Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Edition 46 - September 2019

OLYMPIC DAY IN ASIA CONTINENT WIDE CELEBRATIONS OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp | Women and | NOC Focus: , Macau Contents Inside the OCA’s Sporting Asia Edition 46 – September 2019

3 Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic President’s Message 12 Council of Asia, published quarterly. 4 – 7 News In Pictures Executive Editor / Director General Husain Al-Musallam [email protected] 8 – 11 2022 Countdown in Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari [email protected] 12 – 13 Director, Asian Games Department 2020 – Sanya update Haider A. Farman [email protected] 14 – 23 Editor Olympic Day in Asia: 10 pages of celebrations to Jeremy Walker 15 [email protected] mark 125th anniversary of IOC

Executive Secretary Nayaf Sraj 24 – 28 [email protected] OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp in Nanjing

Olympic Council of Asia PO Box 6706, Hawalli 29 Zip Code 32042 ANOC World Beach Games, 2019 Kuwait

Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 19 30 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ocasia.org NOC Focus - Japan

31 NOC Focus - Macau,

32 – 33 Women and Sport 30 Front cover: 34 The fun and friendship of News in Brief - IOC lifts Kuwait NOC suspension Olympic Day celebrations in Kazakhstan.

35 Photo: Kazakhstan NOC Obituary

SPECIAL THANKS: 36 Olympic Day Reporter, Alvin Sallay (OCA Media) OCA Diary 33 Sponsors’ Club

Page 02 President’s Message

HANGZHOU 2022 COMES INTO FOCUS FOR ASIAN NOCS

With the excitement of the 18th Asian Games in There will be a long list of deadlines to meet in terms of still fresh in the memory, the next Asian Games in NOC HQ administration and operations and, most Hangzhou, China is already on the horizon. importantly, delegation personnel so that everything runs smoothly before and during the next Asian Games. We On September 10, organising committee HAGOC - along have full confidence in our NOC staff around the continent with the OCA and other stakeholders - celebrated the that all the requirements will be delivered on time. three-year countdown to the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in 2022. These are exciting times for the Olympic Movement in Asia, with the next Olympic Games in in 2020 and the Just like the two previous Chinese hosts of the Asian Games next Winter Olympics in in 2022. – Beijing in 1990 and in 2010 – we are sure that Hangzhou 2022 will add to the rich legacy of the We also have our 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya in Olympic Movement in China, Asia and the world. 2020 and our 3rd in Shantou in 2021, so the sports calendar is packed in the build-up to Hang- From an organisational point of view we have no concerns zhou 2022. whatsoever due to China’s vast experience in hosting and managing major international multi-sport events. Let’s all work together to keep the unity and spirit of the Olympic Movement in Asia to guarantee a successful series And we are already anticipating that the opening and of events in the next three years. closing ceremonies will reflect the ancient and modern China to be found in this dynamic city, and that the “look” of the Asian Games around the competition venues will be fresh, attractive and innovative. Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al It is also our experience, however, that these next three President, years will fly by – and that it won’t be long before we are gathered in Hangzhou for the next chapter in our Asian Games success story.

Page 03 News in Pictures

Singapore sports philanthropist Peter Lim has been presented with the IOC Trophy by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on behalf of the Singapore National Olympic Council. Mr Lim donated S$ 10 million to the Singapore Olympic Foundation in 2010 to set up the SOF-Peter Lim scholar- ship which has benefited more than 2,600 student-athletes. He renewed his contribution with another S$10 million donation to fund the scholarship from 2021 to 2030. (Photo: SNOC)

Qatar Olympic Committee Secre- tary General HE Mr. Jassim bin Rashed al-Buenain attended the gala dinner and awards ceremony of the International Judo Federa- tion on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of judo as an Olympic sport since 1964 in Tokyo on August 23. The QOC Secretary General presented two awards - the best male athlete at London 2012 and Rio 2016, Teddy Riner (France), and the best female athlete at Rio 2016, Kayla Harri- son (USA).

Maldives President H.E. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih welcomed the successful delegation back from the 10th Indian Ocean Island Games in Mauritius on July 29. Maldives won four gold, four silver and seven bronze medals across four sports and will have the honour of hosting the 11th IOIG in 2023.

Page 04 News in Pictures

Nepal Olympic Committee President and Member of Parliament the Hon. Jeevan Ram Shrestha welcomed the Secretary General of the Kho Kho Federation of India, Mr. M.S. Tyagi, and Federation Director Mr. Subhash Kumar to discuss prepara- tions for the 13th South Asian Games in Kathmandu in December. The President of the Nepal Kho Kho Association, Mr. Shree Prasad Jha, Vice President Pradip Maharjan, Secretary General Sanu Raja Shakya and Treasurer Indra Bahadur Maharjan were also present. (http://nocnepal.org.np)

Olympic Games marathon silver and bronze medal- winner Yuko Arimori (pictured) delivered the keynote speech at the Japanese Olympic Committee’s ninth Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and National Olym- International Sports Leader Academy which kicked off on pic Academy President Hong-Dow Lin was awarded the June 21. Out of 214 graduates, 74 have obtained “Athena” prize by the President of the International Olym- positions in International Federations and Asian Federa- pic Academy, Isidoros Kouvelos, in recognition of the tions. This year, 39 professionals from 32 National Academy’s contribution to the Olympic Movement. The Federations are taking part. award ceremony was held on the Pnyx Hill in Athens on June 2. The CTOC Academy is the fifth National Olympic (Photo: JOC/AFLO SPORT) Academy to be awarded this IOA prize. (CTOC)

Page 05 News in Pictures

Malaysia NOC organised the Sport Administrators Course for 34 participants from August 16-18 at the Hotel Excelsior Ipoh, Perak. The course was conducted by the Assistant Secretary General of the Olympic Council of Malay- sia, Ms. Moira Tan Siew See, and her team of facilitators.

Laos NOC organised a six-day technical course for coaches in from July 22-27 in collaboration with the Laos Badminton Federation, supported by Olympic Solidarity. The Level 1 workshop was conducted by Mohamad Zuno Kartono, a Badminton World Federation qualified coach.

The Jordan Olympic Committee has signed a partnership agree- ment with Societe Generale de Banque – Jordan (SGBJ). The agreement was signed by the JOC Secretary General, Nasser Majali, and the Director General of SGBJ, Nadim Qabwat. The agreement comes within the framework of the JOC’s efforts to support Jordanian sports and athletes by working with institutions and companies keen to develop the sports sector in the Kingdom. (www.joc.jo)

Page 06 News in Pictures

Philippine Football Federation chief Nonong Araneta has been named as the Philippines' Chef de Mission for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His appointment was announced during the Philippine Olympic Committee’s first general assembly since Cavite Rep. Bambol Tolentino’s election as its new president. (Photo: ABS-CBN)

A memorial to Kazakhstan’s most famous figure skater Sayyid Khalid al Busaidi has been elected as the new Denis Ten has been unveiled in . The 2014 Sochi chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee. Sayyid Winter Olympics bronze medallist passed away on July Khalid, a former chairman of the Oman Football Associa- 19, 2018 at the age of 25 after being stabbed in a scuffle tion, won 10 out of 14 votes at the election of the General by two people trying to steal the mirrors from his car in Assembly on July 25. He defeated the acting OOC chair- downtown Almaty. His tragic death sent a nation - and the man, Sheikh Saif Al Hosni, who took over from Khalid al world of figure skating - into mourning. Zubair last September.

Sri Lanka’s Sydney 2000 Olympic Games 200m silver medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe, 43, joined the NOC of Sri Lanka as its High Performance Direc- tor from August 1. NOC President Suresh Subra- maniam (left) and Secre- tary General Maxwell de Silva are pictured with Susanthika after signing the papers.

Page 07 OCA in China

Group photo at the 2nd OCA Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games-Hangzhou 2022 on September 11. ASIA’S STRENGTH ON DISPLAY AT COORDINATION MEETING

There was a great deal of pride, spirit and determination on Regarding the Asian Games, Raja Randhir added: “Every time in display during the second OCA Coordination Committee (CC) Asia we raise the bar and I think we will reach another level again meeting for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on in Hangzhou 2022. It shows the interest that China is taking in Wednesday, September 11. organising games. It is a credit to the country and the continent.”

The meeting took place at the Hangzhou Marriott Hotel Qianji- The OCA Director General, Husain Al Musallam, concurred: “I ang and covered 10 major topics during six hours of presenta- have no doubt that the Hangzhou Asian Games will be the best tions, questions and answers and summaries. ever Asian Games and I have no doubt that we will deliver a high standard of games. We have to think that we are proud of In summing up the meeting, OCA CC what we are doing and proud of our achievements.” Chairman Raja Randhir Singh said he had been very impressed with the detail and On behalf of HAGOC, Hangzhou Vice Mayor Chen Weiqiang the “totally thorough” presentations with thanked the OCA CC members for their input. “The Asian three years remaining to the 19th Asian Games is a mega project,” he said. “We have three years to go Games, which will run from September but still there is a lot we need to accomplish. The HAGOC 10-25, 2022. departments now have a clear mind, clear goals and greater confidence.” “There is no doubt the world is looking at Asia,” he said. “Asia is hosting some of the best games in the world and is leaving the The third OCA CC meeting for Hangzhou 2022 is scheduled for rest of the world behind.” March 2020.

OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam and the OCA's Director of International and NOC Relations, Vinod Tiwari, held a meeting with the HAGOC marketing department to discuss the progress of the marketing programme for Hangzhou 2022.

HAGOC has signed Official Prestige Partner contracts with Geely Auto, China Mobile and China Telecom.

Page 08 OCA in China

SPORTS PROGRAMME 19TH ASIAN GAMES, HANGZHOU, CHINA, SEPTEMBER 10 – 25, 2022

1: Aquatics 8: 17: Hockey 30: Sport Climbing Open water 9: Canoeing 18: Judo 31: Squash Dragon boat 19: Jujitsu 32: Table Artistic swimming Canoe slalom 20: Kabaddi 33: Taekwondo Canoe sprint 21: Karate 34: Tennis Swimming 10: Cricket 22: Kurash 35: Triathlon 2: 11: Equestrian 23: Modern Pentathlon 36: 3: Athletics 12: Fencing 24: Roller Sports Volleyball 4: Badminton 13: Football Roller skating Beach volleyball 5: Baseball/Softball 14: Golf Skateboarding 37: Weightlifting 6: 15: Gymnastics 25: Rowing 38: 7: Board Games Trampoline 26: Rugby Sevens 39: Wushu Chinese chess Rhythmic gymnastics 27: Sailing Go Artistic gymnastics 28: Sepaktakraw Chess 16: Handball 29: Shooting

NOTE: The number of disciplines and medal events within the 39 approved sports has still to be determined.

‘1+4’ VILLAGES FOR ATHLETES ASIAN GAMES VILLAGE

Local organisers HAGOC are using the term “1+4” to The Asian Games Village is being constructed by private describe the accommodation for the athletes: one main developers and will be just 3km from the main Olympic village plus four satellite villages in three co-hosting cities. Park, at Qianjiang Century City in Xiaoshan District.

The main athletes’ village will be in the Asian Games Village The AGV comprises three areas: Athletes’ Village (capacity just 3km from the Olympic Park and will accommodate 10,400 athletes and officials), Technical Officials’ Village 10,400 athletes and team officials. (3,800) and Media Village (5,000).

The four satellite villages (hotels) will accommodate a The Asian Games Village legacy plan will see the apartments further 2,613 athletes and officials, making a total of sold to the public and other buildings will be available for 13,013 in the “1+4” system. business and education, including kindergartens and primary schools. The AGV will be ready by March 2022. The satellite villages are located at Ningbo (sailing/beach volleyball), Jinhua (sepaktakraw/football preliminaries), Wenzhou (dragon boat/football preliminaries) and Chun’an (all four cycling disciplines/ triathlon/marathon swimming). VENUES AND VILLAGES

There will be 56 venues, including five AG villages (4+1). The 51 competition venues will be in nine clusters and MAIN MEDIA CENTRE include eight stadiums for football.

The vast Hangzhou International Expo Centre is located Sports to be played at the Olympic Park – officially known as 1km from the main stadium in Olympic Park and will house Hangzhou Olympic and International Expo Centre – will be: the Main Media Centre – the International Broadcasting Athletics, basketball, aquatics (three disciplines - diving, Centre (IBC) and Main Press Centre (MPC). swimming, artistic swimming), tennis and squash.

The expo centre hosted the world’s media for the G20 Hang- The capacity of the main stadium, nicknamed “Big Lotus” is zhou Summit in 2016. 80,000, while the tennis centre or “Little Lotus” will seat 10,000. The basketball venue capacity will be over 17,000 The MPC will be set up in exhibition hall 1C and cover 9,000 and the new aquatic centre will accommodate around sqm and the IBC will be in exhibition hall 1D with 9,600 sqm. 6,500 spectators.

Page 09 OCA in China

PAST MEETS FUTURE AT COUNTDOWN CEREMONY

The Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City on the outskirts of Hangzhou was the green and serene setting for the three-year countdown ceremony to the 19th Asian Games on Tuesday, September 10.

Liangzhu City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provides evidence of the 5,000-year history of Chinese civilization - and the presence of a high-powered OCA team provided evidence of the next Asian Games.

The ceremony also marked the global call of organis- ing committee HAGOC for the creative script writing for the opening and closing ceremonies and for the slogan of the 19th Asian Games, which will run from September 10-25, 2022.

The Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee, Hon. Life Vice President Raja Randhir Singh, A colourful and energetic cultural performance opened the countdown ceremony. represented the OCA at the ceremony.

“The OCA regards China as a very important partner in the signify peace and friendship through the . Olympic Movement, not only in Asia but in the world,” said Raja Randhir. The guests were welcomed by Li Jianming, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport in China and Vice President of “You have dazzled us with your beautiful opening and closing the Chinese Olympic Committee, before HAGOC Vice ceremonies for many years now and we are sure you will have President Zhou Jiangyong provided details of the script-writing some surprises in 2022.” and slogan proposals.

The ceremony began with an energetic drum and dance perfor- The deadline for slogan suggestions is October 10, 2019 and mance and culminated with the release of 2,022 white doves to for the ceremony storyboard is January 31, 2020.

Raja Randhir Singh takes part in the countdown ceremony.

Page 10 OCA in China

OCA DELEGATES ‘ENTER THE DRAGON’ VENUE TOUR

The football stadium holds 52,000 and it will be the venue for the final. The gymnasium will seat 6,000 for gymnastics while the water polo venue will have a capacity of 2,000.

The venue for water polo is in the swimming and diving hall of the sports centre, but the swimming pool is currently a basketball court. It will be transformed into a pool in 2021 – one and a half years before the Asian Games.

The tour continued to the headquarters of the 20,000- capacity Asian Games Village - which incorporates the Athletes’ Village, Technical Officials’ Village and Media Village - located 3km from Olympic Park. Later, delegates visited the AGV site to view the plans and the start of the construction work.

The venue tour ended at the Hangzhou International Expo Centre which will house the Main Media Centre – Interna- tional Broadcast Centre and Main Press Centre – in two of The venue tour also took in the site of the Asian Games Village. the giant exhibition halls.

The Dragon Sports Centre in Hangzhou was the focal point “The members of the OCA Coordination Committee are of the venue tour for OCA delegates on the morning of Tuesday, impressed, satisfied and happy with the preparations for the 19th September 10. Asian Games,” said OCA CC Chairman Raja Randhir Singh.

The Dragon Sports Centre, officially known as Huanglong “The Asian Games Village is amazing. The Village and the Main Sports Centre, is located 18km from the Asian Games Village Media Centre are very close to the Olympic Park, so the whole and will host three sports: football, water polo and gymnastics. thing has been very well planned.”

OCA CC members visit the football stadium of the Dragon Sports Centre.

Page 11 6th Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2020

Raja Randhir receives a teqball souvenir shirt from International Teqball Federation officials Marius Vizer Jr (right) and Matthew Curtain. SANYA ‘ON THE RIGHT TRACK’ FOR ABG 2020

The Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee, Raja hours and covered a wide range of topics. They included the Randhir Singh, is confident that organisers of the 6th Asian sports programme, accreditation, accommodation, transporta- Beach Games in Sanya, China in 2020 are “on the right track” tion, sports entry deadlines, mascot, emblem and slogan, medical to delivering a successful event. and anti-doping, broadcasting and media and marketing.

Raja Randhir, who is an Honorary Life Vice President of the Raja Randhir summed up the meeting thus: “We have had a very OCA, conducted the second Coordination Committee meeting constructive meeting and the presentations have been excellent. for the 6th ABG at the Mangrove Tree Resort World in Sanya Bay on Sunday, September 8. “I hope that some of the advice from the OCA helps to make the Games a success. During the three hours a lot of work has been The OCA team also included Director General Husain Al Musal- done and there has been a lot of input from both sides.” lam, Asian Games Director Haider Farman, International and NOC Relations Director Vinod Tiwari, Hon. Life Vice President The meeting took place with the countdown clock at 446 days Wei Jizhong and Vice President Song Luzeng, Chairman of the to the opening ceremony on November 28, 2020 and Raja OCA Sports Committee. Randhir praised the local organising committee SABGOC for following all the timelines. The meeting - with leading government officials from Sanya city and Hainan province as well as the General Administration of “We are on the right track; I can’t think of any problems that will Sport in China and Chinese Olympic Committee - lasted three come up,” he added.

Raja Randhir Singh conducts the meeting in Sanya. Raja Randhir is interviewed by local media after the meeting.

Page 12 6th Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2020

SPORTS PROGRAMME

Three locations will stage the 17 approved sports:

Haitang: sailing, surfing and powered paragliding (3 sports)

Tianya (beach/sea): beach water polo, beach volleyball, beach athletics, beach handball, beach woodball, duathlon and motor boat. River: dragon boat racing (8)

Jiyang: 3×3 basketball, sports climbing, teqball, beach wrestling, beach kabaddi and beach soccer (6). Totally tropical Sanya.

MEDIA ABG STORY VOLUNTEERS

Main Media Centre (International 2008 , Indonesia Recruitment began on July 25. As of Broadcasting Centre/Main Press 2010 Muscat, Oman September 6, SABGOC had received Centre): International Convention 2012 Haiyang, China 2,223 online applications - 285 for key Centre, Mangrove Tree Resort Word, 2014 Phuket, volunteers and 1,938 for Games-time Sanya Bay. 2016 Danang, Vietnam volunteers. Target: 6,000-8,000.

The beach at Haitang - venue for surfing, powered Hotel luxury in Haitang. paragliding and sailing.

TRANSPORTATION MEDICAL ACCREDITATION

For: 57,000 people in five categories Hospital beds in Sanya: 4,367 Start: May In: 700 vehicles in five types Medical professionals: 6,798 Cards issued: September

LEGACY 1 LEGACY 2 MASCOT

The Chinese Enterprise Sports Discussions are ongoing to September 19: Deadline for entries Association and Sanya Municipal establish an OCA East Asia Office for mascot, slogan and emblem. Government have jointly created the in Sanya to contribute to the Asian China Workers Beach Games, which Olympic Movement, promote sports Over 3,000 entries for slogan as of will start in 2019 with 1,500 athletes. development in the region and September 8. The games will be held annually to enable Sanya to become a city of promote beach and sea sports. culture and sport in Asia. Announcement: End of September.

Page 13 Olympic Day in Asia

The Olympic Movement in Asia celebrated Olympic Day 2019 on or around June 23 with a host of activities and events that attracted thousands of sports enthusiasts and members of the public in a fun and festive atmosphere. Over the next 10 pages, Sporting Asia captures the spirit of Olympic Day across all five zones of the OCA. The celebrations marked the 125th anniver- sary of the IOC, which was founded on June 23, 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin.

AFGHANISTAN

Olympic Day was celebrated in Kabul and Khost province with a host of activities.

The local government was involved in the celebrations along with the NOC and the Afghani- stan Hockey Federation.

In Kabul, government officials, sports board officials, NOC officials and the President of the AHF, Mustafa Sadat, were all present.

BAHRAIN

The Bahrain Olympic Committee celebrated Olympic Day on June 29 at the water park of Bahrain Bay in Manama with a packed programme including open water swimming, sailing, kayak, rowing, rafting and a 2km run. The event was attended by BOC President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Youth and Sports Affairs Minister TawfIq Almoayyed, BOC Secretary General Mohammed Al Nusuf and other high-ranking sports officials.

Page 14 Olympic Day in Asia

BANGLADESH

The Olympic Day Run organised by the Bangladesh Olympic Asso- ciation was held in the capital Dhaka on Sunday, June 23 and was attended by sports personali- ties and athletes from different sports federations. Youth and Sports Minister Zahid Ahsan Russell inaugurated the programme as chief guest. There was also a performance by the Army Orchestra and a seminar at the BOA auditorium. Olympic Day was also observed in seven other cities.

BHUTAN

The ninth Olympic Day celebra- tion organised by the Bhutan Olympic Committee was held on June 9 at Lungtenzampa Athletics Arena and involved over 750 people. Ten sports were intro- duced to over 600 students, 70 teachers and volunteers from six schools under Thimphu Dzong- khag and about 80 officials from National Sports Federations and the BOC.

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, President of Brunei Darussalam NOC, joined local athletes to celebrate Olympic Day 2019 at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex on June 30. HRH took part in a futsal match and group warm-up, checked out wushu equipment, called in at the local anti-doping organisation kiosk and chatted with former Olympi- ans.

Page 15 Olympic Day in Asia

CAMBODIA

NOCC marked Olympic Day at the centerpiece for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games – the Morodok Techno National Sports Complex Stadium on the northern outskirts of Phnom Penh. Some 200 athletes joined in the celebra- tion. The stadium is part of a vast new sports complex and is estimated to be 50 per cent complete.

CHINA

Hundreds of runners from Alibaba Group joined the Olympic Day Run.

Alibaba is a worldwide sponsor of the International Olympic Com- mittee.

HONG KONG, CHINA

Organised by the Sports Federa- tion & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Olympic Day 2019 took place at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and contin- ued the Olympic Day tradition started by Hong Kong NOC in 1987. Olympic Day 2019 was well received with over 3,000 participants, including 51 corpo- rate teams comprised of National Sports Associations, government departments and sponsors to form teams in the 3km Fun Run.

Page 16 Olympic Day in Asia

INDIA

Olympic Games gold medal- winning shooter Abhinav Bindra was part of the Indian Olympic Association’s celebrations on June 23. OCA Hon. Life Vice President Raja Randhir Singh, IOA President Narinder Batra and Secretary General Rajeev Mehta also took part. Thirteen State Olympic Asso- ciations organised various sport- ing activities, competitions, educational seminars and an Olympic Day Run.

INDONESIA

The Indonesian Olympic Commit- tee held an Olympic Day Run over 5km in on Sunday, July 28 and more than 3,000 people took part. The event brought together representatives from the govern- ment, heads of national sports associations and members of the public. The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Puan Maharani, was in attendance, as well as Indonesia NOC President Erick Thohir.

IRAN

The NOC of the Islamic Republic of Iran held seven days of activities from June 23-29 involving 5,000 participants around the country. The NOC produced a special souvenir in the form of a colourful and informative Olympic Week Bulletin with an introduction by the NOC President, Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri.

Page 17 Olympic Day in Asia

JAPAN

The Japanese Olympic Commit- tee held an Olympic Day Run on June 23 in Shibetsu City, Hokkaido and 1,000 people took part including 10 Olympians and two Paralympians. Olympic Day celebrations also included the JOC Sports Award Ceremony and Olympic Concert at the Tokyo International Forum on June 14. The Most Valuable Athlete Award went to tennis player Naomi Osaka and the Special Distinction Award to ski jumper Ryoyu Kobayashi.

KAZAKHSTAN

A large sports festival featuring boxing, jiu-jitsu, zumba, yoga and cross-fit was held in the Central Park “Stolichny” at Nur-Sultan on June 23. It was the 26th time for Kazakhstan NOC to celebrate Olympic Day and the Japanese Embassy joined in the fun by intro- ducing various aspects of Japa- nese culture ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A tradi- tional bike ride was held at a similar festival in Almaty, finishing at the Central Stadium.

MALAYSIA

Penang hosted a colourful and vibrant Olympic Carnival over 12 days, highlighted by a 5km Family Fun Walk with over 10,000 participants at Padang Kota Lama, Georgetown on June 23. There was also a torch relay and a lucky draw with prizes including a dream trip for two to Tokyo 2020.

Page 18 Olympic Day in Asia

MYANMAR

The Myanmar Olympic Commit- tee organised an Olympic Day Mass Hiking activity with 11,358 participants on June 23 plus a wide range of sports competitions from June 16-30 with over 3,000 athletes in NayPyiTaw, Yangon and Mandalay. The events received strong support from the govern- ment at all levels.

NEPAL

NOC President and MP the Hon. Jeevan Ram Shrestha was chief guest at the opening ceremony of a nine-day Olympic celebration featuring 116 programmes, including 14 events on the first day in Kathmandu on June 15. Zumba and cycling were among the activities.

PAKISTAN

The Olympic Association held a number of events with elite athletes and Olympians at the Pakistan Olympic House in Lahore. To mark Olympic Day on June 23, the Lahore District Karate Association organised a team kumite championship at Punjab College in collaboration with the Pakistan Karate Association. (Photo: Associated Press of Pakistan).

Page 19 Olympic Day in Asia

PHILIPPINES

The POC held its Olympic Day celebrations at the UP Diliman College of Science Oval in Quezon City on June 22.

The theme of Olympic Day was “Unity and Transformation Through Sports”. The Philippines will host the 30th SEA Games from November 30 to December 11.

QATAR

The QOC, in partnership with the Qatar Swimming Federation, held a "Swimming for All" tournament at Hamad Aquatics Complex in Doha to mark Olympic Day 2019.

SAUDI ARABIA

Olympic Day was celebrated in Saudi Arabia with a one-day hockey tournament organised by Saudi Hockey. Five local teams from Saudi Arabia and one from Bahrain took part in the seven-a- side competition. (Photo: AHF)

Page 20 Olympic Day in Asia

SINGAPORE

More than 1,500 participants gathered at the Kallang Practice Track and Singapore Sports Hub to celebrate Olympic Day on June 29. Participants walked alongside Olympians around the track and the 100PLUS promenade at the National Stadium and joined in activities at the Singapore Tennis Festival organised by ActiveSG!

SRI LANKA

The NOC marked Olympic Day 2019 with the successful launch of a three-year coral preservation programme called “Give the reef another chance” in the southern town of Matara on June 25, in cooperation with the IOC Olym- pic Solidarity. More than 1,000 students from 17 schools in Matara joined the 4km Olympic Day Run. Sydney 2000 Olympic Games silver medallist Susanthika Jayasinghe also participated in the programme.

CHINESE TAIPEI

The CTOC presented a series of Move, Learn and Discover events in a month-long celebration involving more than 1,000 partici- pants. These included a 3km Olympic Day Fun Run. Represen- tatives from national federations and sports enthusiasts joined in Olympic Protocol workshops and in “My Olympic Story” seminars with Olympians who shared their Olympic experience.

Page 21 Olympic Day in Asia

TAJIKISTAN

The NOC held a series of Olym- pic Day road races for men, women and youth participants in the city of Khujand on June 23 in cooperation with the Cycling Federation of Tajikistan.Track events were also staged.

THAILAND

Khemmatat Janprapa and Kalaya Suddai beat competition from more than 10,000 runners to win the Olympic Day men’s and women’s 10 km events at Supa- chalasai National Stadium in on June 16. Thailand NOC President General Prawit Wongsuwan said: “Judging from the number of participants this year it proves that people pay more attention to running and exercise, which leads to good health and longevity.”

TIMOR-LESTE

The NOC celebrated Olympic Day on Friday, June 28 in the capital Dili under the three pillars of Olympic Day: Move, Learn and Discover.

Page 22 Olympic Day in Asia

UZBEKISTAN

The NOC announced that Olym- pic Day 2019 brought together 2.5 million participants, with 2,000 sports events organised throughout the country. A gala concert attracted 8,000 people. Mass sports competitions were held in kindergartens, schools, colleges, universities and summer camps. The Olympic Day event was one of five initiatives put forward by the Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as part of a state programme aiming to develop physical culture and mass sport.

VIETNAM

The Olympic Day Run for public health - part of activities to mark the 73rd anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's call to practise physical exercise - took place on March 27 in Dong Thap Province.

YEMEN

The NOC celebrated 2019 Olym- pic Day in the capital Sanaa and Sayoun City with 300 promising participants from eight sports taking part. The sports were gymnastics, swimming, judo, wrestling, tennis, athletics, taekwondo and wushu. NOC Secretary General Mohammed Al-Hajiri attended the celebra- tions.

Page 23 OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp

Skaters and coaches unite behind the banner at the closing ceremony.

ASIAN SKATEBOARDING FUTURE ‘IN GOOD HANDS’

The Olympic Council of Asia tapped into the abundant “The OCA included skateboarding for the first time in our Asian resources of skateboarding talent around the continent by organ- Games in Indonesia last year and this youth camp continues the ising the OCA/Olympic Solidarity Asian Skateboarding Youth momentum on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Camp in Nanjing, China. when the sport will make its debut.

A total of 35 athletes, aged from eight to 18, and 19 coaches “We have also been impressed with the high standard of the from 19 National Olympic Committees attended the camp, skaters at the youth camp, as well as their passion for the sport which took place from July 29 to August 9 at the Longjiang and their determination to improve. We feel the future of Sports School. skateboarding in Asia is in good hands with these young athletes.”

The OCA Director General, Mr Husain Al Musallam, Mr Al Musallam concluded: “We are sure that this OCA commented: “The OCA is proud to host the first skateboarding skateboarding youth camp has established a bright new youth camp in the Olympic movement and it proved to be a skateboarding community in Asia. The OCA will provide all great success. support for our Asian athletes to reach the top.”

May Khun Arr from Myanmar was the youngest skater – Morning workout. just eight years old.

Page 24 OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp

Gen Ogawa outlines the day’s plans.

COACH OGAWA LOOKS AHEAD TO PARIS 2024

Japanese skateboarding coach Gen Ogawa has plenty to look you can see the skill is up.” forward to in the Olympic Games – and he’s not only referring to Tokyo 2020 when the daredevil sport makes its debut. Ogawa knows it is too early to talk about Tokyo 2020 due to the fierce competition around Asia and the world, but he is As chief instructor of the OCA youth camp, Ogawa saw enough convinced that if they keep working hard and keep focused they to convince himself that he will be meeting up with some of his can target the Olympics after that. students again – at the Paris Olympics in 2024. “From what I have seen here I think some of them will go to Paris “I must admit I am really surprised - and very happy - how in 2024 and compete in the Olympic Games. They have time to quickly they have improved during the camp,” said Ogawa, who improve and to gain more experience in competitions,” he said. devoted the final two days to competitions in the Park and Street disciplines. NOTE: Gen Ogawa is the Skateboarding Technical Operations Manager for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. He has more “I think everyone has been getting better and better and already than 30 years’ experience in skateboarding.

Gen Ogawa presents the Iranian delegation with their The coach gives instructions. participation certificates.

Page 25 OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp

Anton bonds with athletes and coaches on a lake cruise. SKATEBOARDING – A LIFESTYLE, NOT JUST A SPORT

When skateboarding made its Asian Games debut at is very hard. I think it is the hardest sport in the world. Everybody , Indonesia last year, the camaraderie and spirit knows how hard it is to do tricks because of the blood and among the athletes was clear to see. sweat.

A smooth run displaying technical excellence or the mastery of a “When somebody completes a trick, the feeling is very strong. particularly difficult trick drew cheers from spectators and fist Everybody knows they have spent a lot of time to learn this trick bumps from fellow competitors even in the heat of battle. and everybody respects that. Everybody respects the power, the mentality and the spirit. This environment was also in evidence at the youth camp – and Anton Povekvechnov, 33-year-old coach of the Kazakhstan “So it is a community; it is about friendship - and every skater delegation and President of the Kazakhstan Skateboarding respects the other skaters. Young or old, beginner or profes- Federation, explains why. sional, experienced skater or someone learning to skate…they pass through pain and everybody respects that. They are not “I think it is because skateboarding is more than sport; it is about scared of pain and not scared to fall down. When you fall down lifestyle,” he says. “We need skateboarding to be creative. For you need to stand up and do the trick.” myself, sometimes I need it to chill mentally.” Anton thinks the Olympic Games, with glory and riches on the When asked why competitive skateboarders cheered the efforts line, will not change this special skateboarding spirit. “It is all of their rivals, Anton added: “I think it is because skateboarding about respect,” he says.

Kazakhstan coach Anton Povekvechnov (right) chats with a Young athletes make lifelong friendships on the historic fellow coach at the youth camp. walls of Nanjing city.

Page 26 OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp

Dasuni Tharindya of Sri Lanka takes part in the doping test simulation. OCA PROMOTES ANTI-DOPING, OLYMPIC VALUES

Although skateboarding was the main focus of the camp, the “play true” and stay away from doping in their career. OCA took the opportunity to introduce other aspects of the Olym- pic Movement to the young skaters and coaches/team leaders. The second seminar, on Olympic values and education, was by B.L.H. Perera, Professor of Sports Science at the University of The first presentation was on the dangers of doping and was Kelaniya in Sri Lanka and Director of Educational Programmes conducted by Gobinathan Nair, Singapore-based Director- of Sri Lanka NOC. General of the South East Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisa- tion (SEARADO). The presentation was built around the three main Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect and how these can The workshop included a simulation of an athlete providing a be applied in everyday life to further the growth and develop- urine sample to an anti-doping officer after an event, and the ment of society as a whole. process involved before the specimen is sent away to the labora- tory for testing. He said that the Olympic Games was not only a sports festival, it was an opportunity to show the world a group of athletes with The session ended with all athletes and coaches pledging to values.

Team work in the Olympic values seminar. Team Singapore pledges to ‘play true’.

Page 27 OCA/OS Skateboarding Youth Camp

The Afghanistan delegation enjoys a trip to the Nanjing city walls. AFGHANISTAN’S ‘SKATEISTAN’ LIGHTS UP YOUTH CAMP

The youth camp attracted 19 National Olympic Committees “It’s about five years since Atefa started with Skateistan,” from around Asia, including Afghanistan. Make that explains Noorzai. “Initially she was a student and then she “Skateistan”! became a youth leader to teach other kids. In Afghanistan it’s hard for females to do skateboarding or other sports as these The popular Afghan team was proof of the great work of activities are usually reserved for boys. Some people think it’s Skateistan - an award-winning international NGO which inappropriate for girls to take part in physical activity. empowers children through skateboarding and education and helps create future leaders for a better world. “We faced some challenges related to Atefa’s family, as her father did not agree to let her skate at first. Our Community Educator visited Founded in Kabul in 2008, Skateistan has two skate schools in the family several times to encourage them to allow Atefa back into Afghanistan - Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif - and also works in our programmes and she also invited Atefa’s father to visit Skateistan. Phnom Penh, Cambodia and Johannesburg, South Africa. There are 2,500 active students and almost 50% are female. “After he saw that the students are learning many good things he felt reassured and allowed Atefa to return to our programmes.” The Afghan delegation in Nanjing was led by Noorzai Ibrahimi, Programmes Officer at Mazar-e-Sharif, and included Atefa – a Over time, Atefa has become one of the best skaters in the young female skater whose story is an inspiration. school – and was the first girl in Afghanistan to land a kickflip.

Atefa – an inspiration back home in Afghanistan. On their way to Longjiang Sports School.

Page 28 ANOC World Beach Games

ANOC PREPARES TO LAUNCH NEW ERA IN BEACH SPORTS

While the beach games concept is well established in the The Games will feature about 1,230 athletes from 97 National OCA’s portfolio of multi-sports events, the 206-member Associa- Olympic Committees who will be competing in 14 disciplines in tion of National Olympic Committees is about to test the water 13 sports at the Katara and Al Gharafa venues. with the inaugural World Beach Games.

Doha - Asian Games host in 2006 - will have the honour of staging the first global beach and sea sports carnival from October 12-16.

Having been awarded the event by ANOC as recently as June 14 after original host San Diego encountered financial difficul- ties, Doha has used its vast experience and knowledge of interna- tional sports to lay firm foundations for success.

Speaking at the draw for team sports on August 27, ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said: “I would like to express our gratitude to the government of Qatar and the Qatar NOC for their enthusiasm and commitment to hosting an unforgettable ANOC World Beach Games.

“We thank all participating International Federations for their excellent cooperation and partnership. With their support - and the support of the NOCs and all stakeholders in Qatar - we Qatar and Oman will both compete in the men’s beach have no doubt that the first ever ANOC World Beach Games will handball competition (Photo: Qatar Olympic Committee) be a great success.”

The draws for beach handball and beach soccer are as follows:

Beach Handball Beach Soccer

Men Women Men Women

Group A Group B Group A Group B Group A Group B Group C Group D Group A Group B

Brazil Croatia Brazil Greece Brazil Italy Iran Russia Spain UK Sweden Hungary Denmark Spain Paraguay Japan Brazil Russia Denmark Spain Hungary Poland Switzerland Spain Oman Qatar Argentina China UAE Mexico Senegal Uruguay Cape Verde USA USA Uruguay USA Australia Australia Tunisia Tunisia Vietnam Morocco Solomon Islands Ukraine El Salvador Mexico Paraguay

DOHA The inaugural ANOC World Beach Games from The ANOC Awards 2019 will be held on the October 12-16 is not the only event on the calen- evening of October 17, before the XXIV General DATES dar in Doha. Assembly concludes on October 18.

The day after the closing ceremony of the AWBG, More than 1,000 delegates from the world’s 206 the two-day ANOC General Assembly will begin NOCs, the IOC, International Federations and at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Conven- Organising Committees are expected to attend the tion Centre on October 17. ANOC General Assembly.

Page 29 NOC Focus: Japan

Tokyo’s New National Stadium. NEW ERA FOR OLYMPIC MOVEMENT IN JAPAN By Hiroshi Takeuchi, monumental and artful structure you can sense it is unique, AIPS Executive Committee Member natural and very Japanese. Inside the stadium the turf has OCA Media Committee Member already been laid.

Coming out of the stadium and across the road heading East In less than a year, Japan will celebrate the Olympic Games in you can stand before the new headquarters of the NOC Japan, Tokyo. The Olympic Stadium will welcome athletes and sports- inside of which the Japanese Olympic Museum adds special lovers from around the world in the exact same spot, at the very value, equipped as it is with digital and audio presentations on heart of the city, as it did in 1964. the lower two floors.

The construction work of the New Olympic Stadium will be Mr. Yasuhiro Yamashita took the office of President of NOC Japan completed by the end of November. Standing in front of this in July this year to succeed Mr. Tsunekazu Takeda, who had been leading the Olympic Movement at the national level for 18 years.

Yamashita-san is a judoka and probably the most popular Olym- pic athlete for people aged 60 or above in Japan because of his Olympic gold medal-winning performance at Los Angeles 1984.

Yamashita-san said: “I know there are many ways to contribute to the Olympic Movement and that you should not place too much value on winning Olympic medals.

“However, it is widely recognised - and I myself strongly believe - that the host NOC team should be highly competitive in order to make the Olympic Games exciting and successful.”

NOC Japan has set a goal to win 30 gold medals at Tokyo 2020. “I know it is very ambitious and challenging since we won 16 gold medals in Rio de Janeiro three years ago. But you never New JOC President Yasuhiro Yamashita is pictured with know what sort of advantages we will have when we compete on IOC President Thomas Bach. our home turf,” he added.

Page 30 NOC Focus: Macau, China

MACAU PROMOTES EXCHANGE IN GREATER BAY AREA

More than 100 athletes and officials from Macau, China went on a two-day tour of southern China to promote sports exchange and cooperation with their neighbours in the Greater Bay Area on July 19-20.

The tour started on Friday morning just across the border in Zhuhai, where students joined local athletes in badminton and training.

After visiting sports halls in Zhuhai and holding a meeting with local officials, the tour moved up to Guang- zhou - host city for the Olympic Coun- cil of Asia’s 16th Asian Games in 2010.

The Macau delegates attended volley- ball and swimming sessions, accom- panied by Lin Ying, Vice President of the Sports Bureau of Guangdong Promoting the tour in Zhuhai. province.

The tour of Guangzhou continued on Region) government, accompanied by Mr Carson Ma, Chair- Saturday morning with a visit to a public man of the Youth Committee of the Sports and Olympic Commit- sports centre to watch a junior five-a-side tee of Macau, China, and Mr Charles Lo, President of the Sports football competition and a public swimming and Olympic Committee of Macau, China and Chairman of the complex, followed by a trip to Guangzhou OCA Media Committee. sportswear company UCAN. The delegation totaled 113, including 93 athletes and coaches The Macau delegation was led by Mr Pun Weng Kun, President from volleyball, swimming, table tennis, badminton and artistic of the Sports Bureau of the Macau SAR (Special Administrative swimming.

Visiting the swimming centre in Guangzhou. Carson Ma presents a Macau souvenir to the Guangzhou hosts.

Page 31 Women and Sport

LEADERSHIP, WHISTLEBLOWING ON AGENDA IN MALAYSIA

The Olympic Council of Malaysia’s Women and Sport Committee organised the OCM Women and Sport Seminar on Monday, July 8 at the OCM Indoor Sports Complex in Kuala Lumpur under the theme “Empowering Women Leadership in Sport”.

The opening ceremony was conducted by Dr. Waitchalla R.R.V. Suppiah, Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia, and the closing ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of OCM.

The two plenary sessions were entitled “Empowering Women Leadership in Sport” and “OCM Whistleblowing Policy”.

The seminar was attended by over 80 delegates - 90 per cent of them female - from 29 National Sports Associations affiliated to Members of the OCM Women and Sport Committee are the OCM and other stakeholders in the sports movement in pictured with the OCM President, Dato’ Sri Mohamad Malaysia. Norza Zakaria.

The Qatar women’s rugby team with officials before leaving for Jakarta. QATARI WOMEN WIN BOWL TROPHY IN JAKARTA

Women’s rugby in Qatar took another step forward by “The federation saw a lot of potential in the players and tried to winning the Bowl competition at the Asia Rugby Women’s support them in every possible way to grow the sport. They have Sevens Trophy in Jakarta on August 10-11 – a qualifying event been training very hard for two months.” for the elite Asia Rugby Women’s Sevens Series. While the Philippines were crowned overall champions and Team leader Hamad Al Abdulla, who is a board member of the Korea won the second-tier Plate competition, Qatar took home Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation, said it was a the third-tier Bowl trophy by beating Bangladesh 44-0 and proud moment for the federation. Chinese Taipei 36-5.

“The women's rugby team was started three years ago and we Qatar finished the competition ranked seventh of nine teams. used the ‘Get Into Rugby’ programme to push the sport,” he said.

Page 32 Women and Sport

TABLE TENNIS ‘DHEE-VA’ IS THE SHINING STAR OF MALDIVES

Already a precocious talent in the Maldives, Fathmath As a special reward, Dheema was selected to carry the Maldives Dheema made a name for herself as the “table tennis diva” of flag at the closing ceremony after receiving the honour from the Indian Ocean Island Games in Mauritius in July. Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof.

Dheema, who is only 11 years old, won a hat trick of gold medals – women’s singles, women’s doubles and women’s team.

Thanks to her efforts, Maldives finished with four gold medals and 15 medals in total from the multi-sport event.

In a Facebook post, the Maldives Olympic Committee paid tribute to their new sports star as the nation prepared to welcome home the team.

“The youngest, the bravest, the one who refused to give up, the most accomplished athlete of the Indian Ocean Island Games - the one and only Dheema is going to be here soon with the Dheema won three gold medals in the Indian Ocean Island three gold medals she won for Maldives!” Games – at the age of 11. (Photo: NOC of Maldives)

TERRIFIC TRIFI WINS ‘LEGEND’ KARATE GOLD FOR SYRIA

Syria’s Mariam Trifi won a gold medal at the 6th Legend International Karate Club Mariam Trifi Championship which was held on June celebrates her 29-30 at the Indoor Stadium MPSJ, karate gold Serdang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malay- medal. sia. Clubs from 15 countries took part. (Photo: Syrian Representing Al Omal Club from Lattakia, Arab News Mariam won gold in the Children’s Kumite Agency) Female 12-13 years +47kg by defeating Malaysia’s Laveniya Ravindran in the final.

LEBANON won the women’s basketball title at the West Asian Championship by defeating Syria 74-48 in the final in Amman, Jordan on August 26. Lebanon captain Rebecca Akel was the top scorer in the final with 18 points. She also won the Best Player and Best Distributor awards. Iran beat Jordan 71-52 for the bronze medal.

(Photo: Malaeeb.com)

Page 33 News In Brief

Three new IOC Members from Asia

IOC lifts suspension of KOC The 134th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzer- land elected 10 new IOC Members on June The IOC Executive Board fully 26 to take the total number of IOC Members lifted the suspension of the Kuwait to 105. Olympic Committee on July 5 as a result of the successful implemen- They included Erick Thohir (Indonesia), tation of a roadmap agreed Narinder Dhruv Batra (India) and Lee Kee between all parties. Heung (Korea).

The three-stage roadmap involved the revision and The Session also elected HRH Prince Feisal Al adoption of new statutes, followed by elections, of Hussein, President of Jordan NOC, as a new sports clubs, National Federations and the KOC, all member of the IOC Executive Board. within specific deadlines. New IOC Honorary Members include Chang The KOC was suspended by the IOC EB on October Ung (DPR Korea, elected in 1996) and Samih Moudallal (Syria, elected in 1998). 27, 2015 to protect the Olympic Movement in Kuwait from undue government interference after a sports law that was not compatible with the basic principles that govern the Olympic Movement was passed in the country.

On August 16, 2018, the IOC EB decided to provi- sionally lift the suspension of the KOC, allowing Kuwait to compete in the 18th Asian Games under their own flag.

Milan-Cortina awarded 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan-Cortina, Italy, will host the Olympic Winter Games in 2026 after beating Stockholm-Are, Sweden, 47-34 in a ballot of IOC Mem- bers at the 134th IOC Session in Lausanne on June 24. The next Winter Olympics will be in Beijing in 2022.

IOC awards broadcast rights to JTBC Four sports on list for Paris 2024 The IOC announced on June 4 that JTBC has been Breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing awarded the media rights in the Republic of Korea and and surfing have been provisionally Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for the Olympic included on the sports programme of the Games from 2026 to 2032. Olympic Games Paris 2024. The decision was taken by the 134th IOC Session on The agreement includes guarantees that at least 200 June 25. hours of Olympic Games and 100 hours of Olympic Winter Games coverage will be broadcast on national The IOC Executive Board will make the television channels. final decision on the existing events, proposed new events and related athlete quotas for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in December 2020. No further sports can be put forward for Paris 2024.

Page 34 Obituary

IRAN MOURNS OLYMPIC GAMES WEIGHTLIFTING SILVER MEDALLIST

Former Iran weightlifter Parviz Jalayer passed away at the age of 79 on July 6.

Parviz Jalayer competed at the 1964 and 1968 Olympics and won a silver medal in the men’s 60-67.5kg (lightweight) category with a total lift of 422.5kg at Mexico 1968.

He also won the gold medal at the in Bangkok at 67.5kg and claimed a bronze at the 1966 World Weightlifting Championships in Berlin.

Born on October 6, 1939, Parviz Jalayer became a weightlifting coach after retiring as an elite athlete. Parviz Jalayer – Olympic silver medallist at Mexico ’68.

CLARO PELLOSIS – PHILIPPINES’ ASIAN GAMES CHAMPION

A member of the Philippines’ gold medal-winning men’s 4x100m relay team at the in Jakarta, Claro Pellosis, passed away on July 21 aged 84.

Having competed at the 1960 Olympic Games in the 400 metres, Pellosis joined teammates Rogelio Onofre, Isaac Gómez and Remigio Vista in winning Asian Games gold in the 4x100m relay two years later. It was the second and last time the Philippines won the sprint relay in the Asiad.

He was also an athletics instructor to students and Claro Pellosis (Photo from Ojon Artiaga's Facebook account/Rappler) Physical Education teachers.

ZAKIR HUSSAIN – PAKISTAN’S OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN HOCKEY

Pakistan’s legendary hockey goalkeeper and Olympic champion Zakir Hussain passed away on August 19 at the age of 85.

Hussain was part of the gold medal-winning Pakistan side at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. He had earlier won a silver medal at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.

The goalkeeper also grabbed gold for Pakistan in the 1958 Tokyo Asian Games and in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.

The President of the Pakistan Hockey Federation, Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, and PHF Secre- tary Muhammad Asif Bajwa expressed deep grief on the death of the legendary Olympian. Zakir Hussain (Photo: Business Recorder)

Page 35 OCA Sports Diary

2019 2020

Doha, Qatar: September 27 – October 6 Lausanne, Switzerland: January 9 – 22 IAAF World Athletics Championships IOC Winter Youth Olympic Games

Doha, Qatar: October 12 – 16 Beijing, China: March 6 – 8 1st ANOC World Beach Games FINA 2020 Diving World Series, Leg 2

Tokyo, Japan: October 15 – 18 Beijing, China: April 19 – 24 Tokyo 2020 World Press Briefing 18th SportAccord 2020

Doha, Qatar: October 17 – 18 Tokyo, Japan: April 21 – 26 ANOC General Assembly and Awards FINA 2020 Diving World Cup

Bangkok, Thailand: November 3 – 4 Tokyo, Japan: July 24 – August 9 Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum for Olympic Games East and South East Asian NOCs Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: August 15 – 25 Bangkok, Thailand: November 5 – 6 6th Children of Asia Games Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum for West, Central and South Asian NOCs Tokyo, Japan: August 25 – September 6 Paralympic Games Guangzhou, China: November 9 – 10 Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier (women) for Sanya, Hainan Island, China: Nov 28 – Dec 6 Tokyo 2020 6th OCA Asian Beach Games

Beijing, China: November 19 – 22 Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 NOC Open 2021 Day Shantou, Guangdong Province, China: Nov 20 – 28 , Korea: November 23 – 24 3rd Asian Youth Games Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier (men) for Tokyo 2020 2022 Sakai City, Japan: November 20 – 21 World Baseball Softball Confederation Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 Congress Olympic Winter Games

Clark New City, Philippines: Nov 30 – Dec11 Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Winter Paralympic Games

Kathmandu, Nepal: December 1 – 10 Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 13th South Asian Games 19th Asian Games

Zhengzhou, China: December 12 – 15 Qatar: November 21 – December 18 International Table Tennis Federation World FIFA World Cup Tour Grand Finals and ITTF Star Awards

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