IOC President Praises OCA

Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia Edition 52 - March 2021 WIN-WIN DOHA, RIYADH OCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY NAMES TWO ASIAN GAMES HOST CITIES

Inside the OCA | OCA Games Update | NOC News | Women In Sport Contents Inside Sporting Asia Edition 52 – March 2021

3 President’s Message

9 4 – 9 Six pages of NOC News in Pictures

10 – 16 OCA Games Update

10 – 15 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022

16 Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021 12 17 – 24 39th OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020 17 OCA President’s welcome message

18 – 19 It’s a win-win situation

20 – 21 Muscat Photo Gallery 23 22 OCA Order of Merit/AYG Tashkent 2025 23 IOC President praises OCA

24 General Assembly Notebook

25 – 27 Inside the OCA 28 28 – 31 Women in Sport 32 – 33 Road to Tokyo

34 – 35 News in Brief

36 – 37 Obituary

38 – 39 OCA Sports Diary

32 40 Hangzhou 2022

OCA Sponsors’ Club

Page 02 President’s Message

OCA WILL EMERGE STRONGER FROM PANDEMIC PROBLEMS

Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia, published quarterly.

Executive Editor / Director General Husain Al-Musallam [email protected]

Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari [email protected]

Director, Asian Games Department Haider A. Farman [email protected]

Editor IT Director t was very disappointing to postpone two This will make it a busy year for our NOCs, Amer Elalami I Jeremy Walker [email protected]@ocasia.org of our OCA games in quick succession. with the Beijing Winter Olympics in Febru- ary, AIMAG 6 in March and our 19th Asian

Executive Secretary The 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China Games in Hangzhou, China in September. Nayaf Sraj was originally scheduled for November [email protected] 2020 but had to be put back to April 2021. The OCA will do everything in its power to support our NOCs in the coming months, Media Manager Unfortunately, with the pandemic situation with Tokyo 2020 starting in July and also Jeans Zhou Jian [email protected] not improving and international travel so our 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou, problematic, we had no option but to call China in November.

Olympic Council of Asia them off for a second time. PO Box 6706, Hawalli On a brighter note, everyone was delighted Zip Code 32042 Although we have not fixed new dates yet, with the outcome of our General Assembly Kuwait we are working closely with the local organ- in Muscat last December. Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 ising committee and the Chinese Olympic Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 Email: [email protected] Committee to find a time slot for our very We were able to sign up two host cities for Website: www.ocasia.org popular beach games event. our Asian Games - Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034 – as well as Tashkent for our 4th Asian I would like to thank the National Olympic Youth Games in 2025. Committees for your understanding, patience and cooperation over this matter – These additions to our calendar really and I assure you it will be well worth the highlight the strength of the Olympic move- wait, as Sanya is truly a special city and ment in Asia and reflect the passion and exotic beach location. enthusiasm of all stakeholders, most notably Front Cover: our NOCs and athletes. We also had to postpone our 6th Asian The OCA President Indoor and Martial Arts Games, set for Bang- This is why I am confident that the OCA will congratulates Doha 2030 kok and Chonburi province in May 2021. emerge stronger and even more united and Riyadh 2034. following the pandemic problems still facing Thanks to the quick work of the organising us today. See Pages 17-24 for the committee and Thailand NOC, we were General Assembly special able to establish new dates for the AIMAG – coverage. March 10-20, 2022.

Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, Olympic Council of Asia

Page 03 NOC News in Pictures

YEMEN Olympic Committee’s strategic plan for domestic and overseas events in 2021 included an evaluation workshop for 11 sports involving 330 prom- ising young players. The sports included judo, wushu, wrestling, swimming, taekwondo and table tennis.

(Photo: Yemen Olympic Committee @yemnoc)

CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee, under its President Hong-Dow Lin, held the 2020 year-end reception on December 10 and celebrated the achievements of a difficult year. These included the 10th anniversary of the International Sports Affairs Training Course which featured 125 participants from 19 NOCs. More than 1,400 trainees have attended the course since 2011. (Photo: CTOC)

AFGHANISTAN NOC President Dr. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi led a sports delegation on a special visit to south- western Nimroz Province where they met athletes, the head of the provincial council, lawyers and officials.

Photo: Afghanistan National Olympic Committee @OlympicOfficial.af

NEPAL Olympic Committee launched the Nepali Sports Digital Archive Project 2020-2021 on December 20 in cooperation with Nepal Olympic Museum.

The project is supported by Olympic Solidarity and will digitalise the history of sport in Nepal for future generations.

(https://nocnepal.org.np)

Page 04 NOC News in Pictures

QATAR Olympic Committee’s First Vice President, HE CAMBODIA NOC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun Sheikh Saud bin Ali Al-Thani, and Indonesia NOC received his COVID-19 vaccination in the presence of President Raja Sapta Oktohari signed a Memorandum of athletes, coaches, sports officials and volunteers, as Understanding on February 10 to boost sports designated by the Prime Minister. This was another step in cooperation and exchange. QOC Secretary General HE the process towards Cambodia’s safe hosting of the 32nd Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain and Indonesian Olympic Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2023. Committee Secretary General Ferry J Kono also attended.

JORDAN Olympic Committee has renewed its partnership MALDIVES Olympic Committee Secretary General Ahmed agreement with the Crown Prince Foundation for a fifth Marzooq and Treasurer Hussain Rasheed met with the year to continue overseeing its pioneering Qusai Initiative Minister of Education, Dr. Aishath Ali, Minister of State for related to the training of sports therapists to deal with Education Fathimath Naseer and the Deputy Minister of medical emergencies and injuries. The signing ceremony Education, Mohamed Ihsan, to discuss the MOC’s athlete was attended by Nasser Majali, JOC Secretary General, scholarship initiative. and Dr. Tamam Manko, CEO of Crown Prince Foundation. (www.joc.jo) (Photo: Maldives Olympic Committee@OlympicMDV)

Page 05 NOC News in Pictures

MONGOLIAN NOC President Naidan Tuvshinbayar and Secre- tary General Enkhat Badar-Uugan welcomed the women’s 3x3 basketball team to Olympic House to celebrate their historic qualification for Tokyo 2020.

The two NOC office bearers presented New Year gifts to all 14 athletes who have qualified for Tokyo 2020 in archery, athletics, boxing, shooting, wrestling and 3x3 basketball.

(Photo: Mongolian NOC)

SINGAPORE National Olympic Council Secretary General Chris Chan (centre) presents the 2019 IOC Trophy for Sport and Sustain- able Architecture to Suhaimi Rafdi, Senior Director of Our Tampines Hub. IOC Vice Presi- dent Ng Ser Miang also attended the ceremony and said: “We are very impressed with the design and thought process behind Our Tampines Hub which centered on championing eco-sustainability, optimising resources and minimis- ing waste.”

(Photo: SNOC)

TAJIKISTAN NOC will fund 15 athletes through Olympic Solidar- ity in their bid to qualify for Tokyo 2020, the 19th General Assembly in Dushanbe confirmed on December 29.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Vice Presidents Shamsullo Sohibov and Abdullo- zoda Ahtam. Two boxers from Tajikistan have already qualified for the Olympics.

(http://www.olympic.tj)

Page 06 NOC News in Pictures

THE Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China held a ceremony to inaugu- rate the new Executive Board for the term 2020-2024 at Macau Tower on January 26. The ceremony also welcomed the new Honorary President, former Chief Executive of the Macau SAR Government Fernando Chui Sai On (centre). In his speech, Olympic Committee President Charles Lo thanked Mr. Chui for all the government’s support of the sports movement in Macau during his term of office from 2009 to 2019.

SRI Lanka NOC has launched the Next Olympic Hope LEE Kee-heung was re-elected President of the Korean initiative to support emerging athletes in collaboration Sport & Olympic Committee for a new four-year term on with Crysbro, a long-term partner of the NOC and Sri January 18. The IOC Member gained 915 of the 1,974 Lanka's premier poultry producer. Photo: National Olym- votes cast to beat three other candidates in a four-way pic Committee of Sri Lanka @OlympicLK race. (Photo: KSOC)

PALESTINE Olympic Committee honoured the national Muay Thai team with an official reception at the NOC HQ to mark the performance of their athletes in an international online competition. Palestine won 11 medals – eight gold and three bronze – in three styles.

Photo: Palestine Olympic Committee @PalOlympic

Page 07 NOC News in Pictures

INDIAN Olympic Association President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra met with Mr Ashish Shellar (right), former Sports IN his review of the Olympic year in Saudi Arabia, the Minister of the Government of Maharashtra, in Delhi on President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, HRH January 21. They discussed the state of sport and sporting Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, chose the hosting of activity in India and the sports infrastructure in Maharash- the G20 National Olympic Committees Conference on tra. (Photo: @narinderdhruvbatra.org) November 17 as one of the highlights of 2020.

VIETNAM has announced that the sao la - a rare, forest- dwelling ox - has been chosen as the mascot for the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi and neighbouring cities and provinces this November 21-December 2. The sao la beat more than 550 other entries in a competition lasting two years. (Photo: https://vietnamnews.vn)

PAKISTAN Olympic Association President Lt. Gen. (retired) TIMOTHY Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olym- Syed Arif Hasan presided over the first National Athletes pic Committee of Hong Kong, China signed a Memoran- Forum organised by the POA Athletes Commission under dum of Understanding with the President of the Education its Chairman, Muhammad Inam Butt. The forum ran from University of Hong Kong, Professor Stephen Y.L. Cheung November 14-15 in Lahore and covered many topics such (left), on January 8 to introduce a special admission as protection from harassment and abuse in sport, sports scheme for retired athletes and those planning to retire. injuries, anti-doping, the rights of an athlete and social (Photo: SF&OC) media branding. Photo: Pakistan Olympic Association

Page 08 NOC News in Pictures

KUWAIT Olympic Commit- tee President His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah welcomed the President of Palestine Olympic Com- mittee, Maj. Gen. Jibril Rajoub, to Kuwait on Janu- ary 19 to sign a joint cooperation agreement in areas such as delegation exchanges for athletes, medical and technical staff, marketing and logis- tics in organising major sports events. The agreement is for four years.

(Photo: Palestine Olympic Committee @PalOlympic)

THE Olympic Council of Malaysia posted a Facebook BAHRAIN Olympic Committee supported motorcycle tribute to tenpin bowling queen Shalin Zulkifli, who racer Salman Mohammed as he competed in the gruelling announced her retirement on January 5 after a medal- Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia from January 3-15. The filled 28-year career with the national team at the Asian Bahraini completed all 12 stages of the rally, which Games, SEA Games and Commonwealth Games. covered 7,646 km. His time was 81 hours, 9 minutes and “Malaysia will surely miss her strikes at the bowling alley. 20 seconds. (Photo: @bahrainolympic). Happy retirement, Shalin Zulkifli!” said the OCM.

Page 09 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

HANGZHOU 2022 OPENS SPORT ENTRY PROCESS

confirm the number of NOCs participating in each sport/discipline and provide the core data used in developing the competition schedule and in organising catering, accommo- dation and transportation services.

Entry by Number (four months): September 2021 to December 2021: The second phase is when NOCs submit the number of their male and female athletes, and the total number of athletes, that will be taking part in each event across all sports and disciplines. This phase will allow HAGOC to estimate the total number of athletes taking part and the overall scale of the The Sport Entry process is complete for these DPR Korea athletes at Games. the 18th Asian Games Village in Jakarta (Photo: Yonhap News Agency) Entry by Name (three months): March 2022 to May 2022: In the third and final phase, NOCs must submit the The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 moved a big step names of all eligible, participating athletes. The Organising closer for the OCA’s 45 National Olympic Committees when Committee and the International Federations/Asian Federations organising committee HAGOC announced the start of the will review the entry information of each NOC and finalise the three-phase Sport Entry process on December 28, 2020. The list of participating athletes after the Pre-DRMs and DRMs timeline is: (Delegation Registration Meetings).

Entry by Sport (two months): December 28, 2020 to HAGOC said: “We look forward to a fruitful and productive February 20, 2021: The first phase will see NOCs submitting working relationship with all the NOCs over the next few months entries nominating the sports/disciplines in which they intend to to ensure a smooth and efficient Sport Entry process and a participate, via e-mail to HAGOC. This will allow HAGOC to successful 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.”

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 10 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

HAGOC SIGNS UP THREE EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIERS

Organising committee HAGOC signed up three more The 10 Prestige Partners for the 19th Asian Games to date are: Exclusive Suppliers in the opening weeks of the new year, taking Geely Auto, China Mobile, China Telecom, Alibaba Group, Ali the number in this category to five, alongside 10 Prestige Pay, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), LoongAir, Partners. 361 Sport, China Pacific Insurance and DAS-Security.

On January 7, HAGOC teamed up with Guangzhou Y-Light The 19th Asian Games will run from September 10-25, 2022 Lighting Technology Co. Ltd. to provide intelligent lighting and and HAGOC has a robust marketing and sponsorship control system services for the Asian Games. programme in place in a variety of sectors.

On February 5, HAGOC signed with Yum China Holdings Inc. to provide western catering services.

On February 7, HAGOC announced the official supplier of air-conditioners - Ningbo Aux Electric Appliances Co. Ltd.

Since the beginning of 2021, HAGOC has doubled its efforts to tap into the market for the Asian Games, and the early results can be seen here.

The first two exclusive suppliers were for household kitchen appliances (Robam) and architectural ceramics (Monalisa).

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 11 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

ESPORTS, BREAKING JOIN ASIAN GAMES SPORTS PROGRAMME

Electronic sports and breaking will become official medal The Director of the OCA’s Asian Games department, Haider sports for the first time at the 19th Asian Games after being Farman, welcomed the esports community to the official Asian approved at the 39th OCA General Assembly in Muscat, Oman Games programme. on December 16. “It will be a great honour for everybody to have you participating The two new Asian Games sports reflect the ever-changing world in these Asian Games as players, as officials and technical of international sport and will bring fresh, youthful elements to officials,” he said. the traditional Olympic and regional sports favourites.

The OCA General Assembly approved a sports programme of 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 482 events.

Esports

The OCA has long pioneered electronic sports and recognised its popularity and potential among the youth in a constantly shifting sporting landscape.

Esports was an official medal sport for the OCA as far back as the 2nd Asian Indoor Games in Macau, China in 2007 and was included as a demonstration sport at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018.

At Hangzhou, esports will be a discipline of Mind Sports, along Esports was a demonstration event at the 18th Asian Games but will be a full medal sport at Hangzhou 2022 (Photo: AESF) with chess, xiangqi, go and bridge, and will comprise six events.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 10 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

“I hope that electronic sports will add value to the Asian Games – and I am sure it will in the future, during the Asian Games 2022 and even beyond that.”

The OCA said that the Asian Electronic Sports Federation – the OCA’s partner as a continental sports federation – would be in charge of all technical issues and the operation of the competition in Hangzhou.

“We are looking forward to cooperating with the Asian Electronic Sports Federation during the Asian Games and before,” said Mr Farman.

Breaking

Breaking - or break dancing - made a big impact at the IOC’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018 and has been added to the Olympic Games at Paris 2024.

To stay in tune with modern sporting trends reflecting urban culture and lifestyle, the OCA has added breaking to Hangzhou 2022 as the discipline under Dance Sport. There will be two gold medals on offer.

At the 2018 YOG, judges determined the winners using six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performance and musicality.

Asia produced the first YOG breaking champion in the girls’ event: Japan’s Ramu “Ram” Kawai won the Breaking B-Girls Ramu Kawai of Japan, known as “Ram”. gold medal at the 2018 YOG. (Photo: Xinhua)

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 mobility solutions by 2022 to service the 19th Asian PageGames. 11 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

HAGOC HOSTS FIFTH EXECUTIVE MEETING TO ASSESS PROGRESS

The fifth meeting of The rugby sevens pitch on the Cangqian Campus of the HAGOC executive Hangzhou Normal University was the first venue in Zhejiang took place in Hangzhou province to pass the renovation and upgrading inspection. and via video link to Beijing on January 7 to Implementation and operation of the competition assess the main work venues once construction is complete. ahead in 2021 and also to review the achieve- Sports programme: 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 482 ments and milestones of events. the previous year. The beach volleyball venue of Ningbo. Confirmation of the HAGOC executive members. The meeting covered many aspects of Asian Games-related projects and reflected on a successful 2020 despite the The successful two-year countdown activities in Septem- challenges of working through the coronavirus pandemic. The ber 2020 including the unveiling of the sport pictograms, the main topics included: global call for a volunteer slogan and the launch of the city volunteer services campaign. Competition venues: Of the 53 venues to be used in the Asian Games, the overall completion rate was 76.1 per The opening of several new metro lines on December cent. However, 45 of the 53 venues were 93.3 per cent 30 to aid Asian Games travel. complete at the end of 2020. The launch of a new TV series called “Road to Hang- All major venues will “top out” by the end of March zhou 2022”. 2021, meaning the construction of the highest point of the building will be completed. The colour scheme and branding of the Asian Games.

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 compre- hensive 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 Hang- zhou 2022.

Page 10 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

The Fuyang District Sports Centre is 47km from the Asian Games Village and will host shooting, archery and modern pentathlon. On the east and south curtain walls of the shooting complex, 34,000 pieces of rotating shutters have been set up to present the legendary landscape painting "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains".

The main stadium of the Xiaoshan District Sports Centre provided local residents with a free light show on January 26 as the lighting system was tested. The complex will host football in the main stadium and weightlifting at the adjacent gymnasium.

The newly built Zhejiang Ocean Sports Center in the Ningbo competition zone covers a land area of 156,900 sq metres and a floor area of 16,400 sq metres. The sailing venue is located 38km from Ningbo Satellite Village.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 11 Games Update Shantou 2021

The cultural festival to celebrate the one-year countdown.

COC PRESIDENT, GUANGDONG GOVERNOR HEAD SAYGOC

The organising committee of the OCA’s 3rd Asian Youth The cultural festival on November 21 included a Games in Shantou (SAYGOC) in November 2021 has two dazzling display of gongs and drums, wushu, a lion dance and high-profile leaders to serve as Chairman. other regional specialties.

They are Gou Zhongwen, Chinese Olympic Committee The mascot, slogan and emblem - which President and Director of the General Administration of Sport of featured in Sporting Asia Edition 51 - were chosen China (GASC), and Ma Xingrui, Governor of Guangdong from a global entry of 4,447 designs. Province. The OCA’s third AYG are set to take place in Shantou – The two leaders attended the inauguration ceremony of the a port city in Guangdong province, southern China – from organising committee on November 21 and unveiled the November 20-28, 2021. commemorative plaque. There are 18 sports on the programme. To mark the occasion, OCA Vice President Song Luzeng read out a congratulatory letter from Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad It is expected that 3,000 athletes from 45 National Al-Sabah, President of the OCA. Olympic Committees will participate.

COC President Gou said: “We need to actively integrate the preparations of the AYG into economic and social development and facilitate the exchange of Asian youth and culture of different countries and regions.”

China’s Sports Minister added that the AYG could also contrib- ute to the Belt and Road economic and social development initiative being undertaken by the Chinese President, Xi Jinping.

Guangdong Governor Ma said that the province would continue to make the AYG a major priority in order to host a successful event at a high standard and with its own characteristics. SAYGOC was established on November 21, 2020.

Page 16 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

The OCA President is pictured with Oman's Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, His Highness Theyazin bin Haitham bin Tarik. OCA JOINS ‘NEW WORLD’ ORDER IN MUSCAT

The OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Sheikh Ahmad thanked the delegates who were able to make welcomed the OCA family to the “new world” in his opening the journey in such challenging circumstances and also address at the 39th General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, on welcomed the Presidents, Secretary Generals, OCA Executive December 16. Board members, NOC staff and other stakeholders who tuned in from afar. The General Assembly was held in two formats – with 26 National Olympic Committees in attendance and 19 following Sheikh Ahmad said the memories of Muscat’s hosting of the the proceedings via video link due to travel restrictions and strict OCA’s 2nd Asian Beach Games in 2010 were still fresh in the health protocols in place around the continent. memory.

“This is the first experience that the Olympic family of Asia is “Muscat is a beautiful city – and our Asian Beach Games here gathering in this way,” the OCA President said. in 2010 was one of the best games by the OCA.”

“It is the first time we are sharing between reality and technology. The 74th meeting of the OCA Executive Board took It is the new world.” place on the previous day, December 15, again in two formats.

Eight pages of General Assembly special coverage

Page 17: OCA President’s introduction Pages 18 – 19: A “win-win” situation for Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034 Pages 20 – 21: Photo Gallery in Muscat Page 22: OCA Order of Merit; Asian Youth Games Tashkent 2025 Host City Contract signing ceremony Page 23: IOC President’s praise for Asia Page 24: General Assembly Notebook

Page 17 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

IT’S A ‘WIN-WIN’ SITUATION FOR DOHA 2030, RIYADH 2034 – AND FOR OCA

The 39th OCA General Assembly in Muscat, Oman, on The build-up to the General Assembly had focused on the race For Doha, it will be the second time to host the Asian Games, “Despite the difficult circumstances, we have had a full December 16, 2020 will never be forgotten. to host the 21st Asian Games in 2030: Two great and historic after the 2006 event provided the springboard to become a house of all our partners and stakeholders attending the Asian capitals in Doha and Riyadh and two adventurous bids to global sports hub. The World Athletics Championships in 2019 General Assembly and this cannot be done without the build on the rich sporting and cultural legacy of the OCA’s and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are among the many cooperation of everybody.” showpiece event. major international events in a wide range of sports to have built on this strong 2006 Asian Games foundation. In an unprecedented move by the OCA, taken in recognition of the quality of the two bids and the passion and enthusiasm of As for rising Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital is also building up the two cities and countries to host the Asian Games, it was an impressive “sportsfolio”, with boxing and golf already decided that the city with the most votes in the election would making the headlines and a Formula-1 race on the calendar. host the 2030 Asian Games, and the city with the second The 22nd Asian Games in 2034 will write another chapter in highest number of votes would host the 2034 Asian Games. the Kingdom’s sports history and add value to the OCA’s continuing success story. After a voting process held by delegates in Muscat and online by the NOCs unable to attend, Sheikh Ahmad declared: “The The double award was also the “win-win” situation the OCA city who has the highest vote and will host 2030 is - Doha.” President had spoken of. It could even be described as a “win-win-win” scenario, as not only Doha 2030 and Riyadh With Riyadh now committed to the 22nd Asian Games in 2034, 2034 benefited but also the OCA will enjoy stability and this meant that the OCA had the next four Asian Games in continuity in the sporting calendar for the next decade and place: Hangzhou 2022, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, Doha 2030 and beyond. Riyadh 2034. “I hope we reached our goal,” Sheikh Ahmad said in closing the This was a remarkable achievement for the OCA, and General Assembly. highlighted once again the trust and confidence in the OCA Not only was it the first OCA General Assembly to be held and also in the ever-growing global brand of the Asian Games “I am very happy for the solidarity and unity of the Olympic in two formats, in person and online, it was also the first to as the world’s second biggest multi-sport event after the movement in Asia and I congratulate Doha 2030 and Riyadh award two Asian Games at the same time. Olympic Games. 2034.

QOC President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani and HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Olympians Mutaz Barshim (high jump) and Nada Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, are Mohamed Arakji (swimming) help to present Doha’s bid. pictured with the OCA President.

Page 18 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

IT’S A ‘WIN-WIN’ SITUATION FOR DOHA 2030, RIYADH 2034 – AND FOR OCA

His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz Saudi Arabia's YOG Singapore 2010 equestrian bronze Al-Saud makes his presentation. medallist Dalma Malhas addresses the General Assembly.

Page 19 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

The General Assembly comes to a close

Delegates discuss the voting process. DPR Korea delegates take their seats in the assembly hall.

Afghanistan NOC President Dr Hafizullah Wali Rahimi Nepal NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha casts his vote. completes the voting process

Page 20 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

The President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, His Highness OCA Executive Board member Gen. Souhail Khoury Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, arrives for the meeting. prepares for the meeting.

OCA Medical and Anti-Doping Committee Chairman Dr. Kuwait Olympic Committee President Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sultan Al Busaidi is pictured with Oman NOC Secretary Al-Sabah is accompanied by Captain Ali Al-Marri (right) General Taha Al Kishry.

OCA EB members Natalya Sipovich and Gen. OCA Women and Sport Committee Chair HE Shaikha Hayat Mowaffak Joumaa bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa gives her presentation.

Page 21 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

OCA MERIT AWARD FOR MALDIVES, LEBANON

The OCA Merit Award was presented to the Secretary Gener- In a Facebook post, Marzooq said: “All I can say is overwhelmed als of two National Olympic Committees: Ahmed Marzooq by all of the text messages, DMs, Tweets, FB posts and messages (Maldives) and Brigadier General (retired) Hassan Rustom from everybody congratulating me on receiving the award. I want (Lebanon). to say ‘Thank You’ to all for your positive thoughts and vibes.”

Marzooq has been a member of the OCA Media Committee since 2010 and also served on the Commonwealth Games Federation Sports Committee from 2015-17.

He is a well-known footballer and coach in Maldives, having represented the national team at U-16, U-19 and U-23 levels.

Gen. Hassan has been Secre- tary General of Lebanon NOC since 2013 and President of the Lebanon Rowing Federa- tion since 1998. Ahmed Marzooq (right) and Gen. Hassan Rustom (left) receive their OCA Merit Award.

OCA SIGNS UP TASHKENT FOR AYG 2025

The OCA calendar took another big step forward at the General Assembly when Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, signed the Host City Contract for the 4th Asian Youth Games in 2025.

With the 3rd AYG set to take place in Shantou, China, in November 2021, this new agreement highlights the OCA’s commitment to the youth of Asia in providing competitive sport in a top-class environment while cultivating tolerance, friendship and respect throughout the continent. NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov (left) and Izzatbek Djuraev at the signing ceremony.

The Tashkent delegation in Muscat included Mr. Izzatbek khmonov, Mr. Ravshan Irmatov, First Deputy Minister for Physical Djuraev, Adviser to the Mayor of Tashkent city on tourism and Culture and Sports Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and sports development, NOC President Mr. Rustam Shaabdura- new OCA Vice President Otabek Umarov.

Page 22 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

IOC President Thomas Bach sent a video message to the OCA General Assembly (Photo: IOC/Greg Martin)

IOC PRESIDENT LOOKS AHEAD TO TWO ‘EXTRAORDINARY’ OLYMPIC YEARS IN ASIA

IOC President Thomas Bach said he was looking forward to “I would like to thank our Chinese partners and friends for all two “extraordinary” years for the Olympic movement in Asia the efforts they are undertaking to make these Games successful with Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 as well as the 19th Asian and safe at the same time. Games. “I would also like to thank OCA and all the National Olympic Addressing the OCA General Assembly in a video message, Committees for being such reliable partners on our side as we President Bach also thanked the OCA for being “reliable look forward to these two extraordinary Olympic years ahead. partners” of the IOC. “Today we enjoy a very strong partnership in many areas. We President Bach said that Asia was “taking centre stage in the are cooperating on promoting the Olympic values, to ensure sporting world” by hosting the next two Olympic Games and the safe sport and to put sport at the service of society.” next Asian Games all within the next two years.

“I can tell you that the preparations in Beijing for 2022 are ‘Today we enjoy a very strong partnership in many areas.’ going extremely well,” he said. IOC President Thomas Bach

President Bach spoke highly of the preparations for Tokyo 2020, saying he could “almost feel the Olympic spirit already now” in the new Olympic Stadium and in the Olympic Village on his most recent visit to Japan.

He described the facilities as “fantastic” and said the delayed Tokyo Olympics this July would be “a celebration of solidarity and resilience of humankind”.

The IOC President described the Tokyo 2020 facilities as “fantastic”. President Bach concluded: “See you in Tokyo, Japan, Asia!”

Page 23 OCA General Assembly Muscat 2020

GENERAL ASSEMBLY NOTEBOOK

HEALTH PROTOCOLS PROVE EFFECTIVE

A total of 667 people attended the OCA General arrival at Oman Airport. The results were delivered within Assembly in Muscat – providing a stern test of the health 12 hours. protocols in place by the government of Oman. The final test was conducted in the hotel before delegates Prior to travel, delegates had to register in the Tarassud began the journey home and was free of charge, app developed by the Ministry of Health for use in courtesy of the Oman government. Android and iPhone devices. They also had to take a nucleic test 72 hours before travel and another test on A fantastic job, said the OCA President!

GOOD NEWS FROM OLYMPIC ASSOCIATION OF ASIAN SOLIDARITY OLYMPIC ACADEMIES

Olympic Solidarity brought some good news to IOC Vice President and OCA Advisory Committee the NOCs at the end of a frustrating year for athletes Chairman Ng Ser Miang of Singapore introduced the and officials alike. Association of Asian Olympic Academies.

The General Assembly heard that the Olympic The Association will bring together all the National Solidarity budget for 2021-2024 has increased by 16 Olympic Academies in Asia and focus on a per cent to USD 590 million. coordinated programme of Olympic education. This collaboration will involve National Olympic The direct support for athletes and support for NOCs Academies already established under a National have both increased by 25 per cent compared to the Olympic Committee, Education Committees of the previous cycle, guaranteeing a bright future at the NOCs and OCA and the International Olympic end of the dark tunnel. Academy.

OOC CHAIRMAN’S HIGH PRAISE

The Chairman of the Oman Olympic Committee, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, paid a fulsome tribute to the OCA President in his closing address. Sheikh Khalid was particu- larly impressed with how Sheikh Ahmad handled the double Asian Games award.

“It was an excellent outcome, a win-win situation for both cities. It is a very happy day for all sports people and sports fans in the region,” he said.

Sheikh Khalid added: “The result of awarding Riyadh the 2034 Asian Games was an excellent outcome. We have to be thank- Oman Olympic Committee Chairman Sayyid ful for the wise leadership and guidance of Sheikh Ahmad.” Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi

Page 24 Inside the OCA

OCA WELCOMES TWO NEW VICE PRESIDENTS FOR ASIAN GAMES COORDINATION IN DOHA AND RIYADH

The Olympic Council of Asia has welcomed two new Vice figures in the Olympic sports movement in West Asia and Presidents to the Executive Board in connection with the Asian throughout the continent as new Vice Presidents on the OCA Games of Doha 2030 and Riyadh 2034. Executive Board.

His Excellency Jassim Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of “They are both young and dynamic leaders yet have vast experi- the Qatar Olympic Committee, will be OCA Vice President for ence in all aspects of sport. Doha 2030 and His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal Al-Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic “We are sure they will make a big contribution to the work of our Committee, will be OCA Vice President for Riyadh 2034. Executive Board, especially concerning the preparation and planning for the 21st Asian Games Doha 2030 and the 22nd The OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, Asian Games Riyadh 2034.” commented: “I am delighted to welcome two such prominent

HE Jassim Al Buenain HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal

HE JASSIM AL BUENAIN HRH PRINCE ABDULAZIZ BIN

A former striker in Qatar’s national team and a professional TURKI AL-FAISAL AL-SAUD footballer for 12 years, the QOC Secretary General was Chief Executive Officer of the Doha Bid Committee for the 21st Asian President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and Minister Games 2030 from July to December 2020. of Sport in the Kingdom, HRH Prince Abdulaziz has quickly made his mark in the OCA as Chairman of the OCA Education He also played a major role in the success of the inaugural Committee. ANOC World Beach Games Doha 2019 as Vice President and Director General of the organising committee. He is leading efforts towards developing a vibrant sporting economy, creating opportunities for the entire country to play Al Buenain is responsible for delivering the QOC’s new strategic sport and helping Saudi’s athletes on their journey from amateur direction and roll-out of its new brand which collectively aims to to elite level. connect, inspire and unite the whole nation through the power of sport. His motor racing record has earned him the status as a Red Bull athlete, and HRH Prince Abdulaziz is also Chairman of the Arab Athlete turned sports administrator, he holds an Executive MBA Football Federation, President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports from the University of Plymouth in the UK and a Bachelor in Federation and a member of the IOC Marketing Commission. Administrative Sciences and Economics from Qatar University.

Page 25 Inside the OCA

UMAROV JOINS EXECUTIVE BOARD, KOTANI RETURNS

The President of the OCA, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, introduced one new member and one returning member at the 74th OCA Executive Board meeting in Muscat on December 15.

The new member was Otabek Umarov, who has joined the OCA EB as Vice President connected to Uzbekistan’s hosting of the fourth Asian Youth Games in Tashkent in 2025.

The returning member was Mikako Kotani, who joined the OCA EB meeting via video link from Japan where she is Sports Director of Tokyo 2020. The two-time Olympic Games bronze medallist in synchro (now artistic) swimming at Seoul 1988 returns to the EB as Chair of the OCA Athletes Committee in place of Koji Murofushi, who has become Commissioner of the government’s Japan Sports Agency.

Umarov said: “I am very happy and honoured to join the OCA Executive Board at this very exciting time for the Olympic sports movement in Asia. OCA Vice President Otabek Umarov with the OCA President.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the OCA family to our Planning and preparations are already well underway and we are capital city Tashkent in 2025 for the fourth Asian Youth Games. confident that we will host one of the best games in OCA history.”

Mikako Kotani of Japan, who is a member of the Japanese Olympic Committee Executive Board, said: “I am thrilled to be back in the OCA after 16 years and I would like to say thank you to the OCA President and Executive Board members for giving me this opportunity.

“I am looking forward to helping the athletes and the Asian Games from an athlete’s point of view. Thank you very much for having me back.” (Photo: Tokyo2020.org)

CHEY’S NEW ROLE ON OCA EB

Korean sports leader Chey Tae-won was elected OCA Vice President at the OCA General Assembly on December 16 with the role of coordinating and building a relationship between the more than 90 Asian Sport Federations recognised by the OCA.

Chey is President of the Korean Handball Federation, Vice President of the Asian Handball Federation and Chairman of the South Korean conglomerate SK Group.

(Photo: KHF)

Page 26 Inside the OCA

OLYMPASIA - which provides Olympic Solidarity funding to NOCs through the OCA’s Continental Programme - contributed 100,000 USD for the renovation and refurbishment of Sri Lanka NOC’s Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium. The newly modernised, high-tech auditorium officially opened on December 14.

(Photo: Sri Lanka NOC)

OCA President HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah attended the Doha World Judo Masters 2021 on January 13 and honoured the winners of the men’s -90kg event. Sheikh Ahmad praised the organisation of the IJF event and the covid countermeasures in place for the athletes and officials from around the world.

(Photo: Team Qatar)

OCA skateboarding youth camp graduate Soroush Sakhi brought glory to Afghanistan in an international competition – in snowboarding! The all-action Afghan, who attended the OCA skateboarding youth camp in Nanjing in July 2019, won the silver medal in men’s parallel giant slalom at the Pakistan International Snowboarding Championship at Malam Jabba on January 23.

(Photo: Afghanistan Snowboarding Federation)

OCA Entourage Committee Chair Ryu Seung Min, 38, has been re-elected President of the Korea Table Tennis Association. The IOC Member and Athens 2004 table tennis champion was praised for his work to enhance the voice of athletes at all levels and for his efforts to promote the Olympic values through innovative sports education programmes at the PyeongChang 2018 Legacy Foun- dation, of which he is also President.

(Photo: www.olympic.org)

Page 27 Women in Sport

Nicol in relaxed mood. Nicol in action on the squash court.

MALAYSIAN SQUASH CHAMPION NICOL DAVID VOTED WORLD GAMES GREATEST ATHLETE OF ALL TIME

Malaysia’s squash legend Nicol David was voted the World “I'm truly humbled to actually get such overwhelming support Games Greatest Athlete of All Time in a poll conducted by the from everyone, especially all those back in Malaysia voting for International World Games Association. me to win this award. It’s a proud moment to represent my country and Asia." The retired eight-time world champion collected 318,943 votes of the 1.2 million cast online over a three-week period. The five-time Asian Games singles champion added: “I’ve been truly overwhelmed by all the love and support from everyone. It Tug of War strongman James Kehoe (Ireland) was second with means so much to me as a retired athlete to continue to receive 113,120 votes followed by powerlifter Larysa Soloviova beautiful words, thoughts and encouragement from you. (Ukraine) with 80,790 votes. “It just fills me with a huge sense of gratitude coming from each Nicol, who was the only Asian athlete on the list of 24 nomina- one of you with the way you have expressed your love and cheer- tions by International Federations which compete in the World ing me on as a nation and from all those closest to me in the Games, said: “This is such a huge honour. squash world."

NICOL DAVID PROFILE (Photo: Nicol David Facebook @nicoldavidofficial)

Full Name: Nicol Ann David Pro Tour Titles: 81 Country: Malaysia World No. 1: 112 months Date of Birth: August 26, 1983 World Open Champion (8): 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 Age: 37 World Games Champion (3): 2005, 2009, 2013 Hometown: Penang Commonwealth Games Champion (2): 2010, 2014 Took up squash: 5 years old Asian Games Champion (Singles - 5): 1998, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 Turned pro: 18 Asian Championship (9): 1988, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2015 Retired: 2019

Page 28 Women in Sport

CHINA'S WINTER YOG STAR GU SETS SIGHTS ON GOLD AT BEIJING 2022 OLYMPICS

The rise and rise of China’s winter sports glamour girl Eileen Gu Ailing continued at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colorado at the end of January.

The 17-year-old freestyle skier and fashion model won two gold medals, in Superpipe and Slopestyle, and a Big Air bronze on her rookie appearance in the Winter X Games.

With the Beijing Winter Olympics now less than one year away, Gu has become the face of China’s challenge for medals on home snow and ice from February 4-20, 2022 – especially after winning two gold medals and one silver at the Winter YOG Lausanne 2020.

Talking about her X Games success, Gu said: "This is something I wouldn't even dream of. I came into this contest with the goal of one podium - and I thought that was ambitious."

Born in San Francisco, California to an American father and Chinese mother from Beijing, Gu decided to represent China in 2019 and will be one to watch at Beijing, where she is targeting Eileen Gu celebrates after winning three medals - two gold gold to boost China’s goal of attracting 300 million people to and one bronze - at the Winter X Games. the joys of winter sport. (Photo: © courtesy of Gu Yan/Xinhua)

TTY ENDS BADMINTON SEASON ON A BANGKOK HIGH

Chinese Taipei’s Asian Games champion Tai Tzu Ying ended the badminton season on a high by beating Spain’s Rio 2016 Olympic champion Carolina Marin in the final of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020 in Bangkok on Sunday, January 31.

The 26-year-old world No. 1 from Kaohsiung defeated the left-handed Marin 14-21, 21-8, 21-19 in 67 minutes.

Marin had beaten “TTY” in the final of the two previous competitions on the Asian leg of the tour – the Yonex Thailand Open and Toyota Thailand Open all played in the Bangkok badminton bubble.

“Finally, I won,” said the champion, who claimed her third season-ending title.

“This victory is significant because I had to really maintain focus. Marin forces a lot of pressure as she is fast. If I lose a bit of focus the gap becomes big and very hard to chase down. I needed to take care of that because every point Feeling champion – Tai Tzu Ying in Bangkok (Photo: BWF) matters against her.”

Page 29 Women in Sport

RAJESHWARI KUMARI ADDS TO FAMILY’S GOLDEN LEGACY

Indian shooter Rajeshwari Kumari is following in the footsteps of her famous father – OCA Hon. Life Vice President, six-time Olympian and 1978 Asian Games champion Raja Randhir Singh!

Rajeshwari, 29, led an Indian clean sweep of the women’s trap event at the First Asian Online Shooting Championship held on January 29-30 and hosted by the Kuwait Shooting Federation.

Competing from the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, Rajeshwari took home the gold medal with a score of 138. Teammates Shreyasi Singh won silver and Manisha Keer bronze.

The two-day competition saw 274 shooters from 22 Asian countries take part. Rajeshwari Kumari (Twitter @RiaKumari7)

AFGHAN WOMEN EMBRACE WINTER SPORTS

The Afghanistan Snowboarding Federation has formed a women’s section due to the growing popularity of winter sports in the country.

The federation reports that 18 female winter sports enthusiasts joined the Kabul ski and snowboard teams and are keen to practise and compete.

An introductory seminar included a brief report on the history of skiing and snowboarding, safety guidelines and competition rules.

They also met with the Secretary General of the Afghanistan National Olympic Committee, Dr. Mohammad Yonus Popalzay, who has offered the support of the NOC in developing the two winter sports and cooperating with the federation.

“We are very proud of our ladies who want to bring changes to many The winter sports enthusiasts were welcomed to aspects of their life,” said the Afghanistan Snowboarding Federation, Olympic House (Photo: [email protected]) which was established in 2017. "Both sports require a lot of practice."

ENG. Azzah Bint Suleiman (pictured left), United Arab Emirates NOC Assistant Secretary General for Finance and Administrative Affairs, welcomed HE Nada Askar Al-Naqbi, Director General of the Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation, to NOC HQ in Dubai on January 10. The two parties discussed the state of women’s sport in the UAE and how to enhance the participation of Emirati women at all levels of sport, including technical and administrative aspects.

(Photo: UAE Olympic Committee @uaenoc)

Page 30 Women in Sport

SINGAPORE NOC SO PROUD OF PUTRI'S SCHOLARSHIP

The Singapore National Olympic Council congratulated women’s national team striker Putri Nur Syaliza Binte Sazali on becoming the first local female footballer to be offered an overseas athletic scholarship, in the United States.

The Football Association of Singapore reported that Putri, who turns 18 in March, has accepted a four-year scholarship at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee.

“Our heartiest congratulations to Putri Nur Syaliza, an eight-time recipient of the Singapore Olympic Foundation-Peter Lim Schol- arship,” Singapore NOC said in a Facebook post.

“All the best in your academic and sport pursuits.”

Putri, who will play for the Cumberland Phoenix in the Mid-South Conference Tournament of the National Association of Intercolle- Putri Nur Syaliza in action. giate Athletics, said: “I hope this athletic scholarship will spur and motivate other girls to pursue their passion in football since “We just need to work hard and have faith in ourselves, and they now know that it is actually possible to achieve something eventually everything will work out well.” (Photo: © Football like this. Association of Singapore)

IRANIAN PARALYMPIC MEDAL WINNERS HONOURED

Statues of four Iranian female Paralympic medal winners were unveiled on February 3 at the Sports Federation for the Disabled headquarters in Tehran, the Tehran Times reports.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Iran’s National Paralympic Committee (NPC), the statues of Nayereh Akef (shooting), Azam Khodayari (discus), Zahra Nemati (archery) and Sareh Javanmardi (shooting - air pistol) were displayed.

The ceremony was attended by NPC head Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa, Iran NOC President Reza Salehi Amiri and the head of the Iran Sports Federation for the The four statues are unveiled on February 3. (Photo: Tehran Times) Disabled, Mohammad Shervin Asbaghian.

YEMEN Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission honoured pistol shooter Yasameen Al-Raimi with a trophy for her outstanding performances at Arab and continental levels over the past two years.

During this time she competed in an Olympic Games qualifying tournament, a shooting grand prix in Kuwait and the 10th Arab Championship, winning a silver medal in women’s 10m air pistol.

(Photo: Yemen Olympic Committee @yemnoc)

Page 31 Road to Tokyo

ASIAN ATHLETES BOOK PLACES FOR SPORT CLIMBING DEBUT

The International Federation of Sport Climbing has issued a list of qualified athletes for Tokyo 2020, when the exciting, tension-packed sport makes its Olympic Games debut.

The sport climbing competition will feature only two events – combined format for men and women.

Combined requires the athlete to take part in three different elements – boulder, lead and speed – rather than specialising in just one discipline.

There will be 20 entries in each event, and the IFSC named 19 qualified athletes on December 20, with one place still open. They Kazakhstan’s Rishat Khaibullin has qualified for Tokyo 2020 (Photo: Kazakhstan NOC) include:

WOMEN: Akiyo Noguchi (Japan), Miho Nonaka (Japan), Song MEN: Tomoa Narasaki (Japan), Rishat Khaibullin (Kazakhstan), Yiling (China). Kai Harada (Japan), Pan Yufei (China).

IRAN TO FACE FAVOURITES USA IN MEN'S BASKETBALL

Iran will face the mighty United States in the men’s basketball Only eight of the 12 teams have been determined in the men’s tournament at Tokyo 2020. event, with the other four coming from qualifying tournaments between June 29 and July 4. The draw for the men’s and women’s tournaments was made at FIBA HQ in Mies, Switzerland on February 2 and gave the In the women's tournament, all 12 teams have already booked Iranians the opportunity of a lifetime to play against the NBA their spots including Japan, Korea and China. stars and gold medal favourites in front of a global TV audience. A new competition format will be in place for Tokyo 2020. The teams that finish first and second in the three groups Iran will be making their third appearance in the Olympic (six teams) will be joined by the two best third-place teams in the Games and are aiming for a top-eight finish. quarter-finals.

Page 32 Road to Tokyo

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL QUALIFIER POSTPONED TO APRIL

The Asian Football Confederation announced on February 2 that the women’s qualifying playoff for Tokyo 2020 between China and Korea has been postponed.

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the overall restrictions prevailing in the region, FIFA and the Asian Football Confedera- tion (AFC) have decided to postpone the two-legged Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 playoff series between Korea Republic and China PR,” the AFC said in a statement.

“The matches were originally scheduled to be played on February 19 and 24, 2021, but will now be played in the April 2021 window. The first leg will be on April 8 and the return game on April 13.”

The Koreans were due to host the first leg on February 19 on Jeju Island. The second leg was scheduled for Suzhou, China on February 24, but the AFC did not specify the venues for the new China’s “Steel Roses” and Korea will now meet in April. dates in April. (Photo: @chinawomensfootballteam). JAPAN’S SEVEN GOLDEN RULES FOR SEVENS SUCCESS

Japan’s rugby sevens women's team manager, Akane Kagawa, has revealed the seven golden rules they are following in order to challenge for gold in Tokyo this summer, Asia Rugby reports.

The seven rules are: self-management, consideration, gratitude, respect, pride, decency and harmony.

“For us to perform well in the game of rugby, it is required of all the players not only to train hard but also put value on their attitude as a national representative player, on and off the field,” Kagawa says.

“Therefore, both our players and staff always have these rules in Japan’s women’s rugby sevens team (Photo: Asia Rugby) their mind, and try to implement them on an every-day basis.”

GABUCO ASSISTS BOXING MEDAL HOPE MAGNO

Former women’s world boxing champion Josie Gabuco of the Philippines is helping another female boxer in her quest for Tokyo gold.

Gabuco, women’s world champion at light-flyweight at Qinhuangdao, China in 2012, is assisting Irish Magno in her Olympic preparations.

“I know Irish is a very dedicated fighter and this Olympic stint means a lot to her,” Gabuco, a five-time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games gold medallist, told Business Mirror. Josie Gabuco “With the help of our coaches and their expertise, I’m so confident Facebook Irish will be successful in Tokyo. Our preparation is very important because Irish’s victory will be a victory for the entire team.” SEA Games boxing champion Josie Gabuco.

Page 33 News In Brief

IOC Session to be held remotely FIBA Asia gathers basketball statisticians

The 137th IOC Session, set to take place from March 10-12, An online FIBA statisticians’ workshop was held from January 2021 in Athens, Greece, will now be held virtually. 16-17 by the FIBA Regional Office in Tokyo in preparation for the Olympic Games. The Session agenda will include the presidential election, in which IOC President Thomas Bach will stand unopposed for the IOC This second such workshop added to the ongoing efforts of the Presidency. The IOC Executive Board will propose to the IOC Regional Office to raise the quality and level of basketball in the Session that Athens should host the IOC Session in 2025. region. A total of 33 statisticians attended.

(www.olympic.org) (http://www.fiba.basketball)

Asia’s new young Olympic leaders Mongolia NOC turns 65

The International Olympic Committee has selected 25 new IOC Mongolia NOC produced a special logo to celebrate its 65th Young Leaders who will leverage the power of sport to make a anniversary. positive difference in their communities. The NOC was established on This fifth generation of IOC Young Leaders will benefit from an February 26, 1956 and its first enhanced version of the programme as it moves from an annual President was E. Darisuren. Since exercise to a four-year model. then, Mongolia has attended 13 The seven young leaders from Asia are: Lin Shiling (People's Olympic Games and 14 Winter Republic of China), Rishav Bhowmik (India), Lee Sangeun Olympics and won 26 medals in (Republic of Korea), Mayssa Bsaibes (Lebanon), Tania Lee wrestling, judo, boxing and shooting (Malaysia), Lawrence Tan (Philippines) and Dhukhilan Jeevamani – an outstanding return for a country (Singapore). (www.olympic.org) with a population of 3 million.

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Page 34 News In Brief

Beijing 2022 unveils Olympic torch New Tokyo 2020 President

On the occasion of the one-year countdown to the Beijing Winter Seven-time Olympian Seiko Hashimoto has succeeded former Olympics, organisers revealed the torch design on February 4. Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori as President of Tokyo 2020.

The 2022 Olympic torch spirals Hashimoto, 56, represented Japan upward to resemble two overlap- in track cycling in the Olympic ping fluttering ribbons. The inner Games and in speed skating in the red ribbon evokes rising flames and Winter Olympics, winning a the outer ribbon is plated in silver to 1500m bronze medal at Albertville produce a striking contrast. 1992. She also won six gold medals in two Asian Winter Beaming with dynamism and vitality, the two-tone torch presents a Games, in 1986 and 1990. metaphor of ice and fire, symbolising how it will bring light and warmth to the winter sports gala. Hashimoto resigned her position as Olympics Minister in the Japanese government so she could accept the role as head of the (www.beijing2022.cn) organising committee on February 18. (Photo: Getty Images)

Fukuoka to host marathon swim qualiﬁer Triathlon qualiﬁcation delayed until May

The Japanese city of Fukuoka, together with Tokyo 2020 and FINA, The World Triathlon Executive Board has announced that qualifica- have confirmed that the Olympic Marathon Swim Qualifier 2021 tion for the Olympic and Paralympic Games will not resume will be held on May 29-30 at the Seaside Momochi Beach Park. before May 1.

The two races (men’s and women’s) will provide the final 15 After consultation with the athletes, coaches, medical and qualifiers for the 25-strong field in each event at the Olympic technical committees, the EB decided that the final decision would Games. (www.fina.org). be made on March 18. (https://www.triathlon.org)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 11 Page 14 Obituary

TAN ENG KIM - SOFT TENNIS PIONEER IN MALAYSIA

The Olympic Council of Malaysia paid tribute to a former OCM Executive Secretary, Tan Eng Kim, who passed away peacefully on January 17. He was 88 years old.

He worked for the OCM for over 30 years and retired in 1998. He was also honorary treasurer of the Malaysian Amateur Athlet- ics Union from 1974 to 1990 and played a leading role in establishing the Soft Tennis Association of Malaysia in 1990, serving as Deputy President in 1998-99.

“He was a dedicated and hardworking sports leader and contributed very much to the development of the OCM and to Malay- sian sport,” the OCM said.

TAN HWEE HOCK - ASIAN GAMES HERO

Asian Games water polo champion Tan Hwee Hock passed away peacefully on January 26. He was 91.

Tan represented Singapore at the 1951 Asian Games in New Delhi, winning two silvers - one in the 4 x 100m medley and the other in water polo.

However, it was at the 1954 Asian Games in Manila that sealed his place in the pinnacles of Singapore sports history when he scored a hat trick in a 4-2 victory over Japan in the final.

Tan went on to become coach of the national water polo team, leading them to a bronze medal in the 1962 Asian Games and a silver in 1966. (Singapore Swimming Association)

MEHDI ATTAR ASHRAFI OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTER

Former Iran weightlifter Mehdi Attar Ashrafi passed away on January 9, the Tehran Times reported. He was 72.

Attar Ashrafi represented Iran at the 1976 Olympic Games and won a bronze medal at the 1974 Asian Games in Tehran at -75kg. Attar Ashrafi also claimed a silver medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championships in 1979.

(Photo: Tehran Times)

Page 36 Obituary

NIKOLAY CHEBOTKO – KAZAKH CROSS-COUNTRY SKIER

Nikolay Chebotko, a famous skier of the Kazakhstan cross- country team and bronze medallist at the 2013 World Champi- onships, passed away at the age of 38, Olympic.kz reported.

The four-time Winter Olympian died in a traffic accident on the night of January 24 near Borovoe village, Akmola region.

He made his World Cup debut in December 2001 and won three gold, four silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Winter Games. His most recent competition was the national championships on December 25, 2020.

“The National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Kazakh- stan expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Nikolay Chebotko on behalf of the entire sports community of the country. We share with you the pain of irreparable loss. We will all remember him as a talented skier, real Olympian and wonderful person,” the NOC said. (Photo: Olympic.kz)

NUHA HATTAR – GYMNASTICS

Nuha Jamil Hattar, a valued member of the FIG Gender Equality Commission and long-standing Secretary General of the Jordan Gymnastics Federation, died on January 1 following a long battle against COVID-19. She was 68.

A very active woman, she dedicated much time and effort to developing gymnastics in Jordan, the Middle East and beyond, driven by the desire to keep young people fit and healthy, the International Gymnastics Federation said in a tribute on January 4.

In 2017, she was named as a member of the very first FIG Women in Gymnastics Commission - which was later renamed the Gender Equality Commission - where she ably represented Asia and the Middle East. (Photo: FIG)

NIKHIL NANDY OLYMPIC FOOTBALLER

Football player Nikhil Nandy, who represented India at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne and the 1958 Asian Games in Tokyo, died on December 29 after a prolonged illness. He was 88.

All India Football Federation President Praful Patel said: “His contribution to Indian football will never be forgotten. I share the grief.”

General Secretary Kushal Das added: “Nikhil Nandy was a gifted player and will always be alive in his achievements. He has been the inspiration of so many footballers.” (Photo: All India Football Federation)

Page 37 OCA Sports Diary

2021 2024

Lausanne, Switzerland (Virtual): March 10 – 12 Shantou, China: November 20 – 28 Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: March 10 – 20 Gangwon, Korea: Dates to be determined 37th IOC Session (Election of President) OCA 3rd Asian Youth Games OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games IOC 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games

Sanya, China: April 2 – 10 Hanoi, Vietnam: November 21 – December 2 Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 Paris, France: July 26 – August 11 OCA 6th Asian Beach Games 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 19th FINA World Championships Olympic Games

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 10 – 12 Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: May 21 – 30 FINA World Aquatics Convention World Athletics Championships Oregon22 2025 OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 13 – 18 Birmingham, UK: July 28 – August 8 Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Dates to be determined FINA Swimming World Championships (25m) Commonwealth Games OCA 4th Asian Youth Games Doha, Qatar: June 5 FINA General Congress Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 2022 OCA 19th Asian Games 2026 Tokyo, Japan: July 23 – August 8 Olympic Games Chandigarh, India: January (dates to be determined) Doha, Qatar: November 21 – December 18 Milano Cortina, Italy: Dates to be determined Commonwealth Archery and Shooting FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Olympic Winter Games Tokyo, Japan: August 24 – September 5 Championships Paralympic Games Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4 Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 2023 OCA 20th Asian Games Seoul, Korea: October 26 – 27 Olympic Winter Games ANOC General Assembly/ANOC Awards Phnom Penh, Cambodia: May 5 – 16 Dakar, Senegal: Dates to be determined Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games IOC 4th Youth Olympic Games Winter Paralympic Games

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杭州2022年第19届亚运会官方合作伙伴

Page 26 OCA Sports Diary

2024

Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: March 10 – 20 Gangwon, Korea: Dates to be determined OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games IOC 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games

Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 Paris, France: July 26 – August 11 19th FINA World Championships Olympic Games

Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 World Athletics Championships Oregon22 2025

Birmingham, UK: July 28 – August 8 Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Dates to be determined Commonwealth Games OCA 4th Asian Youth Games

Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 OCA 19th Asian Games 2026

Doha, Qatar: November 21 – December 18 Milano Cortina, Italy: Dates to be determined

M.T. FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 MILANO CORTINA 2026 Olympic Winter Games

Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4

20th Asian Games 2023 Aichi-Nagoya 2026 OCA 20th Asian Games

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: May 5 – 16 Dakar, Senegal: Dates to be determined 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games IOC 4th Youth Olympic Games

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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ALIPAY BROTHER BRAND 19th Asian Games