Latest news with #45thGeneralAssembly
Arab Times
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Sheikh Fahad Al-Nasser meets key sports figures during the OCA General Assembly
KUWAIT CITY, May 13: Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, welcomed several prominent sports officials and figures on the sidelines of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), held in Kuwait. Among the distinguished guests received were Li Jing, Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Mahmoud Khosravi-Wafa, President of the Iranian Olympic Committee; Chen Weiqing, Secretary-General of the Asian Games Organizing Committee and Vice Mayor of Hangzhou, China; Vladimir Maksimov, President of the Children of Asia Organization; and Sherzaud Asatullayev, Vice President, along with their accompanying delegation. The meetings focused on key sports programs and initiatives, while also exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration between the Kuwait Olympic Committee and regional counterparts. Discussions aimed to strengthen Kuwait's role in the Olympic movement and reinforce its presence on the international sports stage. Also present at the meetings were Sheikh Mubarak Faisal Al-Nawaf, Vice President of the Committee; Captain Ali Al-Marri, Assistant Secretary; Board Member Fatima Hayat; and Sheikha Bibi Salem Al-Sabah, Member of the Women's Sports Committee of the Kuwait Olympic Committee.
Qatar Tribune
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikh Joaan leads Qatari delegation as Doha 2030 reinforces Qatar's strategic value to Asian sport
Tribune News Network Kuwait City His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), led Qatar's delegation at the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia, held in Kuwait. The Assembly brought together representatives from all 45 National Olympic Committees across Asia, convening to assess progress, align on shared goals, and make strategic decisions shaping the future of sport across the continent. For Qatar, the meetings offered more than a platform for dialogue, they affirmed a legacy of delivery, a future of capability, and the trust of a region preparing for the Doha 2030 Asian Games. Joining Sheikh Joaan were Dr. Thani Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia for West Asia and Second Vice President of the QOC, and His Excellency Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the QOC. During the Assembly, His Excellency Jassim Al Buenain delivered a comprehensive update on the progress of the Doha 2030 Asian Games. With five years remaining and the ceremonial handover from Aichi Nagoya scheduled for 2026, the update demonstrated that Qatar is not only on track, but defining new standards in operational readiness, athlete experience, and strategic planning. 'Doha 2030 will not only deliver excellence on the field of play,' said Al Buenain in his address. 'It will reflect what the Olympic Movement stands for: unity, resilience, and shared ambition. These Games will be felt by every athlete who finds courage, by every volunteer who finds meaning, and by every child who dares to dream.' His remarks were followed by a short film underscoring the guiding principles of the project. Doha 2030 is a Games shaped by long-term vision, backed by infrastructure built with intent, and guided by an approach that puts people, legacy, and performance at its core. The message was clear: this is a nation with the systems, scale, and belief to deliver with purpose. Set to welcome more than 15,000 athletes from across the continent, the Doha 2030 Asian Games will be the largest multisport event ever hosted in Qatar. A full technical roadmap has already been submitted to the OCA, outlining preparations in areas such as venue delivery, athlete accommodation, volunteer engagement, digital integration, and sustainability. The Games are being designed not only to celebrate sporting excellence, but to leave a measurable, lasting impact. As Sheikh Joaan continues to serve on the highest Olympic bodies, Qatar's presence at the Assembly reinforced a record of action over ambition. The story of Doha 2030 is not built on promises, but on progress. It is a project grounded in experience, driven by collaboration, and aligned with the aspirations of Asia's next generation. In a region that values precision and vision, Qatar continues to earn the confidence of its peers not by what it says it will do, but by what it consistently delivers.
Kuwait Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Kuwait Times
Amir receives IOC president, officials
'Sports embody values, determination, unity' KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, and members of the IOC and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), on the occasion of their visit to Kuwait for the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The meeting was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with senior state officials. His Highness the Amir delivered a speech welcoming the distinguished guests and highlighting Kuwait's pride in hosting the General Assembly. 'We welcome you to the land of love and peace and extend our appreciation for your sincere efforts in advancing Asian sports and empowering athletes across the continent,' His Highness said. He reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to sports development, in line with the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which emphasizes investment in youth, inclusivity in sports for all segments of society, and the promotion of peace, tolerance and cooperation through athletics. KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, and members of the IOC and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), on the occasion of their visit to Kuwait for the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The meeting was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with senior state officials. 'Sports are more than competition — they embody values, determination and unity. They are a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding across cultures and borders,' His Highness stated. He also expressed Kuwait's pride in being home to the OCA and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation among National Olympic Committees, with a focus on women's sports, sports for people with disabilities, and the integration of technology in sports infrastructure. Dr Thomas Bach also addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality and lauding Kuwait's leadership in promoting the values of the Olympic Movement. 'The presence of all 45 members of the National Olympic Committees of Asia here in Kuwait reflects the unity of the continent and the OCA's vital role in connecting Asia with the international Olympic community,' Bach said. He highlighted Kuwait's instrumental role in revitalizing the Olympic Council of Asia and underscored His Highness the Amir's commitment to both the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Dr Bach also announced ongoing efforts by the IOC to embrace the digital revolution, including the Olympic AI Agenda, aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence to benefit athletes worldwide. As a token of appreciation, Dr Bach presented His Highness the Amir with a special commemorative gold medal — a rare honor previously awarded only to heads of state demonstrating exceptional support for the Olympic Movement. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and was attended by senior officials and dignitaries from across the Olympic community. — KUNA
Arab Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab Times
Kuwait takes center stage as OCA holds General Assembly
KUWAIT CITY, May 12, (KUNA): The 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) took place on Monday in Kuwait, bringing together leaders from National Olympic Committees across 45 Asian countries. Kuwait's representation was led by Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee. The event began with a vibrant opening ceremony attended by top sports officials and dignitaries from across Asia and the world. Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi conveyed Kuwait's deep pride in hosting this major continental Olympic gathering. He highlighted the honor of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah representing the nation at the opening ceremony, and wished the OCA continued success in developing Asian sports across all disciplines. In his address, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr. Thomas Bach emphasized Asia's vast and growing influence in global sports. 'Asia is not only the largest continent but one with a rich history and a powerful presence in the sporting world,' he said. Dr. Bach also praised the OCA's 'outstanding work' in contributing to the success of Olympic Games such as Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. OCA First Vice President Timothy Fok expressed appreciation for Kuwait's role as the Council's home base and thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince for their unwavering support of the Asian Olympic Movement. The meeting, chaired by Hussein Al-Musallam, the Director of the OCA, began with a keynote address by Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coventry, who will officially assume her IOC position in June, emphasized sport's power as a unifying force for athletes, giving them the platform to express themselves and engage with their communities. In her speech, Coventry highlighted Asia's key role in the global Olympic movement, noting the success of Asian countries in hosting major Olympic events. She particularly praised the organization of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Coventry commended the exceptional organization of the OCA's assembly and the opening ceremony in Kuwait, reflecting the region's strength in managing international sports events. Following the opening remarks, the assembly heard reports from the OCA Vice Presidents representing each Asian region. These included Timothy Fok (Hong Kong, East Asia), Dr. Norza Zakaria (Malaysia, Southeast Asia), Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (Bhutan, South Asia), Otabek Umarov (Uzbekistan, Central Asia), and Dr. Thani Al-Kuwari (Qatar, West Asia). The assembly also heard presentations from Witold Banka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as updates from the organizing committees of future events, including the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Summer Games and the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games in China. The upcoming Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (2025), Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (2026), Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh (2026), and the Asian Winter Games in NEOM (2029) were also discussed. The meeting concluded with the Council's standing committees presenting their annual reports, delivered by the heads of each committee. These included the advisory, athletes, cultural, education, electronic sports, martial arts, mind sports, ethics, finance, gender equality, international relations, legal, media, and medical committees. Reports were also presented from the committees on the Parallel Asian Games, peace through sports, sports, sports and the environment, and sports for all. During the assembly, the OCA honored Dr. Bach with the prestigious Order of Merit in recognition of his more than 12 years of leadership and contributions to the Olympic Movement. The Council also congratulated newly elected IOC President Christy Coventry on her victory. Kuwait Olympic Committee Chairman Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah noted that the assembly provides a vital platform for collaboration and shared vision among Asia's leading sports figures. He reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to supporting the OCA's objectives and working closely with national Olympic committees to empower young athletes and develop regional sports. Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming spoke at the event, reflecting on the powerful role sports played in shaping his education, personal growth, and international understanding. He praised the assembly in Kuwait for offering a supportive environment for athletes and sports leaders alike.
Malaysia Sun
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Malaysia Sun
OCA General Assembly opens with IOC president Bach speech
BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has "a special place in my heart" at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday. Bach, addressing the assembly for the final time before his tenure ends in 2025, highlighted Asia's pivotal role in his leadership. Bach credited three consecutive Asian-hosted Olympic Games - PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, and Beijing 2022 - as the "defining chapter" of his presidency, praising the continent's resilience amid global challenges. "Asia always has and always will have a special place in my heart," said Bach, who was awarded the OCA Order of Merit, lauded the Asian Games as a "model of success" for other continental bodies. In his welcome address at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, OCA first vice president Timothy Fok Tsun-ting described Kuwait as the "heartbeat" of the OCA, emphasizing Asia's collective achievements. "The Opening Ceremony and General Assembly will display not only the unity of Asia but also the diversity of Asia, the spirit of Asia and pride of Asia," Fok stated, calling the event a milestone in building a "brighter future" for the continent's sports movement. Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming, a guest speaker, reflected on the Olympics' unifying power, recalling his experience at Sydney 2000. "Sports can overcome hurdles, break down barriers, and unite the youth of the world behind one common goal," said the NBA Hall of Famer. IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry and the president of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, also attended the two-day conference.
