Sporting Asia - Edition 58 - September by Dunsar Media Company Limited

Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia

Edition 58 - September 2022

OLYMPIC DAY IN ASIA SHARING THE JOY – TOGETHER

New dates for 19th Asian Games GCC Games in Kuwait SEA Games in Vietnam OCA General Assembly

Contents

Inside the 60-page Sporting Asia Edition 58 – September 2022

16 19 28 44 46

4–9

Acting President’s Message NOC News in Pictures

10 – 15

Hangzhou Asian Games

16 – 19 16 – 17 18 19

Inside the OCA OCA Development Programme OCA thanks Shantou AYG OCA General Assembly Update

20 – 27

3rd GCC Games, Kuwait 2022

28 – 33

Six pages of Olympic Day celebrations in Asia

34 – 41

31st SEA Games, Vietnam

42 – 45 42 – 43 43 44 45

Games Update 32nd SEA Games, Cambodia 2023 14th South Asian Games, Pakistan 2023 ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 Olympic Winter Games news

46 – 49

Women in Sport

50 – 51

Olympic Young Ambassadors – View from Singapore

52 – 53

OVEP comes to India

54 – 55

Obituary

56 – 57

News in Brief

58 – 59

OCA Sports Diary

Hangzhou Asian Games

OCA Sponsors’ Club

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 Land of Olympic Day Smiles in Thailand. (Photo: National Olympic Committee of Thailand)

OLYMPIC MOVEMENT IN ASIA BACK ON THE MOVE

elcome to the new edition of the OCA’s quarterly publication, Sporting Asia. We begin with the very welcome news that we have finalised the new dates for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China: September 23 to October 8, 2023. I would like to thank and congratulate my colleagues in the OCA, as well as in the Chinese Olympic Committee and Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee, for coming up with these new dates in a crowded sports calendar for next year. The Olympic Movement in Asia can now start planning again and looking forward to the 19th Asian Games, with still over one year to go. The new OCA magazine is dominated by three main events: Olympic Day celebrations around Asia, the 3rd Gulf Cooperation Council Games in Kuwait and the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

demonstrated the organisational capabilities of our hosting NOCs and the unity and solidarity of the countries taking part. Both games were a big success and can make the continent feel proud. Elsewhere, the OCA’s innovative Development Programme for Coaches and Referees for 12 NOCs in West Asia drew to a close with the third phase in Kuwait in June. Plans are now in hand to expand the project into Central Asia and South Asia in November. The countdown has also started to this year’s OCA General Assembly, which will take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on October 4. These are exciting times for Cambodia NOC with the OCA meetings, the 32nd SEA Games in May 2023 and the Asian Youth Games in 2029. Cambodia will use sport and the Olympic movement to project a new, youthful and dynamic image of the “Kingdom of Wonder” and we know we can count on the full support of our NOCs in Asia to help them on their journey.

Sporting Asia devotes six pages to the Olympic Day activities of our National Olympic Committees, and eight pages of reports, photos and facts and figures from Kuwait and Vietnam. The two international games involved a total of 17 National Olympic Committees and around 7,000 athletes and once again

Raja Randhir Singh Acting President, Olympic Council of Asia

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NOC News in Pictures

JORDAN Olympic Committee’s General Assembly re-elected HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein to serve as President until after the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games – a role which he first took up in 2003 and during which has seen major advancements in Jordanian sport. (Photo: JOC)

BAHRAIN Olympic Committee Vice President His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa received the national basketball team at Bahrain International Airport on their return from a successful qualifying campaign in Kazakhstan for the 2023 FIBA World Basketball Cup. (Photo: Bahrain News Agency)

SRI Lanka NOC, in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity, held a five-day National Course Directors’ training programme for 14 participants, including four students from Bhutan and Mongolia, from July 4-8. The course was conducted by Mr. B.L.H. Perera, National Course Director of Sri Lanka NOC. (Photo: @OlympicLK)

YEMEN Olympic Committee’s athlete commission and anti-doping committee conducted an anti-doping and sports integrity seminar for 35 athletes and coaches bound for the 2022 Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey in August. (Photo: @yemnoc)

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NOC News in Pictures

NEPAL Olympic Committee President the Hon. Jeevan Ram Shrestha has been appointed as the new Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation by Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Debua. The announcement was greeted with great pride by the sports community at home.

HONG Kong fencer and Olympian Cheung Siu-lun joined Hong Kong rugby team players Yiu Kam-shing, Lee Ka-to and Chong Ka-yan at the third and final stop of the Hong Kong Sports Institute’s 30th anniversary six-week roving exhibition at Lok Fu Place on June 26.

(Photo: @nationalolympiccommittee)

(Photo: Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China)

KAZAKHSTAN Olympic Committee’s striking national costumes for the opening ceremony at the Beijing Winter Olympics have been donated to the Olympic Museum’s permanent collection during a ceremony in Lausanne.The handcrafted black costume adorned with Kazakh national gold ornaments was worn by national flag bearers Yekaterina Aidova (speed skating) and Abzal Azhgaliyev (short track). (Photo: NOC Kazakhstan)

BANGLADESH Olympic Association Secretary General Syed Shahed Reza (right) welcomes Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai and Nepal NOC Secretary General Nilendra Raj Shrestha (left) for sports talks at Olympic Bhawan, Dhaka.

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NOC News in Pictures

OMAN Olympic Committee’s High-Level Sports and Olympic Planning Committee held the first induction meeting on June 22 at the OOC headquarters. The meeting was chaired by Saif bin Sebaa Al-Rashidi, a member of the Board of Directors. He welcomed the committee members for the term 2021+1-2024. (Photo: ooc.om)

PALESTINE Olympic Committee President Maj. Gen. Jibril Rajoub stressed the importance of technical planning to build a production line of athletic talent for national teams when he addressed a technical directors’ workshop for national sports associations at the Football Association HQ on July 2. (Photo: @PalOlympic)

QATAR Olympic Committee held a Change Management Training Course for directors and assistant directors of the various QOC departments. The trainees were presented with a certificate of appreciation by the key lecturer, Dr. Mai Issa, at the end of the three-day course. (www.olympic.qa)

INDONESIA NOC President Raja Sapta Oktohari, Secretary General Ferry Kono and Vice Secretary General Wijaya Noeradi attended the opening ceremony of a new sports law based on socialization and introduced by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Zainudin Amali. (Photo: https://nocindonesia.id)

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NOC News in Pictures

OLYMPIC Council of Malaysia President Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Norza Zakaria received a courtesy visit from H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko, the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, on the sidelines of the Malaysia Open badminton tournament. The two parties discussed the popularity of badminton and enhancing the sporting collaboration between Malaysia and Japan. (Photo: @Olympic.Council.Malaysia)

JAPANESE Olympic Committee President Yasuhiro Yamashita has signed a comprehensive agreement with Pride House Tokyo to create an environment where everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or gender expression, can participate in sport equally, safely and securely in their own way. (www.joc.or.jp).

IOC President Thomas Bach welcomed the President of the NOC of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, and the Iranian Minister for Sport and Youth, Dr Seyed Hamid Sajadi Hazaveh, to Olympic House in Lausanne. Discussions focused on the role of sport in Iranian society, compliance with the Olympic Charter and the next Olympic Games. (Photo: IOC/Greg Martin)

INDIA’S Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, unveiled the official kit for Team India at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games along with Minister of States Nisith Pramanik and members of the Indian Olympic Association during a send-off ceremony in New Delhi. (Photo: MYAS)

IRAQ Olympic Committee President Raad Hammoudi honoured the national Muaythai athletes on winning five medals - one silver and four bronze - at the recent IFMA (International Federation of Muaythai Associations) world championships in Abu Dhabi and praised the Iraqi Muaythai Federation for their success at all levels of competition. (Photo: @nociraq) Page 07

NOC News in Pictures

MONGOLIA NOC Vice President O. Odbayar held a meeting with the Vice President in charge of International Relations and Public Affairs at the Canadian Olympic Committee, Andrew Baker, in Vancouver. The Mongolian Olympic official expressed interest in cooperating with Canada to promote and develop winter sports. (Photo: Montsame News Agency)

PAKISTAN Olympic Association conducted a two-day Play True Doping and Good Conduct seminar on June 11-12. It was a joint venture of the Commonwealth Games Association of Pakistan and the Youth Affairs and Sports Department of Punjab and aimed at the national team heading for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. (Photo: @NOCPak)

CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee organised the National University and College Athletic Games in May. The sports gala attracted 18,951 athletes in 22 sports events. This is the biggest occasion for the CTOC to promote Olympic education and make contact with young adults aged from 18-25. CTOC set up a promotion kiosk and interacted with coaches, athletes and sports team staff. (https://www.tpenoc.net) Page 08

SINGAPORE National Olympic Council announced that badminton player Terry Hee and para power lifter Nur ‘Aini Mohamad Yasli would carry the flag at the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. They joined Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua to receive the flag from Chef de Mission Lim Heem Wei during a ceremony at the British High Commissioner’s residence in Singapore. (Photo: @sgolympics)

NOC News in Pictures

TIMOR-Leste NOC re-elected Francisco Kalbuadi Lay as President at the fifth Electoral General Assembly in Dili on June 14 attended by 21 National Federations. The NOC also awarded five athlete scholarships for Paris 2024.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee Executive Board member Pearl Managuelod held a 2022 World Games get-together with Chef de Mission Patrick "Pato" Gregorio and members of the delegation to discuss operational plans for the event. (Photo: Olympic.ph)

BHUTAN Olympic Committee’s Gender and Equity Committee, in collaboration with the Athletes Commission of Bhutan and with financial support from Olympic Solidarity, conducted a basic orientation programme to the Safeguarding Officers of the National Sports Federations and Sports Associations on June 17. (Photo: Bhutan Olympic Committee)

MALDIVES Olympic Committee Secretary General Thamooh Ahmed Saeed met with the deputy head of mission at the French Embassy, Aurelien Maillet, on June 27 to discuss France-Maldives sporting collaborations and strengthening ties between the two countries. (Photo: @olympicmv) Page 09

Hangzhou 2022 OCA ANNOUNCES NEW DATES FOR 19TH ASIAN GAMES

he Olympic Council of Asia announced the new dates for the 19th Asian Games in a press release dated July 19, 2022.

(Photo: HAGOC)

The 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China will now take place from September 23 to October 8, 2023. The Games were originally scheduled for September 10-25, 2022; however, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Games were postponed by the OCA Executive Board on May 6, 2022. The EB set up a Task Force to finalise the new dates for the Games.

The Big Lotus is ready to welcome the 19th Asian Games in September 2023.

“The Task Force, over the last two months, held various discussions with the Chinese Olympic Committee, Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) and other stakeholders to find a window for the Games which did not conflict with other major international sporting events,” the OCA said. “The recommended dates by the Task Force were duly approved by the OCA EB. “The OCA thanks HAGOC, the Chinese Olympic Committee,

as well as the Governments at all levels for their hard work in preparing for the Games during the pandemic and ensuring they can take place next year. “The OCA would also like to express its appreciation for the patience shown by the National Olympic Committees and International Federations/Asian Federations and other stakeholders. “The OCA looks forward to celebrating the best Asian Games ever in Hangzhou in September 2023.”

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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Hangzhou 2022 GEELY LAUNCHES ASIAN GAMES CHINA STAR SATELLITE

eely Holding Group, an Official Prestige Partner of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, has announced that the first nine satellites of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation have reached orbit. The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwest Sichuan province on Thursday, June 2. Geely described the mission as a complete success.

Tony Wang, CEO and Chief Scientist of Geespace, said: “Many favourable factors such as policy support and market demand is accelerating the growth of the commercial aerospace sector. “By establishing the Geely Future Mobility Constellation, Geespace is positioning itself to meet future user demands for high-precision positioning, space-based communication and remote sensing services.”

With the authorisation of the Olympic Council of Asia and 19th Asian Games organising committee HAGOC, one of the nine satellites is named Asian Games China Star and will be used to empower the “Smart Asian Games” with aerospace technology. This is the first commercial satellite in history named after the Asian Games and the first time a sports event has been empowered by its own exclusive satellite. The Geely Future Mobility Constellation will provide services for autonomous driving, logistics, drone navigation, mapping and other fields. This will be particularly important during the Asian Games as the Asian Games China Star will service and connect the fleet of Geely vehicles on the ground.

Geespace has successfully launched the first nine GeeSAT-1 satellites.

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 OLYMPIC CHAMPION PANG LIGHTS UP SHOOTING VENUE

our-time Olympian Pang Wei visited Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre on July 6 and described the shooting venue as one of the best in the world.

Excellence Award in the 49th Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Illumination Awards 2022, reflecting the highest level of design on a global scale.

Pang should know, having represented China at four consecutive Olympic Games since Beijing 2008 and winning two gold medals and two bronze medals.

The Illuminating Engineering Society, formerly the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, is an industry-backed, not-for-profit, learned society that was founded in New York City on January 10, 1906. The IES HQ is 120, Wall Street.

His first gold came in the men’s 10m air pistol at Beijing and his second at Tokyo 2020 last summer in the 10m air pistol mixed team. He also won bronze in the 10m air pistol at Rio and Tokyo. Meanwhile, the Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre has earned an

The awards for 2022 will be presented at the IES Annual Conference from August 18-20 in New Orleans. The Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre will host shooting, archery and modern pentathlon at the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Pang Wei visits the shooting venue. (Photo: Hangzhou 2022)

The Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre by night. (Photo: ehangzhou.gov.cn)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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Hangzhou 2022 ASIAN GAMES TALK IS THE TALK OF THE TOWN AROUND CHINA

ven though the 19th Asian Games have been postponed for a year, to September 2023, this hasn’t stopped organising committee HAGOC from promoting the event far and wide. As well as the Asian Games Ten Cities Tour around China, another

popular event is the Asian Games Talk. This not only includes a panel discussion to introduce the Asian Games to the public in various cities and provinces, it also involves cultural performances by children and community art projects. The latest stop on the Asian Games Talk tour was over two days in Enshi city, Hubei province. The programme involved a question-and-answer session on the Asian Games and an Asian Games-themed symposium, followed by a colourful dance routine. The tour will also take in Guangyuan in Sichuan province, Ganzi county, Delingha in Qinghai province and Suzhou in Anhui province during July and August.

A children’s cultural performance at Enshi city. (Photo: HAGOC)

“Asian Games Talk tells the story of the Asian Games and promotes the Hangzhou Asian Games while offering exciting events for the public. They are proving very popular and we will announce more stops in the near future,” said organising committee HAGOC.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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Hangzhou 2022 SWIMMING RELAY SIGNALS YELLOW DRAGON REOPENING

he Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Swimming and Diving Centre has reopened for the Asian Games after a lengthy refurbishment project. The venue will stage the water polo competition of the Asian Games, while

the new aquatics centre in the Hangzhou Olympic and Expo Park will host swimming, diving and artistic swimming. To mark the reopening of the Huanglong aquatics centre, organisers held a public swimming relay involving almost 350 swimming enthusiasts on July 9. Entitled “Greeting the Asian Games Swimming Relay Race 2022”, the event involved 6 x 50m mixed freestyle relay races, and the enthusiasm to take part was an encouraging sign ahead of the postponed Asian Games. The original plan was to register 20 relay teams in two competition groups (gold and diamond), but such was the interest from the local public that the number of teams was increased to 46. In addition to relay races, there was also water polo and diving.

The Huanglong swimming and diving centre is open to the public.

The new-look aquatics centre is part of the Yellow Dragon sports complex featuring a main football stadium and sports hall for gymnastics.

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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Hangzhou 2022 DAS-SECURITY INTRODUCES ASIAN GAMES TEAM AT FORUM

security forum focusing on a “smart” Asian Games and using digital technology to empower future city development opened in Hangzhou on July 2.

DAS-Security, the Games' official cyber security service provider, introduced its Asian Games Cyber Security Team for the first time at the forum.

About 70 people attended the forum, including government officials from Hangzhou and other cities in Zhejiang province, officials from the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee, Asian Games sponsors and representatives from safety and ecological enterprises of the Games.

Several documents and manuals were released on the occasion, including “Sports Event Information and Cyber Security”, the White Paper on Cyber Security of Major Events and the White Paper on Cyber Security Risk Management and Insurance Application of Major Events.

The attendees discussed the application prospects of new intelligent and security technologies in the Hangzhou Asian Games and other international events and reached consensus on the impact of mega sporting events on the economy. They also shared their reflections on a "smart” Asian Games, which means a large number of intelligent technologies will be applied, bringing more serious challenges to cyber security. Shi Xiongwei, deputy director of the radio, TV and information technology department of HAGOC, said the cyber security of the Hangzhou Asian Games would be maintained in venues, in Hangzhou city and in supply chains, aiming to ensure the security and stability of the Games in a comprehensive manner.

The cyber security forum for the Asian Games.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

杭州2022年第19届亚运会官方合作伙伴

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Inside the OCA OCA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME BUILDS ON SUCCESS

he Olympic Council of Asia is expanding its pioneering development programme for coaches and referees into two more zones – Central Asia and South Asia – following the successful first step in West Asia. The pilot project kicked off at the OCA HQ in Kuwait in March and was held in three phases for 12 National Olympic Committees in West Asia across nine sports.

After the third phase came to a close on June 9, the OCA decided to move the project to Tashkent, Uzbekistan and invite NOCs from Central Asia and from South Asia. The dates are November 3-7, 2022 and the five sports are boxing, judo, swimming, weightlifting and wrestling. Tony Tarraf, Head of the OCA Athletes Development Department and Special Projects, said: “We learned a lot from all three phases of the first development programme held in Kuwait for our NOCs from West Asia. “We have decided that the next programme can accommodate coaches and referees from the two zones of Central Asia and South Asia. “Some of the best feedback we received from the first programme in Kuwait was that the participants really enjoyed exchanging ideas with people from different countries and different sports. We want to build on this with representatives from two zones of the OCA and expand the networking of all the participants.” Tony added that the programme for Tashkent included some traditional favourites which will further strengthen the standing of these sports in the region and beyond.

The OCA flag flies outside HQ in Kuwait.

West Asia review: NOCs (12): Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. Sports (9): Handball, swimming, volleyball, judo, football, gymnastics, athletics, basketball, table tennis.

Participants: A total of 506 coaches and referees participated in the three phases. The 17 courses were conducted by qualified instructors sent by the International Federations and Asian Federations.

Phase three attracted more than 140 coaches and referees.

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Inside the OCA COURSE INSTRUCTORS PRAISE OCA’S ‘BIG STEP’ FORWARD

orld Athletics was represented by Soha Marzouk of Lebanon at the third phase of the OCA Development Programme for Coaches and Referees from June 4-9. Soha described it as a “big step” for the OCA to bring sports officials from 12 National Olympic Committees and National Federations in West Asia to the home of the OCA for this ground-breaking initiative. Soha said: “It’s a big step, I think, for the OCA to prepare and to execute this programme here in Kuwait, in the headquarters of the OCA, for the Arabic countries and federations. It has a good target with participants all the coaches from the Arabic NOCs. “They are here to develop their knowledge and to get new stuff and new materials to become more educated coaches and go back to their countries and bring this knowledge to other coaches and to their federations.” When asked about the goals of the course, Soha added: “At the end of this seminar I would like each one of the participants to let go of the old ideas and bad ideas about coaching and bring the new ideas that we are learning here to develop their athletes and to develop the athletics in all federations and to go on a long term… to get good and elite athletes.” Her feelings were echoed by FIBA coaching instructor Milan Kotarac of Serbia. He described it as a “great initiative and a great project” and added: “I am really thankful to the coaches who are really committed to this course and for their commitment to the coaching in general.” International Table Tennis Federation referee Rachel Ramos of the Philippines said she was very impressed with the facilities and the resources available for a variety of sports. “The organisation that has gone into this programme has been excellent,” she added.

Table tennis umpire Rachel Ramos.

Soha Marzouk is introduced by the OCA’s Tony Tarraf.

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Inside the OCA OCA DG THANKS SHANTOU AYG FOR ‘GREAT EFFORTS’

he Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Husain Al Musallam, has thanked the Shantou Municipal Government for all their hard work in preparing for the Asian Youth Games, which were due to take place from December 20-28, 2022 but have been cancelled due to the pandemic.

In a letter to the Shantou Municipal Government, the OCA Director General wrote: “On behalf of the Olympic Council of Asia and myself, I present the most heartfelt appreciation to your authority. “The Shantou Municipal Government has made great efforts and contributions during the preparation phase of the 3rd Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021 under the adverse conditions of a complicated epidemic situation. “The sports legacy you’ve made will play an irreplaceable role in the future development of Shantou sports. I would like to show my great respect to the Shantou Municipality Government,” Mr. Al Musallam added. The next AYG will be in Tashkent in 2025.

AYG merchandise on sale in Shantou. (Photo: SAYGOC)

OCA ACTING PRESIDENT SENDS OLYMPIC DAY MESSAGE

he Acting President of the OCA, Raja Randhir Singh, sent a message of encouragement and support to the National Olympic Committees on the occasion of Olympic Day 2022 on June 23. Raja Randhir said the scale of the Olympic Day celebrations around the continent was a positive sign that the sports world was returning to normal after two years of the pandemic. “Our Olympic Day celebrations have been mooted in recent times due to the restrictions on group gatherings and other health procedures, so it is very heartening to see our NOCs

organising so many activities in the community,” said Raja Randhir. “Olympic Day is all about sharing and promoting the Olympic values and involving everyone in the celebrations. “I would like to thank all our NOCs for maintaining this Olympic spirit during the challenging times of the recent past and for embracing Olympic Day with so much passion and enthusiasm.”

OCA DIVING YOUTH CAMP The OCA development youth camp is back – with a week-long diving course in Kuala Lumpur from August 14-22. The youth camp is one of the most popular events for National Olympic Committees under the OCA’s Olympic Solidarity continental programme but has been on hold since the swimming youth camp in Doha, Qatar in

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November 2019 due to the pandemic. Making a welcome return to the OCA calendar, the diving camp will also involve judges alongside male and female athletes and coaches. To date, the camp has attracted 58 participants from 15 NOCs from all five OCA zones.

Inside the OCA CAMBODIA NOC SETS STAGE FOR OCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

he National Olympic Committee of Cambodia is confident that the stage is set for a successful hosting of the Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly in Phnom Penh this October. The OCA will come to town for the General Assembly on October 4, with the Executive Board meeting set for the previous day. There are also plans for an Asian Games Fun Run to promote the next Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The meetings will take place at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on the banks of the Mekong River and the NOCC is preparing to welcome 400 participants. “We are very proud that the OCA is allowing us to host the General Assembly,” says Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the NOCC.

“The SEA Games Federation Council and ASEAN Para Games Council meetings were invaluable for us,” added Vath. “We learned so much about hosting a big event from the point of view of accommodation, transportation, Liaison Officers, protocol and the work of our volunteers. “Now we can look forward to the OCA General Assembly in October. It will be much bigger, with 400 participants from around the world, but we are ready to welcome all our guests and show them the warm hospitality of Cambodia. “Our NOC President, Dr. Thong Khon, is our Minister of Tourism, so he is very passionate about showing everyone a warm welcome and displaying the history and culture of Cambodia.” (Photo: OCA)

“We are receiving the full support of the OCA and we are preparing very well to promote Cambodia’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games and ASEAN Para Games next year and also the Asian Youth Games in 2029.” Cambodia will host the 11-nation SEA Games for the first time in history next May 5-17, followed by the ASEAN Para Games, while the long-term goal is to welcome the Asian Youth Games in 2029, following Tashkent in 2025. Vath’s confidence springs from the hosting of the SEA Games Federation Council meeting at the Sokha Hotel from July 11-13 when all key matters were resolved thanks to the unity of the region and the desire to support Cambodia at this historic time for the Olympic movement.

The Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel will host the OCA General Assembly on October 4.

HRH PRINCE FEISAL TO LEAD NEW FIBA SAFEGUARDING COUNCIL

RH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, Chair of the OCA Peace Through Sport Committee, has been appointed Founding Chairman of the new Safeguarding Council advisory body of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). HRH Prince Feisal said: “In our ever-evolving world of sport and Olympism, safeguarding principles and standards have become instrumental tools in ensuring that everyone practices, plays and experiences sport in a free and safe way, protected from all types of harm and abuse.”

HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein. (Photo: FIBA)

The IOC Executive Board member and Jordan Olympic Committee President added: “The proactive steps that FIBA is taking to ensure the sport of basketball is accessible and safe are the right steps forward, at the right moment." Page 19

GCC Games Kuwait 2022

GCC GAMES IN KUWAIT MARKS START OF NEW ERA

uwait showed it can put on a sporting spectacle by successfully hosting the 3rd Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Games from May 16-31. And, to add to the gold medal for organisational capabilities, the host country also finished top of the medal standings to proudly claim the title of best sporting nation in the Gulf.

Words: Alvin Sallay, OCA Media Photos: Kuwait Olympic Committee One of the main targets of the GCC Games, according to the region’s top sports official Husain Al-Musallam, was to prove that Kuwait had the wherewithal to stage an international multi-sport event. “We wanted to show the Gulf, the Arab world, Asia and, indeed, the rest of the world that Kuwait has the people who are creative and can organise an international Games,” said Mr. Al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Secretary General of Kuwait Olympic Committee and FINA President. “These Games are proof of that. This is the legacy of these Games - our self-belief and confidence boosted.”

KOC President Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

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The icing on the Kuwaiti cake was the appearance of women athletes for the first time at the Gulf Games. Six of the 16 sports featured women and they added another dimension to the extravaganza. On occasions they even stole the limelight from their male counterparts, notably when Saudi Arabia’s Najd Fahd won the esports gold medal. In the stands, too, women fans outnumbered and outperformed the men. A survey carried out by the organisers showed there were more female fans than men by a ratio of 60-40. “We are very pleased not only with the outcome of the competition but also with the fact that more and more women are taking a keen interest in sports. This can only be good for the future of Kuwaiti sport,” said the President of Kuwait Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. A dozen of Kuwait’s 36 gold medals came in the pool as their swimmers underlined their regional dominance. Kuwait won gold medals in 11 of the 16 sports, only missing out on team sports like basketball, handball, ice hockey, volleyball

KOC Secretary General Husain Al-Musallam.

GCC Games Kuwait 2022

FOR GULF SPORT and padel, which made its first appearance at the Gulf Games. Government officials were overjoyed at the first hosting of this Gulf showpiece in the country. The Director General of the Public Authority for Sport, Dr. Humoud Fulaiteh, thanked KOC President Sheikh Fahad and committee members for successfully staging the 3rd GCC Games and congratulated the athletes for their outstanding results.

Rank

Total

Country

Kuwait

Bahrain

UAE

Saudi Arabia

Qatar

Oman

Legend:

Gold Medal

Silver Medal

Bronze Medal

The GCC Games mascot was the red fox. (Al-Hesni)

Patron: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Dates: May 13-31, 2022 (16 competition days) Opening Ceremony: Sunday, May 22 Attended by: His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Venue: Arena Hall of Sheikh Jaber Al-Abdallah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah International Tennis Complex NOCs: 6 - Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Sports programme: 16 - athletics, basketball, cycling, esports, futsal, fencing, handball, ice hockey, judo, karate, padel, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball. Women’s sports programme: 6 sports - athletics, basketball (3x3), cycling, esports, futsal, padel. Athletes: 1,870 Volunteers: 700 Medals: 362 Commercial sponsors: 13 – One strategic partner, Tamdeen Group, with four official sponsors and eight supporters.

Women’s futsal at Kuwait 2022.

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GCC Games Kuwait 2022 SHEIKHA HAYAT HAILS ‘MASSIVE STEP FORWARD’ FOR GCC

he move by Gulf countries to fully comply with gender equality in sports, as promoted by the IOC and OCA, was welcomed by long-time campaigner of women in sports Sheikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa of Bahrain.

“This is a wonderful development for women in sport in the Gulf,” Sheikha Hayat said, soon after the Secretary Generals of the six GCC nations gave the green light for women to compete in all sports.

Sheikha Hayat, Chair of the OCA Gender Equity Committee, praised the GCC Games hierarchy for taking the bold decision to include women in all sports at future multi-sports Games starting with the 1st GCC Youth Games in the United Arab Emirates in 2023.

At the 3rd Gulf Games, the door was pushed open with female athletes making their debut in six of the 16 sports – athletics, basketball (3x3), cycling, esports, futsal and padel. This door was then thrown wide open by the GCC executive committee which gave a carte blanche for women in sports in the Gulf. The next three major multi-sports Games in the GCC region, leading up to the 4th GCC Games in Qatar in 2026, will feature female athletes in all sports. They are the Youth Games in UAE in 2023, the Indoor Martial Arts Games in Saudi Arabia in 2024 and the 2nd Beach Games in Oman in 2025. “I’m very thankful for the GCC executive committee for taking this decision. Our task now is to work closely with all the National Olympic Committees in the region to develop women’s sports,” noted Sheikha Hayat, who has been a staunch advocate for female athletes’ representation. All six countries at the GCC Games included female athletes in their squads.

Pride and emotion at the GCC Games.

“This time it was just in six sports. In the future it will be in all sports. This is a massive step forward,” Sheikha Hayat added.

Sheikha Hayat (second from right) with fellow women in sport leaders in the GCC.

Page 22

GCC Games Kuwait 2022 DRAMA, DIETING AND DANCING AS WOMEN MAKE THEIR MARK

hey dieted and they danced. They cried tears of agony and of joy. Women athletes stole the limelight as they made a striking presence for the first time at the GCC Games. While the United Arab Emirates women’s 3x3 basketball team took no chances before their gold medal final against Kuwait and dieted so they could be light on their feet, the fingers of Saudi Arabia’s Najd Fahd tap-danced in esports, which was making a debut at the Games. The end result on both occasions was a well-deserved gold medal.

Amna Al-Mheiri and her UAE teammates went on a nine-hour fast before the basketball final so they would move swiftly and lightly. It worked as they defeated Kuwait 12-8 in the final and finished the six-team competition unbeaten. “I don’t care what I eat now, I’m so happy,” cried livewire Al-Mheiri when asked what she would have for her celebratory meal. “We wanted to be light on our feet, so we didn’t eat anything the whole day. It was all worth it.” Najd Fahd broke down barriers by becoming the first woman from Saudi Arabia to win a gold medal at the Gulf Games. Fahd, who started playing esports aged seven, won the e-Football title in the women’s FIFA tournament to make her mark in history. Bahrain finished second in the overall medal standings with 20 gold medals thanks to a rich haul of 17 alone in athletics – 11 of which were won by a powerful female contingent. The Bahrain women’s athletic juggernaut was led by hurdler Aminat Jamal, middle-distance runner Winfred Yavi and long-distance runner Bontu Rebitu, who each won a brace of gold medals. Bahrain also won gold in women’s futsal with captain Yasmeen Tobellah and her team defeating Kuwait 2-1 in a gripping final. The victory was lauded by the head of women’s football in Bahrain, Sheikha Hussa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, who, as a schoolgirl, was mainly instrumental in setting up a women’s national team in 2003.

Saudi Arabia's Najd Fahd. (Photo: OCA)

Bahrain showed their power on the track. (Photo: BOC)

Oman won the women’s padel team gold medal while the UAE cycling quartet of Safia Al-Sayagh, Shaikha Rashed, Zahra Hussain and Huda Hussain won the gold medal in the women’s team time trial.

UAE v Kuwait in 3x3 basketball. (Photo: UAE NOC)

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GCC Games Kuwait 2022 KUWAIT QUICK OFF THE BLOCKS TO EARN 12 SWIMMING GOLD

uwait topped the medal standings at the 3rd GCC Games thanks to a domineering performance in the pool, plus a healthy haul of six gold medals in athletics. In the pool, Kuwait won 12 of the 17 gold medals on offer. Two of Kuwait’s powerful swim team won five gold medals apiece: Qali Abbas doubled up in the 100m/200m butterfly and added relay golds in the 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m medley and 4x200m freestyle, while speed merchant Waleed Abdulrazzaq won the 50m/100m freestyle double and claimed three relay golds in the 4x100m freestyle, 4x100m medley and 4x200m freestyle.

a 100m/200m double and earned a third gold in the 4x100m medley relay. Kuwait added six gold medals in athletics, with four of them coming from the women’s team: Mudahawi Al-Shammari (200m), Salsabeel Al-Sayar (heptathlon), Nadiah Al-Haqan (high jump) and the 4x100m relay team. All four gold medals won by Kuwaiti women came in track and field.

Freestyle powerhouse Sauod Al Shamroukh raced to four gold medals, in the 1500m, 400m and 800m and the 4x200m freestyle relay, while breaststroker Rashed Al Tarmoom notched Total Kuwait

Men

Women

Kuwait finished top of the medal rankings. (Photo: KOC)

BAHRAIN RULES TRACK AND FIELD TO FINISH SECOND OVERALL

ahrain finished second in the overall medal standings for the first time at the GCC Games thanks to its domination of track and field. There was a rich haul of medals in athletics, including a staggering 17 gold - 11 from the women and six from the men - giving Bahrain a jump start to the Games as athletics was one of the first sports to be competed.

at the Ahmed Al Rashdan Track & Field Stadium, Bahrain finished with 35 medals – 17 gold, 12 silver and six bronze. Bahrain’s three other gold medals came in judo (2) and women’s futsal.

“While the GCC Games are very important to us, it is just the first step on the ladder,” said athletics team manager Mohammed Abdulaziz Hasan. “Our main targets are the Olympic Games followed by the Asian Games.” At the end of a jam-packed three days of athletics competition

Total

Page 24

Bahrain

Men

Women

Bahrain take on Kuwait in handball. (Photo: BOC)

GCC Games Kuwait 2022 UAE BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR GULF CHALLENGES AHEAD

lated by winning 50 medals, including 18 gold, the United Arab Emirates NOC is already looking ahead to the next edition of the GCC Games in Doha in 2026, as well as the inaugural GCC Youth Games in the Emirates next year. Thanking the GCC for entrusting the Youth Games to the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE NOC President, noted that the momentum from these Games should be continued with an eye on success in 2026.

with Shaikha Rashed taking the individual road race and Safiya Al-Sayagh the individual time trial. UAE grabbed team honours in both events. UAE’s other individual gold medals came in judo (4), athletics (2), swimming (1) and shooting (1). There were also team golds in women’s 3x3 basketball, men’s basketball and ice hockey.

UAE finished third at Kuwait 2022 thanks largely to cycling, with seven of the eight gold medals available. Four of the seven cycling gold medals were won by the women, Total UAE

Men

Women

UAE won ice hockey gold. (Photo: UAE NOC)

GCC GAMES AN UNQUALIFIED SUCCESS FOR SAUDI ARABIA

or a nation which, in recent years, is paying more attention to sport - thanks to the Kingdom’s leadership and its Vision 2030 programme - the GCC Games was an unqualified success for Saudi Arabia.

The biggest haul of gold medals came in athletics where Saudi won five events – the men’s 4x100m relay, decathlon, javelin, pole vault and triple jump. Women athletes also made their mark winning three bronze medals in track and field.

The 2034 Asian Games hosts returned home to Riyadh with a medal tally of 67 including 16 gold.

The next most productive sport for Saudi Arabia was karate with four gold medals, including the men’s +84kg kumite title for Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Tareq Hamedi.

Furthermore, women athletes bagged seven medals, including an historic first gold in the history of the GCC Games for Najd Fahd in the FIFA title of esports. The men’s team won the League of Legends title to underline the dominance in esports and show to the rest of the world that the country’s youth are moving with the times.

Total Saudi Arabia

Men

Women

Tareq Hamedi wins karate gold. (Photo: SOPC)

Page 25

GCC Games Kuwait 2022 BARSHIM SHINES AND SHARES HIGH JUMP GOLD - AGAIN

he stars came out and they shone brightly over the Sheikh Ahmed Al-Rashdan Track & Field Stadium as athletics took centre stage on the opening nights of the GCC Games.

the Qatari express Tosin Ogunode from winning the men’s 100m in 10.05 seconds, while Abdirahman Hassan recorded a middle-distance double in the 800m/1500m.

Olympic hero Mutaz Essa Barshim, as expected, won gold in the high jump. In a repeat of the Tokyo Olympics drama, Barshim shared the gold medal, this time with compatriot Hamdi Ali after both athletes cleared 2.15 metres.

Samar Mansouri won the solitary gold for the Qatari women with a clearance of 3.40m in the pole vault. She also collected a bronze in women’s triple jump.

Ali failed to clear the next level, 2.18m, and, following team orders, Barshim indicated to stewards that he would not be attempting another jump resulting in two gold medals being awarded to Qatar.

Another outstanding individual performance came from swimming all-rounder Abdulaziz Al-Obaidly, who recorded a golden double in the 200m/400m individual medley. (Photo: QOC)

Elsewhere in track and field, not even a sandstorm could stop Total Qatar

Men

Women

Mutaz Essa Barshim and Hamdi Ali shared high jump gold.

OMAN’S HOT SHOTS FEEL RIGHT AT HOME ON THE RANGE

even of Oman’s 12 gold medals came on the range at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Complex, underlining the Sultanate’s prowess as they emerged as the leading nation in the shooting competition. There were individual gold medals for Salim Al-Naabi in men’s 10m air rifle, Issam Al-Balushi in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions and for Muad Al-Balushi in men’s 25m rapid fire pistol.

Oman hot shots. (Photo: OOC)

Total

Page 26

Oman

Men

Women

The remaining four gold medals came in men’s team events – 10m air pistol, 10m air rifle, 50m rifle and 25m rapid fire pistol. Oman's women won four gold medals: Mazoon Al-Alawi (100m sprint gold in 11.47 seconds), Hana Al-Touqi (hammer), Hiba Al-Asmi (javelin) and padel team.

GCC Games Kuwait 2022 GCC FLAG TO FLY HIGH AFTER LANDMARK DECISION

he Olympic sports scene in the Gulf region is about to get a whole lot bigger and better. On the sidelines of the 3rd GCC Games in Kuwait, the region’s leading sports officials agreed on an ambitious move to put in place a sporting calendar to mirror the successful model of the Olympic Council of Asia. It means that the six GCC nations will have a multi-sports competition to look forward to every year, helping to build sports excellence and expertise both on and off the field of play. The Secretary General of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam, emerged from a meeting of the six GCC Secretary Generals to say: “We have taken a number of decisions which will make sport in the region bigger and better. “The first decision was to hold the inaugural GCC Youth Games in the United Arab Emirates next year. This will be followed in 2024 by the first GCC Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Al-Musallam added: “In future, women athletes will take part in all sports on the programme, bringing the Gulf in line with the practices of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia.” At the end of the 3rd GCC Games, the officials made a break from tradition and passed the flag to the UAE, host of the Youth Games in 2023, rather than to the next host of the GCC Games in 2026. “Instead of having to wait four years until the next Gulf Games before the flag is flown again, we will see it next year at the Youth Games. We want to create our own traditions and ensure that there is continuity every year,” said Captain Ali Al-Marri, KOC Assistant Secretary General. The future looks bright for the GCC with its flag flying high every year.

“Then, in 2025, the second GCC Beach Games will be held, followed by the big one, the GCC Games in 2026, which will be the fourth edition and held in Qatar.”

GCC Games Calendar 2023: 1st Youth Games, United Arab Emirates 2024: 1st Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Saudi Arabia 2025: 2nd Beach Games, Oman 2026: 4th Gulf Games, Qatar Note: Dates to be finalized

GCC invites four more countries Another significant decision taken by the GCC working committee was to invite Jordan, Morocco, Iraq and Yemen to join the six GCC nations at these multi-sport Games. It was also agreed to include women in all events after female athletes made their debut in six of 16 sports at Kuwait 2022.

KOC Secretary General Husain Al-Musallam. (Photo: KOC)

Page 27

Olympic Day in Asia

OLYMPIC DAY 2022 IN ASIA Almost 3.5 million people celebrated Olympic Day 2022 on or around June 23 as they joined events and activities organised by 160 National Olympic Committees. Here are some highlights from Asia.

UZBEKISTAN: Olympic and government sports officials joined a mass fun run on June 26. The participants received a certificate of participation and prizes.

QATAR: The new 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum in Doha hosted Olympic Day community activities featuring national team athletes and representatives from the QOC’s Schools Olympic Programme and Athlete Development Pathway project.

HONG KONG, CHINA: The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China launched the 2022 Olympic Day Virtual Run registration process on June 23. With three routes on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, this first virtual run enabled the public to run anytime, anywhere with Hong Kong athletes from between July 1-30. (Photo: SF&OC).

IRAQ NOC President Raad Hammoudi celebrated Olympic Day with members of the executive committee and representatives of National Sports Associations at a sports carnival in Baghdad. The carnival began with a cycling rally from Beirut Square to the NOC HQ. (Photo: @nociraq)

Page 28

Olympic Day in Asia

TAJIKISTAN: Rio 2016 Olympic hammer champion Dilshod Nazarov was among a host of sports dignitaries to join the Tajikistan NOC celebrations at Navruzgoh Park on June 23. Activities included archery, karate, gymnastics, hockey, cycling, teqball and tug-o-war.

KYRGYZSTAN: NOC President Sadyr Mamytov stressed the importance of participation and showing the Olympic and community spirit as 500 people joined a sports festival in Bishkek. Teqball, football, basketball and an obstacle race were among the sports offered to the participants.

MALAYSIA: The Olympic Day Bendang Fun Walk took place on June 23 at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex, Penang and was the final event of the Olympic Carnival Community Penang 2022. The carnival featured nine programmes from May 15 to June 23 in the five districts of the state and was a joint venture between the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Penang State Government. (Photo: OCM)

VIETNAM: In collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cao Bang province, the Vietnam Olympic Committee organised an Olympic Day for Children for 1,000 students on June 24. Local badminton champion Hoang Bao Trinh read out the message from IOC President Thomas Bach. (VOC/Tuyet Hoa Nguyen)

KAZAKHSTAN: London 2012 Olympic triple jump champion Olga Rypakova featured in the nationwide Olympic Day celebrations which culminated in a sports festival at Triathlon Park in the capital Nur-Sultan on June 23.

Page 29

Olympic Day in Asia

YEMEN: More than 250 young athletes participated in a wide range of sports in Sana’a and Seiyun on June 23 and gave public performances to promote sports and the Olympic movement under the theme “Together, For a Better World”.

SRI LANKA: The French Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Eric Lavertu, joined in the Olympic Day festivities which included a torch lighting ceremony, fun walk, inline skating, Zumba, laser shooting and teqball. NOC staff and participants wore Olympic Day clothing with a truly dazzling design.

CHINA: The Chinese Olympic Committee launched public fitness activities and an online relay challenge for its 36th Olympic Day celebration under the theme "Join Hands to Create a Better World". The celebrations included an Olympic Day run in Luancheng district in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province on June 23. China has been part of the campaign since 1987. (Photo: CFP)

NEPAL: The NOC’s Sport for All Commission held a series of events from June 5-23 in schools and social institutions, including an art and short story competition, a sports wellness week for psychological wellbeing, tennis camp, athletics, table tennis, boxing, squash, chess and cycling rally. The programme closed with the NOC Awards.

Page 30

PALESTINE Olympic Committee organised National Olympic Week beginning with a torch-lighting ceremony on July 24 and continuing with various sports including mini-volleyball, chess, table tennis, athletics, badminton and martial arts. (Photo: Palestine Olympic Committee Facebook)

Olympic Day in Asia

LAOS: The NOC went to Luang Prabang province on June 24 for a family walk/run/cycle gala and a 3x3 basketball tournament in the evening. Here, the participants are waiting excitedly for the start of the fun run and displaying the attractive Olympic Day T-shirts designed and produced by Laos NOC.

BHUTAN: The Olympic Day sports gala at Chundu Armed Forces Public School, Haa Dzongkhag, on May 28 attracted 1,000 students, teachers and villagers. The activities included football, archery, badminton, obstacle course, boxing, softball/baseball, basketball, shooting and teqball.

SAUDI ARABIA: The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee celebrated Olympic Day with a sports festival at Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh on June 23 and also held an Olympic exhibition in a commercial mall in the heart of the city which focused on the three pillars of Move, Learn and Discover.

SINGAPORE: The Olympic Day walk was held on Saturday, July 30 at the Singapore Sports Hub. This year’s programme was organised in conjunction with the GetActive! Singapore Workout 2022: Dance of the Nation. The workout was choreographed to this year’s National Day song “Stronger Together” - a workout suitable for all ages and abilities. Over 2,000 people took part. (Photo: Mark Chay)

Page 31

Olympic Day in Asia

CHINESE TAIPEI: CTOC President Lin Hong-Dow addressed an Olympic Day Forum in Taipei which was attended by the Ministry of Education. A colourful and informative series of graphics highlighted the CTOC initiative of recycling canvas into bags.

PAKISTAN: The Pakistan Olympic Association’s Olympic Day walk went from the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Lahore head office to the sports complex for an exhibition hockey match between Olympians and youngsters. There was also a digital Olympic quiz.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: More than 2,000 people took part in a range of sports and traditional activities as part of the United Arab Emirates NOC’s Olympic Day celebrations, which were held under the theme of “Sport for Peace”. Sports events included fencing, badminton, karate, volleyball, cycling, cricket and a marathon, with all the activities promoting inclusion by being open to participants of all abilities, ages and cultures. Deep Dive Dubai joined in the fun. (Photo: UAE NOC/IOC)

IRAN: Physical Education students of Kharazmi University visited the National Olympic Academy in Tehran to commemorate Olympic Day 2022 and discover how the academy supports teams and athletes in different sports. The NOC organised the programme in coordination with Olympic Solidarity.

Page 32

Olympic Day 2022 in Asia

PHILIPPINES: The POC promoted Olympic Day with a series of “fast facts” and a TikTok “Move for Peace” video challenge through to July 25. The top five entries received Olympic prizes.

BAHRAIN: Olympic officials promoted “Move for Peace” on Olympic Day and stressed the importance of sport as a tool for spreading the values of peace and friendship.

LEBANON NOC held their Olympic Day on June 23 at the Antonine University stadium in Hadat–Baabda, where the internal and external communities joyously radiated the values of Olympism. Activities included badminton, football, basketball, table tennis, volleyball, wushu and rhythmic gymnastics. (Photo: @uAntonine)

THAILAND: The NOC held a series of sports and cultural events at Kwan Phayao (Phayao Lake) in northern Thailand on May 28. These included a fun run, boxing, basketball 3x3 and skateboarding, as well as a lake-cleaning campaign and handicraft market. (Photo: Olympic Day Thailand)

Page 33

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021

OLYMPIC MOVEMENT BOUNCES BACK THANKS

he Olympic movement in Southeast Asia made a speedy recovery from two lost years – thanks to a strong dose of “Vitamin SEA” in Vietnam. The 31st SEA Games, postponed from November 2021 to May 2022 because of the pandemic, brought together 5,000 athletes from the 11 National Olympic Committees and 10,000 total participants. It turned out to be an outstanding success, fully living up to the SEA Games slogan “For a stronger South East Asia” as Vietnam embraced the occasion and produced a warm and welcoming atmosphere in all the venues. “We have not been together like this since the last SEA Games in the Philippines in December 2019 and we have missed this,” said Prof. Dr. Supitr Samahito, Deputy Chef de Mission of the Thailand delegation. “The SEA Games is not just about the sports competition; it is about friendship and about meeting old friends. We still have a very close connection and that’s why the SEA Games is very special for us, for the ASEAN countries.

though we are still in the situation of the covid-19 pandemic.” Prof. Supitr, who is a tireless champion of equal opportunity for women in the Olympic movement, added: “Everybody is feeling happy. We don’t think much in terms of the result of the games but we think about the connection, we think about the friendship, we think about whatever is related to Olympism. “Everybody is very excited to come because it’s been two years and we don’t have any activities like this, so this is a very good time and a very good experience to be in Hanoi again.” Organising the SEA Games is a major task at the best of times, but when there’s a pandemic to contend with it just adds to the challenge. With 40 sports, it is bigger than the 33 sports at Tokyo 2020; and with 5,000 athletes it is almost half the size of the Olympic Games. Add to this the fact that the 31st SEA Games was being hosted by the capital Hanoi along with 11 other neighbouring cities and provinces, then the size of the operation was truly of an Olympic Games scale.

“Also, Vietnam has tried to do everything - I can tell, even

Opening ceremony delight (Photo: OCA)

Page 34

The 11 NOCs attend the team welcome ceremony (Photo: OCA)

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021

TO ‘VITAMIN SEA’

Bronze Medal

Opening Ceremony: May 12, 2022 At: My Dinh National Stadium Opened by: Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of Vietnam Closing Ceremony: May 23, 2022 At: Hanoi Indoor Sports Palace Closed by: Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of Vietnam Host city: Hanoi and 11 neighbouring cities and provinces Sports: 40 Events: 526 NOCs: 11 Athletes: 4,906 Male: 2,911 Female: 1,995 Total Participants: 10,000 Official Best Athletes (4): Nguyen Thi Oanh (Vietnam, athletics) Joshua Robert Atkinson (Thailand, athletics) Nguyen Huy Hoang (Vietnam, swimming) Quah Jing Wen (Singapore, swimming) SEA Games records: 30 Volunteers: 2,970 Slogan: For a Stronger South East Asia Theme Song: Let’s Shine 32nd SEA Games: Phnom Penh, Cambodia, May 5-17, 2023

A “fan-tastic” atmosphere at petanque. (Photo: OCA)

The 40 sports were celebrated at the closing ceremony.

Next up is Cambodia – less than one year after Vietnam – as the Kingdom of Wonder prepares to host the SEA Games for the first time in history, from May 5-17, 2023.

Rank

Country

Vietnam

205

125

116

446

Thailand

103

136

331

Indonesia

241

Philippines

105

227

Singapore

166

Malaysia

174

Myanmar

Cambodia

Laos

Brunei Darussalam

Timor Leste

Legend:

Gold Medal

Total

Silver Medal

Page 35

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 MAYHEM AT MY DINH AS VIETNAM WIN MEN’S FOOTBALL GOLD

f all Vietnam’s 205 gold medals, none was celebrated louder or longer than the 1-0 victory over Thailand in the men’s football final at My Dinh National Stadium on the night of Sunday, May 22.

The din at My Dinh had to be heard to be believed - and the celebrations continued long into the night around Hanoi and the rest of the country. What a finish to the SEA Games!

Such was the demand for tickets that the organising committee put aside 20,000 - exactly half the capacity - for VIPs, dignitaries, guests and the 11 NOCs, while the other 20,000 went on sale to the general public through an online portal. Needless to say, they were sold out in 30 minutes, creating a black-market frenzy in which tickets were being traded for 10 times face value. “It’s crazy,” said Vu Hoang, a Vietnam Olympic Committee official working in the control centre of the SEA Games HQ. “This match means so much to the people of Vietnam and everyone wants to watch. It’s like a fever.” In a tense atmosphere, the only goal of the game came in the 83rd minute when Vietnam left back Phan Tuan Tai crossed from the left and substitute striker Nham Manh Dung, positioned near the penalty spot between two Thai defenders, twisted in the air to send a powerful header into the far top corner.

Nham heads the winner. (Photo: Ngoc Thanh/VN Express)

THAI TEEN PURIPOL BOONSON POWERS TO SPRINT DOUBLE

e was wearing 700 on his vest – but 007 would have been more appropriate as Puripol Boonson pulled off a thrilling James Bond-style smash-and-grab to take home the bounty.

“My target for this year is that I will try to consistently improve my record and break my own record,” Puripol added.

The powerful Thai teenager, just 16, raced to a 200m/100m sprint double at the My Dinh National Stadium and rewrote the SEA Games record books in the process.

Thailand’s special agent definitely one to watch.

First up was the 200m, in which he twice broke the SEA Games record; the second of these was 20.37 seconds to take gold in the final. He followed up with a clear victory in the 100m, stopping the clock at 10.44 seconds, to complete the sprint double just four months after his 16th birthday. “Before the competition I was under a lot of pressure…but I made it and I’m very glad,” he said. Page 36

Puripol Boonson at the SEA Games. (Photo: The Nation, Thailand)

most

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 HIGH DRAMA IN MEN’S ARCHERY AS INDONESIA TAKES GOLD

rchery always provides tense and gripping entertainment. The 31st SEA Games was no exception – and Indonesia’s men’s compound archery team will never forget their incredible victory over Malaysia to win gold.

Going into the fourth and final end, Malaysia led 173-172 and extended this advantage to two points at 202-200. With the three players now having just one last arrow each, Indonesia went 10-10-9, with the last arrow a borderline 10 to be checked at the end; Malaysia replied with 9-9-9. As it stood, the score was tied at 229-229. After an agonising wait, Indonesia’s final 9 was upgraded to 10 – and the revised score of 230-229 won them the gold medal. Indonesia’s players fell to their knees and pounded the stage in relief and delight before they were mobbed by flag-waving team mates.

Indonesia’s Adika Deki Hastian takes a shot. (Photo: OCA)

“This is a big, big experience for me. I feel so blessed,” said Adika Deki Hastian, who, at 24, was making his debut with the Indonesia national team. “It was a nervous wait for the breaking line 10 – but now success. Vietnam, thanks for all.”

OLYMPIC CHAMPION DIAZ HITS THE ROAD FOR PARIS 2024

hen weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines’ first gold medal in Olympic Games history at Tokyo 2020, it not only changed her life for ever but also that of millions of proud Pinoys around the world. Diaz supporters packed the weightlifting venue in Hanoi, many of them taking the day off work in the Vietnamese capital to cheer their national (Photo: Hidilyn Diaz Facebook/Jerome Ascaño)

hero. “We love you Hidilyn,” they shouted as she was introduced to the crowd. Diaz responded with a beaming smile and an extravagant wave – and, of course, the gold medal in the women’s 55kg. After lifting 92kg in the snatch and 114kg in the clean and jerk, Diaz won with a total lift of 206kg – 3kg more than Thailand’s Sanikun Tanasan on 203kg (93-110). “God makes me humble with every success and failure I experience along the way,” Diaz, 31, wrote in a Facebook post on the eve of her event in Hanoi. “And now, I still continue this journey: SEA Games Hanoi is my new beginning for Paris 2024.

Hidilyn Diaz retains her SEA Games crown from 2019.

“I am determined to get qualified for the Olympics together with Team HD and the people behind me (yoga coach and personal trainer), sponsors, people who believe in me and, of course, God.” Page 37

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 SINGAPORE’S QUAH JING WEN SWIMS TO BEST ATHLETE HONOUR

hen the organising committee announced the four best athletes of the 31st SEA Games at the closing ceremony, it was no surprise to see the name of Quah Jing Wen on the big screen. The 21-year-old Singaporean is the youngest of three swimming siblings in the national team and lit up the My Dinh Water Sports Palace with an incredible six gold medals. She started the meet by becoming the first southeast Asian to dip below 2 minutes 10 seconds in the women’s 200m butterfly and then just kept on going – bagging two more individual golds in the 100 fly and 200m individual medley along with three relay golds. Her time in the 200 fly was 2:09.52, eclipsing her own national record and personal best (2:10.01) and her SEA Games record of 2:10.97 set in 2019.

Quah Jing Wen was voted Best Athlete. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Andy Chua)

“Being able to do this sport with my family, my siblings, like my brother and sister, is just really special and not something that a lot of people can experience,” she said. “I am so appreciative of that. It is just nice to have that support.”

The din at My Dinh had to be heard to be believed - and the celebrations continued long into the night around Hanoi and the rest of the country. What a finish to the SEA Games!

MALAYSIA COMPLETES CLEAN SWEEP IN EIGHT DIVING EVENTS

alaysia’s talented diving team went 8-for-8 in the diving competition to underline their superiority in the region - but this did not mean it was all plain sailing. Two-time Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong explained: “This is the first big match this year for me and also for the team so overall our preparation there’s ups and downs - but the result, we are all satisfied with it. “Before we came here the coaches were also stressed because we must target all golds, so there is also pressure on us and also on the coaches. But, thank God, that we managed to achieve it and I am very proud of my team.”

Pandelela Rinong (right) and Nur Dhabitah Sabri. (Photo: @AtletMalaysia)

Pandelela, 29, paid tribute to the role played by her former teammate Leong Mun Yee, who retired from competition after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics last summer and was team manager in Vietnam. “Leong Mun Yee, even though she has retired, but she is still Page 38

there with us, helping the coach to coach us, and now she has become our team manager. She has been assisting a lot, so I feel very happy that she is still continuing to contribute to diving sport.” On the last day of diving, Pandelela won gold with Nur Dhabitah Sabri in the women’s 10m platform synchro to complete the clean sweep.

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 CHERRY PICKS UP PETANQUE GOLD FOR MYANMAR

hile teamwork and tactics play a big part in the doubles Here, it’s one against one, with the sole aim of smashing the and triples events of petanque, there’s no such subtlety in the art of target ball out of the fire zone to keep the scoreboard ticking over. shooting. It requires deadly accuracy and a steely resolve to build momentum, and the result rests on the shoulders of one player only. Myanmar’s Khin Cherry Thet proved she had what it takes to come out on top in this fast-moving brand of petanque, and claimed her country’s only gold medal in eight events of the competition. Overall, Myanmar won nine gold medals, 18 silver and 35 bronze – and the medal-winning athletes were feted at an awards ceremony on their return home to Nay Pyi Taw. The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said sport reflected the health and fitness, perseverance, diligence and unity of a country and its people and strengthened national spirit. Khin Cherry Thet won petanque gold. (Photo: Hoang Hieu/VNA)

“They deserve pride and gratitude,” the Senior General said.

CAMBODIA WARMS UP FOR SEA GAMES HOSTING WITH 63 MEDALS

ambodia warmed up for the 32nd SEA Games by winning a record medal haul at the 31st SEA Games in Vietnam. The next SEA Games hosts, in May 2023, won nine gold, 13 silver and 41 bronze for a total of 63 medals.

This was the highest number of gold, and total, medals since the country returned to the SEA Games in 1983 following the civil war, beating the previous marks of eight gold and 47 total in Myanmar in 2013. General Tea Banh, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defence and President of the Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), commented: "This is the first time in history we’ve won so many medals. It is a good sign and we believe that our athletes will gain more medals at the 32nd SEA Games to be held in our own country in 2023." Cambodia’s nine gold medals came in vovinam (3), petanque (2), kickboxing, wrestling, taekwondo and muay thai, and their athletes also showed a remarkable improvement in other sports such as volleyball, gymnastics, karate and swimming.

Celebrations all round in the Cambodian camp. (Photo: CAMSOC)

Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of the NOC and CAMSOC, said Cambodia acquitted themselves well in 20 sports – half the sports on the programme – and must assess the other sports in order to improve their overall performance next May. Page 39

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 LAOS CELEBRATES VOVINAM RETURN WITH GOLDEN DOUBLE martial art yielded their only two gold medals of the SEA Games – both of them in the performance category as opposed to combat. The regional minnows had to wait until May 19 to win their first gold of the games in any sport through Mala Inthalacksa and Picksamai Insoumang in the dual sword form women. Phailath Thammavongsa added a second gold in the four-element staff form men.

The first gold medal for Laos in Hanoi. (Photo: Laotian Times)

t was not only the Vietnamese who were delighted to see the return of vovinam to the SEA Games sports programme after an absence of nine years. The Laotians were pretty happy, too, as Vietnam’s traditional

Thanks to their two gold, one silver and three bronze medals, Laos finished fourth of seven teams in the vovinam competition held at the Soc Son District Sports Hall in Hanoi from May 18-22. There were 15 gold medals up for grabs – six in fighting and nine in performance – and the host nation surpassed their target of five gold medals by winning six to take spot, as expected.

WUSHU ATHLETE ROSLAN WINS BRUNEI’S ONLY GOLD

et Li fan Mohammad Adi Salihin Roslan found himself the headline star as he won Brunei’s only gold medal in Hanoi – in the men’s nanquan discipline of wushu.

replied: “People like the colours and the movement – and there are many different events to appreciate. Everyone likes wushu because it’s very nice to watch.”

Roslan, 21, took up wushu at the age of six after being captivated by watching martial arts movie star Jet Li. At the age of 11, Roslan was training full-time in addition to his studies – and has now reaped two gold medals in three SEA Games appearances. “I am hoping to compete in seven or eight SEA Games so I aim to keep working hard and win more medals for Brunei,” he said. Dressed in a costume of deep red silk with shiny gold patterns, Roslan dazzled the judges and spectators alike with his crisp and explosive moves, his acrobatics and his remarkable balance and poise – and he needed to be on top form as the top six athletes were separated by only 0.04 points. When asked why the sport drew such a large crowd, he Page 40

Wushu champion Mohammad Adi Salihin Roslan. (Photo: OCA)

31st SEA Games Vietnam 2021 FELISBERTO CLOCKS UP TWO SILVER MEDALS FOR TIMOR LESTE

elisberto de Deus became a national hero – both at home in Timor Leste and in Vietnam – after his exploits on the athletics track of My Dinh National Stadium.

Not only did he win two silver medals in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, he endeared himself to the home nation by waving a Vietnam flag in celebration while wrapped in his homeland flag. “I love the Vietnamese people for the warm welcome they gave to all our team when we arrived for our competitions. I love Vietnam,” said the 22-year-old Tokyo Olympian. “It is the first time I experienced such a feeling. Vietnamese supporters surrounded me. I am a foreign athlete but received so much love. They surprised me and made me proud.” NOC Secretary General Laurentino Guterres said the pair of silver medals were richly deserved.

Felisberto de Deus won two silver medals. (Photo: VNA)

“Felisberto is from a rural area, one hour from our capital Dili, and trains in the mountains. Our training facilities are not so good in Timor Leste but Felisberto has always tried to achieve his dream and worked very hard.”

OCA POSTCARDS FROM VIETNAM

The ubiquitous Hanoi coffee shop.

Exotic countryside near the Hai Phong rowing venue.

The distinctive Vietnam flag decorates Hanoi.

Waiting for the green light.

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Games Update CAMBODIA PREPARES TO SHOWCASE ‘KINGDOM OF WONDER’

hey call it the “Kingdom of Wonder” – and Cambodia is ready to display its rich and royal history on the modern stage of the Southeast Asian Games next year. The SEA Games was first held in 1959 but this will be the first time for Cambodia to host the biennial 11-nation regional sports festival from May 5-17, 2023. Organising committee CAMSOC is preparing to welcome 7,000 athletes from the 11 NOCs in the region and is training 5,000 volunteers. The total number of accreditations will be around 20,000, highlighting the size and scale of the SEA Games for the host country. “Yes, it is a major event, an historic event, for Cambodia, but we are determined to put on a successful show for all our visitors,” says Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of NOC Cambodia. “We can feel the unity and spirit of the southeast Asia region and their support and encouragement in making the 32nd SEA Games Cambodia 2023 a big success.” Proof of this support came at a recent meeting of the SEA Games Federation Council from July 11-13 at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel where all major issues were resolved. These included the sports programme, with 39 medal sports and one demonstration sport approved, TV broadcasting and the daily

Vath Chamroeun (left) welcomes cricket into the 32nd SEA Games along with Manish Sharma, CEO of the Cricket Federation of Cambodia. (Photo: OCA)

management of accommodation, transportation and services. “We were all very satisfied with the outcome of the meetings,” Vath added. “The next SEA Games Federation Council meeting will take place on the eve of the SEA Games next May. This means that everything is going ahead smoothly and the Council members are confident that we are on the right track.” The slogan of the 32nd SEA Games is “Sports – Live in Peace”, and Cambodia is determined to show this next May.

The torch relay will begin at Angkor Wat on February 12. (Photo: Cambodia Tourism)

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Games Update OCA MEETS AICHI-NAGOYA 2026 LEADERS IN BANGKOK

lympic Council of Asia leaders and members of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) secretariat met in Bangkok to discuss preparations for the 20th Asian Games in 2026. The two parties held discussions on July 6 and covered several key topics in the progress of the Asian Games, including the ongoing steps to finalise the sports programme.

20th Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya 2026

The 20th Asian Games will run from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Nagoya city and Aichi prefecture. There will be approximately 40 sports on the programme, reflecting not only the Olympic Games sports programme but also regional favourites from within the OCA’s five zones.

The slogan is “Imagine One Asia” and it will be the third time for Japan to host the Asian Games following Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.

AINAGOC promoted the 2026 Asian Games during a PR event at Yokohama City Sports Park on May 29. (Photo: @AsianGames2026AichiNagoya)

PAKISTAN PLANS AUTUMN DATES FOR SOUTH ASIAN GAMES 2023 27, the POA told members that the plan was to stage the South Asian Games two or three months after the general elections in Pakistan which are set for August 2023. The virtual meeting was chaired by the POA President, Lt. Gen (retd.) Syed Arif Hasan, and in attendance were the Secretary Generals of the NOCs of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

The POA Athletes' Commission meets in Lahore. (Photo: POA)

he Pakistan Olympic Association has proposed to hold the 14th South Asian Games in October/ November 2023. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the South Asian Olympic Council on June

The POA Secretary General, Khalid Mahmood, said that all nations had agreed on the time frame and on the venues for the South Asian Games, which Pakistan is hosting for the third time. Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot, Faisalabad and Gujranwala will be the cities hosting the Games. A decision is yet to be taken on the number of sports. Page 43

Games Update IT’S COMING HOME: BEACH GAMES HEADING BACK TO BALI

t’s coming home, it’s coming home – the beach games are coming home to Bali! The magical Indonesian island which hosted the OCA’s first Asian Beach Games in 2008 has been confirmed as the second host of the ANOC World Beach Games in 2023. Bali is where the beach games success story began, thanks to the vision of the OCA, and is where it will continue to grow and flourish on the international sports stage under the 206-member Association of National Olympic Committees. ANOC and the Indonesia Olympic Committee announced on June 10 that Bali would be the host of the second ANOC World Beach Games from August 5-12, 2023. The Games will be followed by the XXVII ANOC General Assembly from August 13-15. Acting ANOC President Robin Mitchell said: “We are delighted to confirm Bali as the host of the second edition of the ANOC World Beach Games. “Bali has some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world which will provide the ultimate backdrop for spectacular sporting competition in 2023. We are thankful to the Indonesian government and Indonesia Olympic Committee for their partnership and cooperation. We look forward to working with them over the next 15 months to deliver an unforgettable event.” Indonesia Olympic Committee President Raja Sapta Oktohari added: “We are proud to push and promote Indonesia on the global stage. In an historic time for the sporting revival of Indonesia, we are leveraging our investment in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games and ensuring a legacy of sustained sports development throughout the nation.

Grace Lau (Hong Kong, China) won women's kata bronze at Qatar 2019. (Photo: ANOC)

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Sports programme 10 core sports: aquathlon, beach handball, beach soccer, beach tennis, beach volleyball 4×4, beach water polo, beach wrestling, karate (individual kata), kiteboarding and 5km open water swimming.

Plus: 2 sports proposed by ANOC And: 2 sports proposed by the organising committee Qualifying to date includes: Open water swimming: Men – Japan, China, Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan. Women – Japan, Hong Kong China, China, Korea.

Beach handball: Men – Qatar. Karate: Men – Japan. Women – Japan, Hong Kong China. “Combing exciting new sports with the engagement of a new sporting fan base is at the heart of what the Indonesia Olympic Committee wishes to generate.” An ANOC delegation visited Bali from July 7-12 to see potential venues such as Kuta, Nusa Dua, Garuda Wisnu Kencana and Sanur, and discuss sustainability projects including reef restoration and plastic collection. Bali is the second host of the ANOC World Beach Games, following Qatar in 2019. More than 1,200 athletes from 97 NOCs took part in the inaugural event.

Sanur is one of the potential host venues. (Photo: Indonesia Travel)

Games Update OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES 2026 SET TO MAKE HISTORY

he sports and event programme of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 will include a record number of women’s events and be the most gender-balanced Winter Olympics in history, with 47 per cent female participation among 2,900 athletes.

“We have made significant progress to close the gender gap at the Olympic Winter Games,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “We are moving from 40 per cent female participation at Sochi 2014 to 47 per cent in Milano Cortina. We are committed to continuing to advance gender equality, and Milano Cortina will be another key milestone in this endeavour.” The ratio at Beijing 2022 was 45 per cent female athletes to 55 per cent male. Eight new events have been added to the programme, with a strong focus on gender equality in terms of events and female athlete quotas. The changes introduced concern four sports: Ski mountaineering: a new Olympic sport for these Games. Inclusion of three new events: men’s sprint, women’s sprint and mixed relay. Bobsleigh - Inclusion of a skeleton mixed team event Luge - Inclusion of a women’s doubles event; replacement of one open doubles event with one men’s doubles event Skiing: Inclusion of three new events: freestyle skiing men’s dual moguls, freestyle skiing women’s dual moguls and ski jumping women’s large hill individual; removal of one event: Alpine mixed team parallel. (www.ioc.org)

GANGWON PREPARES TO HOLD FIRST WINTER YOG IN ASIA

orea will build on the legacy of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in 2018 by

hosting the IOC’s fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games in 2024. It will be the first Winter YOG to be staged in Asia and the dates have been fixed for January 19 to February 1, 2024. There will be 81 events and 1,900 participants. In the latest news from Korea, the Gangwon 2024 Winter YOG Organising Commission has announced the creation of an Athletes’ Commission chaired by Won Yun-jong (bobsleigh), from the Gangwon Provincial Government.

Won Yun-jong (left) and Choi Min-jeong. (Photo: Getty Images)

The athlete members are Choi Min-jeong (short track), Kang Su-yeon (curling), Kim Yong-gyu (biathlon), Lee Don-goo (ice hockey) and Choi Eun-joo (luge). Page 45

Women in Sport OCA SUPPORTS TANDIN IN BHUTAN BOXING PROJECT

hutan’s first female boxer, Tandin Lhamo, conducted the “Boxing for Girls – Inspiring the Next Generation” project at Chundu Central School in Haa Dzongkhag (district).

interested in taking up boxing. Tandin represented Bhutan in various international competitions and won a bronze medal at the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal in 2019. She now owns a boxing studio in the capital city.

The boxing camp, which received support from the Olympic Council of Asia through the Social Development through Olympism continental programme, targeted young girls

As brand ambassador of the project, Tandin is now inspiring young girls in the Haa district to take up boxing.

Boxing for Girls in the Haa district.

Bhutan meets boxing - a young girl puts on the gloves.

AVC PRESIDENT RITA SUBOWO SIGNS HISTORIC THREE-PARTY DEAL

he FIVB and Volleyball World have signed a landmark agreement with the Asian Volleyball Confederation to explore and enhance the commercial potential of senior international volleyball and beach volleyball events in Asia.

expand the commercial opportunities for AVC senior international events, accelerate our growth and increase revenues across the commercial areas of media, sponsorship and bidding.”

The three-way agreement will run for nine years from 2024-2032 and also focus on the growth of the sport and empowerment of National Federations, events and athletes.

The signing ceremony took place at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Manila on the sidelines of the Volleyball Nations League. (Photo: FIVB)

The main areas of support and collaboration will be the men’s and women’s AVC Asian Continental Championships, AVC Asian Club Continental Championships, AVC Asian Beach Volleyball Championships and AVC Asian Cup. AVC President Rita Subowo of Indonesia, who is an Honorary Vice President of the OCA, said: “This partnership is the result of a well-established relationship between the FIVB, Volleyball World and the AVC, underscoring our joint commitment to realising the sport’s full potential in Asia. “With 65 National Federations in Asia, I have no doubt this agreement will help Page 46

FIVB President Dr. Ary S Graca F and AVC President Rita Subowo sign the partnership deal.

Women in Sport SAMIRA ASGHARI MEETS TAEKWONDO LEADERS IN KOREA

fghanistan’s IOC member Samira Asghari has described it as a “great and unique honour” to be a member of the Asian and global taekwondo community. Samira attended the 2022 Asian Taekwondo Championships in Chuncheon, Korea and had discussions with both the President of World Taekwondo, Dr. Chungwon Choue, and the President of the Asian Taekwondo Union, Prof. Kyu Seok Lee. “Martial arts are literally pure art – and taekwondo won my heart at the 25th Asian Taekwondo Championships,” Samira said in a Facebook post on July 3. “It is a great and unique honour to be part of the world taekwondo family, and to discuss the growth of taekwondo in Afghanistan and around the world. “The message of World Taekwondo is commendable: they value peace more than victory and are always diligent in spreading this message through spectacular performances.”

Samira meets World Taekwondo President Dr. Chungwon Choue.

Samira was appointed a council member of World Taekwondo in 2021 for a two-year term to 2023 and is also an ex-officio member of the ATU.

MALDIVES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE APPOINTS SHIFANA AS CDM

he Maldives Olympic Committee appointed Aishath Shifana Wajeeh as Chef de Mission of Team Maldives for the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey in August. Shifana, owner and CEO of Heat Health and Fitness, was chosen for her exceptional leadership qualities that will deliver further success for Team Maldives at the Games. As CDM, Shifana will be responsible for ensuring the welfare of the team in order for the athletes to produce their best performance in four sports: athletics, basketball, swimming and table tennis.

Shifana is congratulated by MOC officials.

“This is the first time a female has been appointed CDM for a Games of this magnitude. MOC extends its congratulations to Shifana and wishes her and Team Maldives the very best of luck at the Games,” MOC said.

The Women and Sport Committee of the South East Asian Games Federation met in Hanoi on May 11 and stressed the importance of all 11 National Olympic Committees in the region establishing a women and sport commission. They also urged the SEAGF Council to have 30 per cent female membership (or one in three delegates from the 11 NOCs) at the Council meeting in Cambodia next May. (Photo: OCA)

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Women in Sport ASIAN DOUBLES CHAMPIONS JOIN BADMINTON HALL OF FAME

he Badminton World Federation announced that Asian doubles specialists and Olympic champions Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia and Zhao Yunlei of China have been inducted in the BWF Hall of Fame in the Class of 2022. Natsir won four mixed doubles World Championships titles with two different partners and achieved a career high at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games claiming mixed doubles gold with Tontowi Ahmad. She also won silver at Beijing 2008. Natsir was inducted into the BWF Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 18 in a ceremony at the Istana Senayan in Jakarta. “Today marked a new historical moment in my badminton career. I was pleasantly surprised when I was informed about

Liliyana Natsir is inducted into the BWF Hall of Fame.

making it into the prestigious BWF Hall of Fame after three years of retirement. I would like to express my deep gratitude to @bwf.official for this huge honour. Thank you,” she said. The Indonesian hero was joined by Chinese doubles maestro Zhao Yunlei. Zhao was possibly the most versatile female doubles player of her time in both women's doubles and mixed doubles. She had few equals when it came to dominance in two categories over an extended period and retired as one of the most accomplished players ever with two Olympic and five World Championships gold. Zhao was recognised at a virtual ceremony and media event on Friday, June 24. (Photo: BWF)

Zhao won a golden double at London 2012.

OCA CULTURE COMMITTEE CHAIR COMBINES SPORT AND ART

CA Executive Board member Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul combined sport and art in a recent exhibition on the sidelines of two major international badminton events in Thailand. Mrs Khunying Patama, who is Chair of the OCA Culture Committee and an IOC member, held the “Beauty of Opportunity” art exhibition at the Impact Arena in Bangkok to draw attention to the welfare of ex-prisoners. A group of local artists provided watercolours, photographs and street art based on the stories of prisoners and the mistakes they had made in life. “The exhibition attracted a lot of attention from the people who had come to watch the badminton, and the moving stories of the prisoners will help them in their re-integration into society,” said Mrs Khunying Patama. Page 48

OCA Culture Committee Chair Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.

Women in Sport IRANIAN SPRINTER FASIHI BREAKS 100M NATIONAL RECORD The three-time national champion added the 100m record to the 60m record of 7.25 seconds she has held since February 2000. Nicknamed the Wind Girl, Fasihi, 29, told the Tehran Times that she had gone into the race determined to break the national record. "I’m so happy to achieve this new success because breaking the 100m record was one of my main goals,” she said.

Farzaneh Fasihi broke the 100m record. (Photo: Tehran Times)

ranian sprinter Farzaneh Fasihi broke the eight-year-old national record in the women’s 100 meters by clocking 11.44 seconds in the 2022 Turkish Athletics Championships in Bursa on June 25.

“Thank God, I achieved my goal. Of course, this is just the beginning of my work, and nothing is finished. It motivates me and makes me feel more confident in myself and do better in the upcoming competitions,” she added.

“The name of Iran gives me extra motivation. As an Iranian girl, I am proud to compete with strong athletes. I hope to be a good representative of my country and show how capable Iranian girls are.”

FAJER JASSIM APPOINTED BAHRAIN CDM FOR KONYA 2022

he Bahrain Olympic Committee has approved the appointment of Fajer Jassim as Chef de Mission for the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games in Konya, Turkey from August 9-18. Fajer is the Director of Arab and Internationals Relations and of the Olympic Solidarity department at the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

Fajer expressed her deepest thanks and gratitude to the BOC President, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa,

for the confidence placed in her and said the appointment brought her pride and honour. “I am proud of this assignment which means a lot to me,” she said. “It is a clear expression of His Highness's support and interest in the youth and supporting the ability of women to take high positions. He is a leader, an inspiration and supporter of all athletes, and this drives us to make more efforts to succeed.” Fajer Jassim served as CDM for the Bahrain delegation to the Asian Games at Incheon in 2014 and also the Islamic Solidarity Games in Baku, Azerbaijan in 2017. (Photo: BOC)

PHILIPPINE Sports Hall of Famer and bowling great Olivia “Bong” Coo has become a member of the Board of Commissioners of the government’s Philippine Sports Commission. She was welcomed by officer-in-charge and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy Jr. at the PSC Administrative Bldg. at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila on July 19. (Photo: PSC)

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Young Olympic Ambassadors

SPIRIT OF OLYMPISM VERY MUCH ALIVE WITH TRUE ACT OF FRIENDSHIP The 62nd International Session of the International Olympic Academy for Young Olympic Ambassadors took place from June 12-23, 2022. Here, in a special article for Sporting Asia, Fred Quek of Singapore reports from Ancient Olympia.

he International Olympic Academy’s Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors had always been my dream destination.

Prior to attending the session, I had been volunteering in my NOC for 10 years, attended our Singapore Olympic Academy’s International Annual Academic Session and later helped facilitate it. In 2022, I was blessed enough to attend the session in person after a two-year suspension due to COVID-19. It was an honour and an experience unlike anything you could have possibly imagined. When we arrived in Athens, the International Olympic Academy had arranged for us a tour of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis, as well as the Panathenaic Stadium, which had been the site of the opening ceremony of the first modern Olympic Games in 1986. Thereafter, we proceeded by bus to Olympia. There, we toured the site of the Ancient Olympic Games and learned about the history of the Games, which had spanned over a millennium before it ceased in 393 AD. A total of 125 Young Olympic Ambassadors from 80 countries had gathered for the session. There, we met daily

Fred with fellow Singaporean Eliza Tan at the Acropolis.

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for lectures from top professors in Olympic Studies, broke into our smaller working groups to discuss questions and answers pertaining to the Session’s topic, “The Olympic Movement and Olympism in Digital Era”. Our amazing coordinators planned sporting activities like tennis, volleyball and encouraged everyone to participate, in line with Pierre de Coubertin’s belief that participation is more important than winning. During the evenings, we participated in arts and dance lessons. Social nights were also a mainstay. Each country’s participants were encouraged to share a little about their culture and country with everyone at the academy. Usually, it came in the form of a cultural show or presentation. Sometimes, we were treated to food and drinks from their homes. The nights we spent on the famous marble steps learning about different cultures are some of my most treasured memories. A particular event would remain on my mind for a long time to come because it truly exemplified an Olympic Value: Friendship. One of the first friends I made at the session, Tugs from Mongolia, had almost 1,000 Euros pickpocketed from her during our first day in Athens. She was unable to recover the money.

Fred with fellow participants from Mongolia, Malaysia and Canada at the Acropolis Museum.

Young Olympic Ambassadors

IOA Timeline

AMONG YOUNG AMBASSADORS

The IOA was officially inaugurated on June 16, 1961. Until 1966, participants lived in tents, and the Sessions were held under the pine trees.

When at Olympia, a few of the participants decided to put together a fundraiser to help her raise some money to cover what she had lost. When other participants heard about it, they willingly volunteered their national jerseys, items of value for our cause. By the end of the night, 450 Euros were raised. We were humbled by their generosity but reminded that the spirit of Olympism was well and truly alive.

The first buildings were completed in 1967. The new conference centre was completed in 1994. In 2021 the IOA premises were fully renovated with the financial support of the IOC.

Overall, it was an amazing experience to live at the very place the Olympics was founded, where Coubertin found inspiration and had sat and pondered about the enormity of his mission to revive the Games over a century ago. In fact, Coubertin often spoke fondly of the place. It is not difficult to see why.

About the IOA The International Olympic Academy aims at studying, enriching and promoting Olympism and its values in relevance with current global issues of Olympic interest and in conformity with the principles laid down by the ancient Greeks and the revivers of the contemporary Olympic Movement. The IOA is situated at Ancient Olympia, next to the archaeological site where the first Olympic Games were born. The opening ceremony took place at the Hill of Pnyx.

Olympic speed skating champion Zhang Hong of China was one of the lecturers.

Participants join an Olympic art session (Photo: IOA)

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OVEP in India IOC LAUNCHES OVEP IN ODISHA WITH 7 MILLION TARGET

he International Olympic Committee officially launched the first Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) in India on May 24, with the Olympism-themed curriculum being integrated into the school education system in the state of Odisha.

higher education institutions in a phased manner, thereby enabling its young population to truly take on board the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect, become model citizens and lead a healthy lifestyle.

One of the first major IOC projects to be implemented in India, OVEP is being developed in partnership with the Government of Odisha’s Department of School and Mass Education and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT).

The Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage, which leads OVEP for the IOC, will conduct training sessions for “master trainers” nominated by the state of Odisha, along with trainers from the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust; these master trainers will, in turn, kick-start the programme with focus groups of eight to 10 schools in the state.

In its first year, the programme aims to impact 32,000 children enrolled in 90 schools in the cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela; once in full swing, it will reach around 7 million children. The state of Odisha intends to take OVEP to all its schools and

Orientation sessions will be held for school principals, education and sports officials, and other core group members involved in the project.

OVEP in Odisha, India. (Photos: IOC)

‘Sports is an important part of our vision for education and personality development in Odisha. We have always strived to achieve excellence in the education sector as well as in sports. I am happy that, for the first time in India, the Olympic Values Education Programme is being launched in 90 schools in Odisha. This will be the beginning of new Olympic Movement in the country. We thank the IOC for partnering with us in this endeavour to excel in sports.’ - Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha.

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‘Education is an integral part of the Olympic Movement’s continuous contribution to society. The Olympic Values Education Programme has been developed and implemented around the world since 2006. So, today, we are very happy to take these important steps in continuing to widely share this programme, which is based on Olympic values and Olympic culture, with children and youth in India. Further testament to the power of sport in being of service to humankind.’ – Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski, IOC Education Commission Chair.

OVEP in India TRAINING THE TRAINERS TO BUILD SOLID OVEP BASE IN SCHOOLS By Rahul Mukerji, OVEP Master Trainer

suggestions and solutions on how to take OVEP forward in India.

The sessions began on June 22 with an orientation programme which was attended by headmasters and teachers from the participating schools and OVEP Master Trainers from across India, as well as OVEP specialists from IOC HQ in Switzerland.

The final three days concluded with the Master Trainers training the teachers from all the participating schools in Odisha. It was very challenging for the Master Trainers on the first day to make the school teachers understand the concept of OVEP and its benefits since it was very new to India.

he first step of the IOC’s OVEP in India, “Train the Trainers”, was conducted in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from June 22-28, 2022.

For the next three days it was an intense OVEP training workshop for the Master Trainers from ABFT, Reliance Foundation and the State of Odisha. The workshop sessions were fun and interactive learning with a lot of activities, games and quizzes. The participants were mainly teachers but also included athletes, journalists, managers, entrepreneurs and others who shared their rich experiences to enrich the training sessions with their ideas,

From then on it was very smooth sailing and a lot of creative methods were used, many of them from the OVEP toolkit to explain OVEP, Olympism and the Olympic Movement to the trainees. It was interesting to get a lot of innovative stories and ideas from the participants, too. At the end of the session, everybody looked ready to take on the challenge of OVEP implementation in the schools in Odisha.

OVEP up and running in India. (Photo: Rahul Mukherji)

‘India is a land of great opportunities and infinite possibilities. We have over 250 million children in our schools, brimming with talent and potential. They are the champions of tomorrow, the future of our nation. Only a small number of children in the world will become Olympians but every child can be touched by the ideals of Olympism. That is the mission of OVEP, and that is what makes it a huge opportunity for India. As we prepare to host the IOC Session 2023 in Mumbai, I look forward to further strengthening the Olympic Movement in our country.’ – Nita Ambani, IOC Member.

‘My vision is to deliver the values of Olympism to all school children in India and promote the Olympic Movement in our country. It is crucial to equip our school children with the right skills to be able to cultivate a strong sense of morality, respect, equality and inclusion. Sport, as we all know, has a unique potential to spur social change and increase community engagement, and can be used as an educational tool.’ – Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic champion, in shooting at Beijing 2008, and founder of the ABFT. Page 53

Obituary

Malaysian sports administrator Dato’ Sieh Kok Chi on Saturday, July 16. He was 83. The Acting President of the OCA, Raja Randhir Singh, said Kok Chi was a trusted friend of the OCA. “He served as Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malaysia for many years and was a popular figure in the Olympic circles,” said Raja Randhir.

DATO’ SIEH KOK CHI: The Olympic Council of Asia expressed its deep sorrow over the passing of veteran

“He was always ready to give his honest opinion on any aspect of the Olympic Movement and his advice and recommendations proved invaluable on many an occasion. Dato’ Sieh was very well respected for his passion and enthusiasm for the Olympic Movement, and his personality and character will be greatly missed at meetings and sports games. On behalf of the OCA, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dato’ Sieh Kok Chi, to the President, Executive Board and management of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and to everyone involved in the sports movement in Malaysia, southeast Asia and throughout the continent.” Dato’ Sieh Kok Chi was inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame in 2019. (Photo: OCM)

VARINDER SINGH: The Indian hockey community mourned the passing of one of the best players of the 1970s on June 28. Varinder Singh was 75. Singh won Olympic bronze at Munich 1972, World Cup gold at Kuala Lumpur in 1975, World Cup silver in 1973 and Asian Games silver in 1974 and 1978. Ajitpal Singh, captain of the World Cup-winning side, recalled: “When Varinder came to the Indian hockey team, he was my roommate till our last tournament together. He was the gentle giant of the World Cup-winning team and the most disciplined and honest hockey player of his time.” Varinder was conferred the Dhyan Chand Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. (Source: Indian Express)

MANICKAVASAGAM HARICHANDRA: The Olympic Council of Malaysia announced the passing of athletics icon M. “Hari” Harichandra on June 29. He was 92. Hari was well-known in Malaysia and Singapore and competed in the 1954 Manila Asian Games in the men’s 400m and the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 in the 800m. Photo: M. Harichandra is pictured (back row, fifth from the right) with the Malaya delegation at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. (Photo: OCM) Page 54

Obituary

MOAYAD AL BADRI: The popular TV sports commentator and Iraqi football official died at the age of 88 in the United States on June 11. The President of Iraq NOC, Raad Hammoudi, described Badri as a symbol of Iraqi football and the sports media industry. “He played the role of a father, educator and mentor to many generations of football players of clubs and national teams,” said the Iraq NOC President. (Photo: @nociraq)

WILFRED VIAS: The former captain of Malaysia’s national hockey team passed away on June 7 at the age of 93. Known as “Uncle Freddy”, he was a great hockey player in the 1950s and helped the team qualify for the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games. As a government sports administrator, he played a big role in the development of sport in Malaysia and was inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also chosen as one of 80 torchbearers in Malaysia for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. (Photo: OCM)

RONNIE IGNATIUS THESEIRA: The founding president of the Malayan Amateur Fencing Association in 1959 passed away on June 18, aged 92. He was the first fencer to represent his country in the Olympic Games, at Tokyo 1964, and also competed at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970. Coaching was his passion and he inspired many youngsters who would go on to represent the national team. (Photo: OCM)

PROF. DATO’ AR. CHIN WAI YEONG: The former Vice President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia passed away on June 20. He was 83. Known popularly as “W.Y. Chin”, he made a significant contribution to the Olympic movement for over two decades and was elected OCM Vice President for five consecutive terms from November 2000 to June 2011. He was a pioneer of snooker and billiards at local, continental and international level and also served as Chef de Mission at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Deputy Chef de Mission at the 19th SEA Games Jakarta 1997. W.Y. Chin was inducted into the OCM Hall of Fame in 2011. (Photo: OCM)

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News in Brief

Kim Jae-youl becomes ISU President Kim Jae-youl of Korea has become the 12th President of the International Skating Union and the first from outside Europe - after winning 77 votes at the 58th ISU Congress in Phuket, Thailand on June 10. Kim needed a majority of 60 votes against three rival candidates and finished well clear of the field. Kim starts his four-year mandate with the mission “Together, we can go further” and five priority areas of focus: growth, opportunity, innovation, safeguarding and unity. (Photo: ISU)

Switzerland to host Afghan women’s cycling championship The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has announced that the 2022 Women's National Road Championships of Afghanistan will be held on October 23 in Aigle, Switzerland in support of the Afghan Cycling Federation. There will be two competitions, at elite and under-23 levels, on two laps of a 28.5km circuit through the towns of Aigle, Yvorne, Rennaz and Vouvry in the Chablais region of Vaud and Valais. The 50 participants are all based in other countries. (uci.org)

Tokyo to host 2025 world athletics championships IOC, OCA meet with Afghanistan NOC The IOC met with the Afghan NOC and the Afghan General Directorate of Physical Education and Sports in the presence of the OCA in Doha on June 14, with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee. The Afghan representatives reiterated their commitment to fully respect the principles and rules of the Olympic Charter, in particular the fundamental right for all individuals, including women and young girls, to access and practise sport safely, without discrimination. The NOC is committed to fielding a mixed team for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. (www.ioc.org)

The World Athletics Council has selected Tokyo to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships. The other candidates were Nairobi, Silesia and Singapore. The 2025 World Athletics Championships will see the sport’s biggest stars return to the new Tokyo Olympic Stadium, venue for last year’s Olympic Games, in the year that the Japanese Association of Athletics Federations celebrates its centenary year. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said: “Tokyo offered a compelling bid. I hope this will be a shining light for Japan as they celebrate 100 years of the Japanese Association of Athletics Federations in 2025 by bringing world-class athletics back to the people in Tokyo.”

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News in Brief

Tokyo 2020 balances budget

FIBA unveils World Cup 2023 mascot

Tokyo 2020 has published its final financial report detailing its revenues and expenditures and a balanced budget of JPY 640.4 billion (USD 5.8 billion).

FIBA has unveiled the mascot for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia next August – and is now asking fans to name the mascot via an online competition. (www.fiba/basketball)

Revenue: IOC contribution, USD 0.8 billion; TOP sponsorship, USD 0.5 billion; local sponsorship, USD 3.4 billion; insurance payout for one-year postponement, USD 0.5 billion; licensing and other revenue, USD 0.6 billion. Expenditure: USD 1.8 billion, on venue-related costs such as temporary infrastructure (overlay) and technology; USD 4.0 billion on service expenditures such as competition and venue operations, transport and security. Total Games expenditure: USD 13.0 billion. (www.ioc.org)

IOC to run Paris 2024 boxing In the interest of the athletes and the boxing community, the IOC Executive Board has decided that the boxing qualifying events and competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will not be run under the authority of the International Boxing Association (IBA, formerly AIBA). The decision follows the continuing and very concerning issues of the IBA, such as its governance and its refereeing and judging system. (www.ioc.org)

The robot mascot has been created from a shared vision of three young fans - Caloy from the Philippines, Kota from Japan and Dewi from Indonesia - to unite basketball fans around the world.

FINA announces new policy on gender inclusion FINA Member Federations voted in support of a new FINA policy on gender inclusion presented at the FINA Extraordinary General Congress 2022 in Budapest, Hungary on June 19. Included in the policy are proposals for an open competition category, while the new policy effectively bans trans-gender women from competing in women’s events. FINA’s groundbreaking move was greeted with widespread approval in the global sports community. FINA President Husain Al-Musallam said: “We have to protect the rights of our athletes to compete but we also have to protect competitive fairness at our events, especially the women’s category at FINA competitions. FINA will always welcome every athlete to compete at an elite level.” (www.fina.org)

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OCA Sports Diary

2022 July 28 - August 8 Commonwealth Games Birmingham, England

October 19 – 20 ANOC XXVI General Assembly Seoul, Korea

August 3 OCA Athletes’ Committee Webinar August 12 – 21 Asian Youth Camp-Diving Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 3 OCA Executive Board Phnom Penh, Cambodia

October 27 - November 7, 1st Saudi Games Riyadh, Saudi Arabia October 30 – 31 OCA Gender Equity Seminar

2023 March OCA Athletes’ Forum Dates/Venue to be decided March 17 – 19 World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing, China

November 3 – 7

May 5-17 32nd SEA Games Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

July 14 – 30 20th FINA World Championships Fukuoka, Japan

OCA Development Programme for Coaches and Referees Central Asia and South Asia

October 4 OCA General Assembly Phnom Penh, Cambodia

November 21 – December 18 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

October 18 ANOC Executive Council Seoul, Korea

December 9 IOC Olympic Summit Lausanne, Switzerland

October 19 ANOC Awards Seoul, Korea

December 20 – 28 OCA 3rd Asian Youth Games Shantou, China

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July 28 – August 8 FISU World University Games Chengdu, China August 2 – 11 FINA World Masters Championships Kyushu, Japan August 5 – 12 ANOC World Beach Games Bali, Indonesia

OCA Sports Diary

August 13 – 15 ANOC XXVII General Assembly Bali, Indonesia

July 26 – August 11 XXXII Olympic Games Paris, France

August 19 – 27 World Athletics Championships Budapest, Hungary

August 23 – September 8 Paralympic Games Paris, France

September 23 – October 8 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, China

2025 3rd Asian Youth Games Tashkent, Uzbekistan

2028 July 21 – August 6 Olympic Games Los Angeles, United States

Dates to be decided 14th South Asian Games Lahore, Pakistan

7th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2029 4th Asian Youth Games Phnom Penh, Cambodia

November 17 – 26 6th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games Bangkok/Chonburi, Thailand

15th National Games of China, Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong Province

2030 21st Asian Games Doha, Qatar

2026 February 6 – 22 Olympic Winter Games Milano-Cortina, Italy

2032 July 23 – August 8 XXXV Olympic Games Brisbane, Australia

March 6 – 15 Paralympic Winter Games Milano-Cortina, Italy

2034 22nd Asian Games Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2024 January 19 – February 1 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games Gangwon, Korea February 2 - 18 21st FINA World Championships Doha, Qatar

20th Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya 2026

September 19 – October 4 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya, Japan 4th Youth Olympic Games Dakar, Senegal

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

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

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