history, all tickets will be sold through a single, dedicated online platform, both in France and abroad. (www.press.paris2024.org)
The festival would build on the success of the inaugural Olympic Virtual Series (OVS) in 2021, when 250,000 people from over 100 countries took part, and would reinforce Singapore as a world leader in the field. Following this success, the IOC is continuing to develop the OVS with the ambition of establishing an annual competition. The next OVS is planned to start in late 2022, with the finals taking place in early 2023. The ambition will be to bring gaming communities and the Olympic Movement together in a celebration of virtual sports across exhibitions, education sessions and the inaugural in-person Olympic Virtual Series finals. (www.ioc.org)
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News in Brief
SEAGF names new hosts
ISA awards 41 surfing scholarships
The South East Asian Games Federation Council, meeting in Hanoi on May 12, appointed the host countries of its biennial SEA Games through to the end of the decade.
The International Surfing Association has awarded scholarships to 41 young surfers from 18 countries under the 2021 programme. The surfers will share USD 20,000 to help their surfing career and education.
After Cambodia will host the 32nd SEA Games for the first time in history in May 2023, the next three editions will go to: 2025, Thailand; 2027, Malaysia; 2029, Singapore. The next SEA Games Federation Council meeting will take place in Phnom Penh from July 11-13, 2022.
The ISA has handed out over USD 368,500 in grants to more than 350 surfers since the scholarship programme began in 2007. The 41 in the latest list include: Sivaraj Babu, Pradeep Pujar, Raju Pujar, Harish Muthu (all India), Abdul Feri, Alfan Alfan, Gunawan House (all Indonesia), Zayaan Ismail (Maldives), Vea Estrellado (Philippines) and Natthapon Yamsila (Thailand). (https://isasurf.org).
Breaking news... OCA The Olympic Council of Asia has announced that the 41st OCA General Assembly will be held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on October 4, 2022. The OCA was planning to conduct this year’s General Assembly on the sidelines of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September but the Asiad has been postponed to 2023 on dates to be announced. The OCA will also host an Executive Board meeting in Phnom Penh the day before the General Assembly, on October 3.
WADA/ASEAN sign MOU The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to collaborate on a range of anti-doping programme development activities. The signing took place on March 14 during the 17th Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, hosted in Dubai by the United Arab Emirates National Anti-Doping Organisation. (https://www.wada-ama.org).
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OCA Sports Diary
2022
July 15 – 24
May 8 World Athletics Seiko Golden Grand Prix Toyo, Japan
Oregon, United States
November 21 – December 18 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
July 28 – August 8 Commonwealth Games Birmingham, England
December 9 IOC Olympic Summit Lausanne, Switzerland
September 10 – 25 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, China
December 20 – 28 3rd Asian Youth Games Shantou, China
October 3 OCA 78th Executive Board Phnom Penh, Cambodia
2023
World Athletics Championships
May 12 – 23 31st SEA Games Hanoi, Vietnam May 13 - 31 3rd GCC Gulf Sports Games Kuwait May 23 – May 27 IOC 2nd Coordination Commission meeting for 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon, Korea
October 4 OCA 41st General Assembly Phnom Penh, Cambodia
June 18 – July 3
October 18 ANOC Executive Council Seoul, Korea
19th FINA World Championships
Budapest, Hungary July 11 – 13
SEA Games Federation Council
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
October 19 – 20 ANOC XXVI General Assembly/Awards Seoul, Korea
19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner
杭州2022年第19届亚运会官方合作伙伴
Dates to be announced: 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, China Dates to be finalised: 14th South Asian Games Pakistan May 5 – 17 32nd SEA Games Phnoma Penh, Cambodia
OCA Sports Diary
July 14 – 30 20th FINA World Championships Fukuoka, Japan
2025 Dates to be finalised: 3rd Asian Youth Games Tashkent, Uzbekistan
August 2 – 11 FINA World Masters Championships Kyushu, Japan
Aichi-Nagoya 2026
Dates to be finalised: 7th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
September 19 – October 4 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, Japan 2027 Dates to be finalised: 34th SEA Games Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2030
November 17 – 23 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Bangkok/Chonburi, Thailand
Dates to be finalised: 33rd SEA Games Bangkok, Thailand Dates to be decided 15th National Games of China, Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong Province
2024 January 19 – February 1 Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon, Korea July 26 – August 12 Olympic Games Paris, France
20th Asian Games
2026
M.T.
MILANO CORTINA 2026
February 6 – 22 Olympic Winter Games Milan Cortina, Italy
Dates to be finalised: 21st Asian Games Doha, Qatar 2032 July 23 – August 8 Olympic Games Brisbane, Australia 2034 Dates to be finalised: 22nd Asian Games Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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