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Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Edition 32 - March 2016

FAST AND FURIOUS! WINTER YOG PHOTO SPECIAL

OCA General Assembly 2016 OCA/OS Regional Forums Schedule OCA Games Updates 2016-2018 Asia’s Road to Rio Contents Inside your new-look 36-page Sporting Asia

Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic 3 Council of Asia, published President’s Message quarterly. Sheikh visits Dublin Executive Editor / Director General 14 Husain Al-Musallam [email protected] 4 – 6

News in Pictures Art Director / IT Director Amer Elalami [email protected] 7 Obituary Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari [email protected] 8 – 11 Director, Department 16 Asia’s Road to Rio 2016 Haider A. Farman [email protected]

12 – 13 Editor 12th -2016 Jeremy Walker [email protected]

Executive Secretary 14 – 15 Nayaf Sraj 4th RADO Conference, [email protected]

Olympic Council of Asia 16 PO Box 6706, Hawalli 17 Zip Code 32042 Inside the OCA

Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 17 – 20 Email: [email protected] Winter YOG, Lillehammer 2016 Website: www.ocasia.org

21 – 23 OCA Games Update 2016-2018

21 24 – 33 10 Pages of News and Photos from 45 NOCs

34 – 35 Front cover: OCA Standing Committees 2015-2019 Action from the semi-finals of the women’s 500m short track at 36 Lillehammer 2016, with ’s Zang Yize out in OCA Sports Diary front. Photo: Jed Leicester/ 24 YIS/IOC.

Page 02 President’s Message

RIO OLYMPICS OFFERS SPORT THE CHANCE TO SHINE AGAIN

F irst of all welcome to the new-look Sporting Asia!

At the start of an year, the sports world is focused on Rio 2016 – and Sporting Asia is no exception.

As well as a new design and an increase in the number of pages to 36, Sporting Asia also has a new feature, “Road to Rio”, in which we will be reporting on the qualifying events for the Olympic Games and looking ahead to upcoming championships with Rio places up for grabs.

We have also expanded the news and sports section for our 45 National Olympic Committees due to the amount of activities throughout the five zones; this will provide more space for photographs and reports from our NOCs.

As I said in my New Year message on the OCA website, the Rio Olympics this August gives international sport the perfect chance to restore the faith of the sports-loving public around the world. There have been far too many negative issues in the recent past, such as doping, match-fixing and corruption among sports leaders, and it is time to redress the balance and put sport - and the athletes - first again.

The Olympic Games provides us with this opportunity. We will see performances that will go down in sports history and witness gold medals that have been earned from years of dedication, sacrifice and determination.

We will see bravery and courage from athletes that will inspire a nation, and we will share in the joy of achievement and accom- plishment of athletes who have simply managed to live their dream and compete in the Greatest Sports Show on Earth. Through our quarterly newsletter Sporting Asia, we hope to set the scene for Rio 2016 and show our pride in our Asian athletes.

Wishing you all a happy and successful Olympic Year 2016!

Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, President, Association of National Olympic Committees Chairman, IOC Olympic Solidarity Commission

SHEIKH AHMAD VISITS DUBLIN FOR MEETING WITH EOC PRESIDENT

The President of ANOC, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, extremely useful and I am looking forward to holding similar visited the President of the European Olympic Committees discussions with ONOC President Mitchell, ANOCA President (EOC), Patrick Hickey, in Dublin on February 11 for a high-level Palenfo and PASO President Maglione.” meeting about supporting NOCs and their athletes during this Olympic year.

The Director General of the OCA, Husain Al Musallam, also attended the discussions, along with senior executives of the Olympic Council of Ireland.

Sheikh Ahmad said: “ANOC is striving to deliver an unprec- edented level of assistance and support to all the world’s NOCs. The only way we can achieve this is with the support of our five continental associations. Sheikh Ahmad with President Hickey and Captain Husain. “My discussions today with President Hickey have been

Page 03 News in Pictures

MALDIVES HOSTS FINA CAMP: Clinics for officials in the Maldives was one of six development initiatives held by world swimming’s governing body FINA towards the end of last year. (www.fina.org)

CHINESE DOUBLE IN TABLE : Ma Long (right), the 2015 world champion, and 2015 Women's World FONG APPOINTED IWWF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: The Cup winner Liu Shiwen (left) were named male and female International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation has player of the year, respectively, at the 2015 International appointed Paul Fong from as the new Executive Federation Star Awards in Lisbon, . Director, effective March 1, 2016.

Page 04 News in Pictures

ALIBABA JOINS FIGHT FOR : The International IOC HONOUR FOR LI: Three-time world Boxing Association (AIBA) has signed a Memorandum of champion and IOC Member Li Lingwei of China is one of Understanding with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba five high-profile former athletes to be appointed by IOC Sports Group to support the global development of President Thomas Bach to the World Olympians Associa- boxing. AIBA President CK Wu (right) and Alibaba founder tion Executive Committee to represent the IOC. and Chairman Jack Ma are pictured at the Olympic (http://olympians.org) Museum. (www.aiba.org)

CHINESE DIVERS WIN FINA AWARD: China’s He Chao and Shi Tingmao were named FINA Athlete of the Year ITU PRESIDENT VISITS : International Triathlon 2015 in the category for men and women, respec- Union President and IOC Member Marisol Casado visited tively, at the 2nd FINA World Aquatics Gala in , Nepal to oversee a schools project funded by the ITU’s , on January 31. ANOC and OCA President US$10,500 Nepal Earthquake Campaign. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah was among the VIP (www.triathlon.org) guests. (www.fina.org)

Page 05 News in Pictures

JUDO WINS AWARD: The International Federation has won the 2015 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al YU ZAIQING RE-ELECTED WUSHU PRESIDENT: The Maktoum Creative Sports Award in the International International Wushu Federation Congress re-elected Creative Organisation Award category for its efforts to China’s Yu Zaiqing as President for 2015-19 on the bring judo and its values to 300 children in the refugee sidelines of the 13th World Wushu Championships in camp in Kilis, , on the border with . , . (www.iwuf.org). (www.ijf.org)

FAI WELCOMES DUBAI ORGANISERS: The World Federation (FAI) Executive Board and the organisers of the FAI Dubai 2015, including Event Director HE Youssif Al Hammadi, held a joint meeting at the FAI HQ in , , on January 30 following the success of the FAI’s flagship event in December. (www.fai.org)

Page 06 Obituary

KAZAKHSTAN MOURNS LOSS OF POPULAR ‘TIM’

The sports movement in suffered an irreparable loss on December 3, 2015, when the Vice President of the NOC, Timur Dosymbetov, passed away aged 58 after a long illness.

A friendly and popular figure at local, regional and continental levels, Tim - as he liked to be known - played a major role in the establishment of the NOC in 1990 following the break-up of the .

He was the first president of the NOC and later vice president and general secretary. He was also a key member of ’s bid to host the Winter Olympics in 2022, losing narrowly to .

Born in Almaty, Tim was a keen swimmer and eventually became a world-class athlete in modern pentathlon with the USSR national team.

OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah said Tim had been a significant influence in the rise of sport in Kazakhstan and in and his hard work and friendly character would Timur Dosymbetov. be sadly missed in the OCA.

CHEN LUYUN TUNKU ADNAN A member of China’s women’s team at the 2004 The Olympic Council of announced the passing of Olympic Games, Chen Luyun, died of colon cancer on former NOC Vice President Tunku Dato’ Seri Adnan Tunku Besar December 23. She was 38. Burhanuddin on February 8. He was 89.

Chen, from Xiamen in Fujian province, also represented China He was NOC VP from 1982 to 1986 and President of the Malay- in the World Junior Championship in 1997 and World Champi- sian Judo Federation for many years. He was Malaysia’s Chef onship in 2002 and led China to the title de Mission at the 1974 in Christchurch, as coach. , the in , , and the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games. MIKE SHEPHERDSON Mike Shepherdson, a dual international for Malaysia in hockey ABDUL RAHIM AHMAD and cricket and who represented the State of Selangor at Abdul Rahim Ahmad, a decorated hockey player for Malaysia in football, passed away on February 13, aged 85. the , Asian Games, SEA Games and Inter-Continental Cup, passed away on February 13. He was 59. He played hockey for Malaysia at the Melbourne 1956 Olympic Games and at the Asian Games in in 1958 and Jakarta After retiring as a player he served as vice president of the Selan- in 1962. gor Hockey Association.

TSUGUTO KITANO

The International & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) Winter Olympics and then played an important role in the paid tribute to Tsuguto Kitano, the long-time president of the successful organisation of the Games. Japanese Bobsleigh, and Skeleton Federation, who died on December 16, 2015 aged 92. “With Tsuguto Kitano, sliding sport in has lost a great promoter,” said IBSF President Ivo Ferriani. “We will hold his As well as developing bobsleigh and skeleton in Japan and memory in honour.” Asia, he promoted as a candidate city for the 1998

Page 07 Road to Rio

AFC PRESIDENT HAILS 'MAGNIFICENT' JAPAN South and also qualify for Rio football tournament

J apan, Korea Republic and Iraq will represent Asia in the But the introduction of Japanese substitute Takuma Asano on the Olympic Games football tournament this summer following the hour mark changed the course of the game, and he produced AFC U23 Championship in , . two exquisite finishes either side of a Shinya Yajima header to earn Japan a famous 3-2 victory and the title of Asian under-23 The championship, which was held from January 12-31, champions. doubled up as an Olympic qualifier, with the top three teams booking a place at Rio.

Having won their semi-finals, regional rivals Japan and Korea were safely through to , leaving the beaten semi-finalists – Iraq and host Qatar – to scrap for Asia’s third and final spot in a match more important than the final itself.

The majority of the 10,000 fans at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium were rooting for Qatar, but Iraq showed tremendous character and determination to fight back from 1-0 down in the The AFC President, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, first half to win 2-1 after extra time. congratulated Japan on their “magnificent performances” throughout the tournament. The final was a repeat of the bronze medal decider at London 2012, won by Korea to deny their bitter rivals Japan a place on “In Japan, Korea Republic and Iraq, Asia will have a strong trio the podium. in the Olympics,” he said.

Korea looked to have taken this one, too, as Kwon Chang-hoon Sixteen teams took part in the AFC U23 Championship, with the and Jin Seong-uk gave them a 2-0 lead two minutes into the top two teams in each of the four groups advancing to the second half. knockout rounds.

KNOCKOUT ROUNDS

Quarter-finals Japan 3 Iran 0 Qatar 2 DPR Korea 1 Korea 1 Jordan 0 Iraq 3 UAE 1

Semi-finals Japan 2 Iraq 1 Korea 3 Qatar 1

Third place playoff Iraq 2 Qatar 1

Final Japan 3 Korea 2

Qualifiers Japan Korea Japan’s Takuma Asano (16) scored two superb goals in the final after coming off the bench. Iraq

Page 08 Road to Rio

NEW DELHI SHOOT-OUT OFFERS 35 PLACES FOR RIO

Over 500 athletes from the five zones of the continent The 35 Olympic quota places were distributed as converged on , India, for the Asia Olympic Qualifying follows: Competition for Shooting. 5 – Japan Held from January 26 to February 2 at the Dr. Karni Singh 4 – Korea, India, Independent Shooting Shooting Range, there were 35 quota places available for Rio Participant 2016 across the 15 events. 3 – Iran 2 – , Singapore, Mr. Shri Raninder Singh, Chairman of the Organising Commit- , DPR Korea, Qatar tee and President of the National Rifle Association of India, 1 – Malaysia, , Kazakhstan, addressed the opening ceremony on January 26 and introduced China, Saudi Arabia. the President of the International Shooting Sport Federation, Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña, and other dignitaries.

The Guest of Honour was HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, President of the Olympic Committee.

The ISSF President welcomed the 538 shooters to Asia’s Olym- pic qualifier. “India and Asia are very important to the shooting sport world, and I’m very satisfied with the progress of our sport within the Asian continent,” he told the audience.

Rapid Fire News:

Japan topped the medals table with five gold and two bronze medals and also earned the highest number of Rio 2016 quota places from the competition – five.

Korea Republic won the most medals with 10 (3-2-5) and earned four quota places – the same as India and Indepen- Independent Shooting Participant Abdulrahman Al dent Shooting Participant, referring to the athletes from Faihan celebrates winning the men’s trap. suspended Kuwait.

Iran’s Najmeh Khedmati celebrates her victory in the 10m air rifle competition.

Page 09 Road to Rio

FIRST 60 BOXERS CONFIRMED FOR RIO

The International Boxing Association (AIBA) has announced work of the AIBA family in the development of the sport of the names of the first 60 athletes to have qualified for the men’s boxing, and I would like to congratulate our member federa- boxing competition of the 2016 Olympic Games. tions, the qualified boxers and all those involved,” said AIBA President CK Wu. The 60 boxers come from 24 countries and will feature among a total of 286 battling for Olympic gold in the Rio ring. They A further 190 men and 36 women will be confirmed for Rio qualified through one of three events: AIBA Pro Boxing tourna- 2016 over the coming months, with AIBA’s Olympic qualifying ments (20 boxers), World Series of Boxing Season Five (17) and calendar including an event in Qian’an, China, from March the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Doha (23). 23-April 3, and the women’s world championships in Kazakh- stan (see article below). “The qualification of 60 boxers is a demonstration of the hard The list of qualified boxers, all male, for Rio includes:

China (3): Lyu Bin (46-49kg), Zhang Jiawei (56kg), Liu Wei (69kg).

Iran (1): Ehsan Rouzbahani (81kg).

Kazakhstan (4): Birzhan Zhaky- pov (46-49kg), Berik Abdra- khmanov (60kg), Daniyar Yeleussinov (69kg), Vassiliy Levit (91kg).

Thailand (1): Wuttichai Masuk (64kg).

Uzbekistan (4): Murodjon Akhmadaliev (56kg), Hurshid Tojibaev (60kg), Fazliddin Gaib- ’s Bektemir Melikuziev, 19, celebrates another victory. He was named Asian nazarov (64kg), Bektemir Boxing Confederation Best Male Boxer for 2015. Photo: Inside the Games. Melikuziev (75kg).

ASTANA OFFERS 12 PLACES FOR WOMEN’S BOXING

As well as 10 world titles up for grabs, more importantly there will be 12 quota places for Rio – four in each of the three Olym- pic weight categories.

The president of the local organising committee, Bolat Abdra- khmanov, is in no doubt that the women’s world boxing champi- onships will be one of the most memorable events on the sport- ing calendar.

“People love boxing in Kazakhstan, so it will be great for them to A fter a spectacular debut at London 2012, women’s boxing be able to witness its stars compete,” he says. is growing in popularity around the world; so much so that over 300 fighters are set to take part in the 9th AIBA Women’s World “The women’s world boxing championships are another reason Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, from May 19-27. for more women in our country to get involved in this great sport.”

Page 10 Road to Rio

PREPARE FOR MADNESS IN !

There is no doubt that basketball is king in the . in the world. So prepare for a few days of hoops hysteria at the Mall of Asia in The fans are the main advantage, and local officials are hoping July when Manila hosts one of three FIBA qualifying events for Rio. they will serve as the sixth man of the team when play commences, especially as Manila has not hosted an event of this Nine of the 12 Olympic places are already taken, leaving 18 magnitude for decades. teams from around the world to battle for the three remaining slots in the men’s basketball competition. OQT IN MANILA The Philippines are ranked third in Asia and 28th in the world so will be very much the underdogs against fifth-ranked and Event: FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament 21st-ranked New Zealand in Group B. Dates: July 5-10, 2016 Still, despite the tough road ahead, the vibe in Manila is that this is a win-win situation for some of the most rabid basketball fans Venue: Mall of Asia, Manila Group A: Turkey, Senegal, .

Group B: France, New Zealand, Philippines

The two other FIBA OQT:

*, July 4-9: , , Iran, , , Italy.

*, July 4-9: Serbia, Angola, , Japan, , .

Note: Only the winner of each tournament qualifies for Rio.

The Philippines are counting on their basketball-crazy Qualified teams (9): Brazil, China, USA, , Nigeria, fans as the sixth man. , , , .

VOLLEYBALL FEVER IN JAPAN

Japan just can’t get enough of international , and this 12-team draw in Rio from each of the qualifying events in Japan. year is no exception as the Rio Olympics come into view. The women are up first, with an eight-team tournament from Japan will host two massive events in May – a World Olympic May 14-22. The teams are: Japan, Korea, Thailand, Kazakh- Qualifying Tournament for women and men that will also serve stan, , Italy, Peru and the Dominican Republic. as the Asian qualifier. An eight-nation men’s qualifier will follow from May 28-June 5. The teams are: Japan, Australia, China, Iran, France, , Venezuela and Canada.

Note:

Women’s teams already qualified for Rio: Brazil, China, Serbia, , USA, Argentina, Cameroon. The top three teams will qualify for Rio, along with the best ranked Asian team. If an Asian team finishes in the top three, the Men's teams already qualified for Rio: Brazil, USA, Italy, Argen- next best team will qualify, guaranteeing four places for the tina, Russia, , .

Page 11 12th South Asian Games 2016

CO-HOST CITIES GUWAHATI, SHILLONG WRITE ‘GOLDEN PAGE’ IN INDIAN SPORTS HISTORY

India was a winner in more ways than one when Guwahati and The Sports Minister thanked the Prime Minister of India, Naren- Shillong co-hosted the 12th South Asian Games 2016 from dra Modi, for declaring the Games open on February 5 and February 5-16. paid tribute to all the stakeholders who had worked hard to make the Games such a big success. These included the Apart from running away from their seven regional rivals at the national government, the state governments of Assam and top of the medals table, the Games also brought prestige to the Meghalaya, the Indian Olympic Association, the north-east of the country and boosted sports infrastructure, while Olympic Council and all the sports federations. promoting trade and tourism throughout the South Asia zone.

The Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, and Chairman of the Organising Committee, Sarbananda Sonowal, said the event had assumed great significance because all eight countries had pledged to promote peace in South Asia.

“The successful conduct of these Games has written a golden page in the history of the North Eastern region,” he told the closing ceremony.

“They have not only set a quality benchmark for the conduct of The 12th South Asian Games 2016 was the first international future Games but also given an astounding boost to the confi- multi-sport event in the North East region and attracted around dence of the North East region to host much bigger international 2,600 athletes from eight NOCs: , Bangladesh, sporting events in the future. Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and .

“The Games have also provided a huge boost to the sports India won 188 of the 239 gold medals on offer, and 308 medals infrastructure in Guwahati and Shillong for the athletes in this in total. Sri Lanka came in second with 25 gold medals, followed region to hone their sporting skills.” by Pakistan with 12.

Indian archer Tarundeep Rai takes aim. PM Modi declares the Games open.

Page 12 12th South Asian Games 2016

FINAL MEDAL TABLE

12th Ra nk NOC Total South Asian Games 1 India 188 90 30 308

2 Sri Lanka 25 63 98 186

3 Pakistan 12 37 57 106 Opening Ceremony: February 5 4 Afghanistan 7 9 19 35 Closing Ceremony: February 16 NOCs: 8 5 Bangladesh 4 15 56 75 Athletes: 2,600 6 Nepal 3 23 34 60

Sports: 22 7 Maldives 0 2 1 3 Volunteers: 1,200 8 Bhutan 0 1 15 16 Total participants: 4,500 Next host: Nepal Total 239 240 310 789

India’s MC Mary Kom on her way to victory over Akter Shamina (Bangladesh).

Page 13 4th RADO Conference

OCA RENEWS COMMITMENT IN FIGHT FOR CLEAN SPORT

The Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Husain Speaking at the opening ceremony on Saturday, January 16, Al Musallam, reiterated the OCA’s total commitment towards Capt. Husain said the partnership between the OCA and the clean sport at the 4th Regional Anti-Doping Organisation World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was based on “friendship (RADO) Conference in Bangkok. and trust” over a number of years.

“The OCA is really giving full support to WADA and also to the Regional Anti- Doping Organisations and National Anti- Doping Organisations around Asia,” he said.

“We are working as a real partner with WADA to maintain clean sport and to protect clean athletes and society in general.”

Capt. Husain added that the OCA was very active “on the ground” in this fight against doping, and that the OCA investment enabled its National Olympic Committees to follow the WADA rules and guidelines in creating a consistent global policy.

The three-day conference produced a series of recommendations aimed at improving day-to-day operations, commu- nications, programme implementation and Group photo at the 4th RADO Conference. funding for the 127 member countries of 16 RADOs, five of which are in Asia.

THAILAND BOOSTS SPORTS PROFILE WITH RADO HOSTING

The hosting of the 4th RADO Conference at the Centara Grand Convention Centre in downtown Bangkok from January 16-18 was another step on the path to recognition as an international sports hub, according to Thailand’s Sports Minister.

Already well-established at the regional and continental levels, the Kingdom has high hopes of becoming a global sports centre under the Minister of Tourism and Sport, HE Kobkarn Watt- anavrangkul.

“We are aiming to have Thailand one of the sports destinations - a sports hub - in the world,” she told the opening ceremony. “We believe that sport must be clean, so the results of this conference are significant around the world.

“You can help Thailand become one of the best destinations for sport.”

The conference was supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the Sports Authority of Thailand and the Thailand NOC The Thai Sports Minister with WADA’s Rob Koehler. as well as the OCA.

Page 14 4th RADO Conference

‘GOBI’ EARNS MAHMOUD AWARD

Anyone who has seen Gobinathan Nair in action at an anti- doping presentation cannot fail to be impressed by his enthusi- asm and his ability to communicate with students of all ages.

So it was fitting that the popular ‘Gobi’ should receive the Mah- moud Ali Khalifah Award for 2015 in honour of the former OCA anti-doping head who passed away in 2011.

“I am very humbled by this award,” Gobi said at the award presentation on the closing afternoon of the 4th RADO Conference.

“It is not for me, but for the whole of the South region and all of the stakeholders for their support,” added Gobi, Director-General of the SEA RADO, based in Singapore.

“Mahmoud contributed tremendously to our National Anti- Doping Organisation in Singapore. He knew what Asia was all about and there was a lot of realism in what he spoke about.”

During his award introduction, WADA’s Rob Koehler said Mah- moud was a loss to the anti-doping community and to the OCA.

“He was a giver and is still giving,” he said. “The award was Gobinathan Nair with the Mahmoud award. created on his behalf for the RADOs.”

KENYAN GREAT KIP KEINO STILL PLAYING TRUE

Olympic track legend Kip Keino retired in 1973 with nothing to prove – but everything to gain from educating the young generations on the dangers of doping across all sports.

The 76-year-old Kenyan, who won two Olympic gold medals at Mexico 1968 (1,500 metres) and 1972 (3,000 metres steeplechase), was attending the 4th RADO Conference as Chairman of Zone 5.

In an interview with the OCA, Kip stated firmly that he thought money was at the root of all evil and that education was the most important weapon in the fight against doping.

He wasn’t blaming the athlete alone, as the riches available in elite track and field competition these days often left the athlete vulnerable to unscrupulous agents, managers and coaches.

“We need education and we need laws of the land in place to punish offenders,” he said. “In my days we did not know anything about drugs. We were talented people. In the venues today we want talented people and honest people that don’t use Kip Keino proudly displays the WADA slogan, Play True. any chemicals.”

Page 15 Inside the OCA

BANGKOK, DOHA TO HOST REGIONAL FORUMS

The Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forums for 2016 will The OCA is requesting that both delegates attending the be held in Thailand and Qatar in May, the OCA announced on regional forums from each NOC should be involved in the February 16. preparations for Rio, including the Chef de Mission, or Deputy CDM if the team leader is not available. In a circular to the President and Secretary General of National Olympic Committees in the five zones, the OCA said that the regional forum for NOCs from South Asia, South East Asia and East Asia would take place in Bangkok on May 16-17.

The OS/OCA regional forum roadshow will then move on to Although the final agenda for the forums has not been Doha for the second leg, for NOCs from West Asia and Central confirmed, it is expected to include updates from Games organis- Asia, on May 20-21. ers, including:

5th Danang, , this September

8th , Japan, in February 2017

5th Asian Indoor and Games With the in Brazil opening on August Ashgabat, , in September 2017 5, the two regional forums will give the NOCs the chance to take part in the pre-Delegation Registration Meetings with Rio 18th Asian Games organisers. Jakarta-, Indonesia, in August 2018.

BEACH GAMES VENUE FOR OCA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The 35th OCA General Assembly in 2016 will be held on the sidelines of the 5th Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam, this September.

The General Assembly will take place on Sunday, September 25 – the day after the opening ceremony of the 5th ABG, which runs from September 24 to October 3.

With all the NOCs gathered in Danang for the Beach Games, it is practical and cost-effective to have the OCA General Assembly on the sidelines.

The 34th OCA General Assembly was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, last September and also involved 17 NOCs from ahead of their participation in the OCA’s 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in the Turkmen capital in Danang will host the 35th OCA General Assembly on September 25. September 2017.

Page 16 Winter Youth Olympic Games

KIM LIVES THE LILLEHAMMER DREAM So, so amazing!

That’s how one of the stars of the Winter Youth Olympic “The work of the Organising Committee Games summed up his experience at Lillehammer 2016. was really outstanding,” he said. “The way the Lillehammer team planned and “It was the best feeling in the world,” said 17-year-old delivered the Games fitted perfectly with Norwegian-Korean cross-country skier Magnus Kim after finish- the youth spirit of these Games, and I can ing the YOG with two gold and one silver medal. only praise the flawless organisation as well as the 3,200 volunteers from 80 “It’s been a dream. I don’t have words for it…so, so amazing!” countries."

Representing his motherland Korea, and winning YOG gold medals in his father’s home country , made it extra special for Kim. 2nd Winter YOG 2016

Asked how his family would feel about his achievements, Kim replied: ““I think they are very proud, and I am very proud Host : Lillehammer, Norway myself. It has been emotional in some ways.” Opening Ceremony: February 12 Kim, who was raised in the port city of , could have repre- Closing Ceremony: February 21 sented Norway or Korea as he holds dual citizenship, but he NOCs: 71 opted for Korea in order to promote skiing back home – and also to compete in the on home snow at Athletes: 1,100 PyeongChang. Aggregate attendance: 130,000 Volunteers: 3,200 This was the second edition of the IOC’s Winter YOG and involved a wide range of social and cultural activities alongside Youth leaders: 200 the innovative sports programme, which featured mixed NOC Torch Relay: Visited 19 counties of Norway teams, new disciplines and even an skills challenge. Dream Day/Try the Sport: Attracted 20,000 students During his closing press conference, IOC President Thomas Next Winter YOG: Lausanne, Switzerland, 2020 Bach praised the organisers.

Korea's Magnus Kim won gold medals in the men's 10km cross-country cross (free) and the 10km free, and silver in the sprint classic.

Page 17 Winter Youth Olympic Games

PRIDE OF ASIA AT LILLEHAMMER 2016

Kazakhstan's Arina Pantova competes in the women's . China's Zhu Zhenyu won gold in the mixed biathlon with Meng Fanqi.

Japanese speed skater Moe Kumagai races in the women's 500m.

Page 18 Winter Youth Olympic Games

PRIDE OF ASIA AT LILLEHAMMER 2016 *All Winter YOG photos courtesy of IOC.

Japan's Honoka Sasaki releases a stone during the competition.

Korea's Kim Min Sun shows off her from the women's 500m speed skating, flanked by China's Han China and Korea battle it out in women's short track. Mei and Li Huawei with silver and bronze respectively.

Page 19 Winter Youth Olympic Games

TEAM WORK PROVES GOLDEN FOR

Two small pieces of sporting history were made on February 17 at the Hamar Olympic Hall Viking Ship: Speed skaters contested, for the first time at any Olympic level, a mixed NOC team sprint, and Mongolia won its debut medal at a Winter Games.

In the all-new event, 13 teams of two men and two women from mixed NOCs were grouped together, with each race run over 1.6km.

It was won, in 1 minute 57.85 seconds, by Team No. 6 consisting of Sumiya Buyantogtokh of Mongolia, Italy’s Noemi Bonazza, Shen Hanyang of China and Chung Jae Woong of Korea.

“Before the race I was afraid. Now I can't believe I won the gold," said Mongolia’s golden girl. “I was very stressed. It was a Mixed Team No.6 (from left): China's Shen Hanyang, Chung Jae lot of pressure, but I’m very proud. It was wonderful working with Woong of Korea, record-breaking Mongolian Sumiya Buyantog- other countries and talking with them.” tokh and Noemi Bonazza of Italy. Photo: YIS / IOC Jon Buckle.

LOOKING FOR A HERO IN MALAYSIA

Malaysian sports officials are hoping that the first athlete to Chew said he was very excited to be selected for the Winter represent the country at an Olympic Winter Games, figure skater YOG, and hoped that in the future Malaysia could send bigger Chew Kai Xiang, will lead to a surge in interest in ice sports. delegations to competitions.

Chew, 16, took a year off school to train in , Japan, ahead of the Winter YOG, where his appearance representing such a tropical country attracted a lot of media interest.

Billy Johan, Malaysia’s Chef de Mission at Lillehammer and President of the Ice Skating Association of Malaysia, said: “People say you have to develop the sport, but I believe we have to develop an idol.

“You develop one, and then the sport will grow. Kai Xiang will be one of them. He’s got the skills, he’s got the attitude.

“We were the only Southeast Asian country to qualify for Lillehammer 2016, and in 2017 Malaysia could host the first Chew Kai Xiang is proud to be at the Winter YOG. to include ,” he said.

SMOOTH AS ICE: Korea’s retired figure skating queen, Kim Yuna, attended Lillehammer 2016 as a YOG Ambassador. Here she learns how to make a nutritious smoothie for young athletes to enjoy as part of their diet.

Page 20 Games Update

VIETNAM TV OUTLINES PLANS FOR ABG COVERAGE

Host broadcaster Vietnam Television (VTV) has announced its Hoang Du, Deputy Head of the Communications and Media plans for the 5th Asian Beach Games at Danang from Septem- Sub-Committee, said the Main Press Centre (MPC) would be ber 24 to October 3. located on the second floor of the multi-function building at 7 An Nhon – a central location on the main road running along- According to the Deputy Chairman of VTV, Pham Viet Tien, the side the Han River. host broadcaster will show four or five sports live, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. The sub-committee will also establish a Sub Media Centre (SMC) within each competition cluster to enable reporters, In addition, VTV will produce two daily highlights programmes photographers and TV personnel to work on site without the of five minutes and 26 minutes duration, with English commen- need to return to the MPC. tary to attract more interest from overseas. VTV outlined their broadcasting plans at the first OCA TV Audit held at Danang on In other news, the organising committee has sent the technical January 11-12, when services and operations for the media handbooks to the NOCs outlining the details of the 14 sports, were also discussed. 22 disciplines and 172 events.

14 sports, 172 events

1. Aquatic Sports: 7. Beach Sepaktakraw (6) Muay (16) Marathon Swimming (4) 8. Beach Martial Arts: Traditional Martial Art (11) Beach Water (1) (8) 9. Beach Shuttlecock (7) 2. Beach Kabaddi (2) Sambo (8) 10. Beach Petanque (9) 3. Beach Soccer (1) Ju-Jitsu (18) 11. Beach Bodybuilding (7) 4. Beach Volleyball (2) (10) 12. Beach Wood ball (11) 5. Beach Handball (2) Pencak Silat (18) 13. Coastal Rowing (6) 6. Basketball 3x3 (2) Vovinam (9) 14. Beach Athletics (14)

YAKUTSK 2016 TO COMBINE SPORT, EDUCATION

The 6th Children of Asia International Sports Games-Yakutsk The Games will run from July 5-17 and 2016, supported by the Olympic Council of Asia, will be a many Asian NOCs are expected to take part. learning experience for all concerned.

Not only will the athletes from the visiting NOCs experience international sport and friendship in a scenic region of the Russian Federation, the local children will also be able to learn about the history and culture of the countries taking part.

To this end, volunteer leaders have been visiting schools to promote the 20-year history of the Games, highlight the volun- teer spirit, describe the sports on the programme and study the countries taking part.

“I think that such lessons definitely need to be carried out in schools,” said the Deputy Head of Keptin School, Alena Niko- laevna.

“Volunteers of the Games can not only talk about these large- scale events and volunteering to our students, but also they The volunteer spirit at Keptin School. promote a healthy lifestyle.”

Page 21 Games Update

NAGANO WINTER OLYMPICS HERO SHIMIZU BECOMES SAPPORO 2017 AMBASSADOR

One of Japan’s most famous winter sports athletes, Hiroyasu Games in Aomori in 2003, so it is a great honour to participate Shimizu, has joined the Sapporo in the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games as a PR Ambassador. team as a PR Ambassador. “Since , my hometown, will host the speed skating Shimizu, who won speed skating gold in the men’s 500m at the events, I am very much looking forward to the Games. I would in Nagano, and TV sports presenter Mai like to make the Games not only for the athletes but for Asada were introduced as PR Ambassadors by Katsuhiro everyone. That will help to raise the motivation of the athletes.” Akimoto, President of organising committee SAWGOC and Mayor of Sapporo, at a special function on February 12. Asada, from , is a former world-class junior figure skater and now works in the media, although she still performs at ice Shimizu said: “I participated as an athlete in the 5th Asian Winter shows.

In other news from Sapporo:

The Doshin Forum “One Year to Go until the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games” was held on February 12 and attended by 500 winter sports fans and VIP guests. The Games will run from February 19-26, 2017.

The Shimbun will be the Official Newspaper for the 8th AWG.

Dreams Come True, a Japanese pop duo, are perform- ing the official theme song, “Winter Song – Dancing Snowflakes Version”. Listen here: http://sapporo2017.org/en/theme-song-en

The OCA Chef de Mission Seminar for Sapporo 2017 The Mayor of Sapporo introduces the two PR Ambassadors. will be held on April 25-26.

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h t The build-up to the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games the OCA General Assembly last September. 5 in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, from September 15-24, 2017 can be followed closely thanks to the excellent official website See the website here: http://www.ashgabat2017.gov.tm/en/ launched by the organising committee.

In three languages – English, Russian and Turkmen – the website provides details on the 21 sports in the programme, the development of the 5 billion USD Olympic Complex, the history and culture of the country and information on the 62 NOCs taking part – 45 from OCA plus 17 from Oceania.

There is also an extensive guide to the torch relay, which will cover 4,573km and will start six months before the 5th AIMAG.

The website home page features the President of Turkmenistan, HE Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, receiving the ANOC Merit Award from ANOC and OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah at

Page 22 Games Update

OCA CC Chairman Tsunekazu Takeda shakes hands with Indonesia NOC President Erick Thohir.

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR 18TH ASIAN GAMES

The OCA was waiting for it. The organising committee was Members of the OCA Coordination Committee, led by Chair- waiting for it. The national government and the local govern- man Tsunekazu Takeda, were assured of the following deadlines ments of Jakarta and Palembang were waiting for it. at the 3rd OCA CC meeting in Jakarta on January 30-31:

And, on February 12, 2016, HE Joko Widodo, President of the Construction of the Athletes’ Village at Kemayoran, Republic of Indonesia, issued the presidential instructions to Jakarta, will be completed by November 2017. With three enable the preparations for the 18th Asian Games to move at blocks and 16 towers, it will be able to accommodate almost full steam ahead. 23,000 people.

All parties are well aware of the tight dead- The expansion of the Jakabaring Sports City Athletes’ lines, with some 10,000 athletes from 45 Village at Palembang from three towers in 2015 to five towers countries and regions due to converge on will be completed by October 2016. co-host cities Jakarta and Palembang in two and a half years’ time, but finally the The development of the Jakarta International Eques- planning on paper can be replaced by trian Park should be finished by August 2017. action on the ground. Renovation of the outdoor Rawamangun Velodrome to the indoor Jakarta International Veldrome to be completed by February 2018.

The revised mascot following public outcry against the original design is expected to be unveiled this April.

The 3rd to be held in Jakarta in November 2017 as a test event, featuring around eight sports.

The Torch Relay will cover 10,000km in 60 days, visiting 68 cities in all 34 provinces, on seven major isalnds: Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, Bali & Nusa Tenggara and Papua.

The opening ceremony on August 18 and closing ceremony on September 2 will both be held at the 80,000- capacity Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium – venue for the 4th Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium. Asian Games in 1962.

Page 23 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Afghanistan Bangladesh

The President’s Special Envoy on Reforms and Good Governance, It’s selfie time for the Bangladesh women’s handball team after winning Ahmad Zia Massoud, encouraged and praised Afghanistan’s medal the silver medals at the 12th South Asian Games in India. winners at a special ceremony, saying they had raised the profile of the country in the region and the world, reports Bakhtar News Agency from Kabul.

“Sport is an essential need of the youth, particularly students and university students as well as the Afghan security forces,” he said.

“To grow sport further, the National Olympic Committee and sports department should step up in this regard and change sport so that it becomes a part of our national culture.” Bangladesh finished fifth in the final medals table with four gold, 15 silver and 56 bronze medals for a total of 75. The head of the NOC, Mohammad Zahir Aghbar, and a number of trainers and athletes attended the ceremony.

Bhutan

Bahrain A three-day seminar on women in sport was held at the Namgay Heritage Hotel in . The seminar was one of the first initiatives Bahrain Olympic Committee board member Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid taken by the ’s Gender and Sports Al Khalifa opened the National Sports Medicine Centre’s first special- Committee after its establishment in 2014. ised sports medicine and injuries clinic at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. With support from the BOC and Olympic Solidarity, the “Impulse” seminar was conducted by Ms. Gabriela Mueller, a professional communications coach, trainer and speaker, from Switzerland.

Supervised by Dr Francisco Chapman of Cuba, the clinic is part of the BOC’s massive project aimed at developing the National Sports Medicine Centre facilities and services. The seminar was aimed at empowering and supporting women in sport Shaikh Abdulla praised the BOC for enhancing the services provided at at all levels and helping to promote and implement gender equality. the centre in an attempt to offer the best treatment possible to the The 41 participants consisted of athletes, coaches, teachers and sports athletes, as well as performance analysis and rehabilitation from injury. administrators.

Page 24 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Brunei Darussalam China

The national petanque team hopes to be competing at this year’s 5th Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong speaks to members of the national Asian Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam, in September, reports The team during her visit to the national sports training centre in Times. Beijing. Liu extended Spring Festival greetings to the athletes and coaches in national training camps and encouraged them to prepare well for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The vice premier pointed out that there would be new challenges in Rio The sultanate was represented by Mohd Abdillah Tamin (pictured), this summer and that the Chinese athletes must be fully prepared, try Masli Hj Mohd Said, Hj Mat Rasil Hj Ahmad and Hj Karim Hj Ahmad at their best and carry forward the Olympic spirit in Brazil. the 4th ABG in Phuket, Thailand in 2014, but failed to win a medal.

Brunei Darussalam Petanque Federation honorary secretary Rosmin Hj Mohd Hassan said they were preparing a list of names to be presented DPR Korea to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports national selection and evaluation committee in the hope of playing in the 5th ABG. The February 25 Prize Bowling Contest took place at the Pyongyang Gold Lane on February 23-24, reports the Korean Central News Agency in Pyongyang.

Cambodia February 25 marks the day when President Kim Il Sung visited the newly-built Pyongyang Gold Lane. 's first ever Asian Games gold medalist, taekwondo star Sorn Seavmey (pictured), was the overwhelming winner of the Most Popular The contest brought together workers, youth and students with one Athlete of the Year at the Cambodia Sports Awards for 2015, thing in common – a love for bowling – and was divided into men's and sponsored by Naga World. women's singles, doubles and groups (three men and one woman).

Hong Kong, China

Jointly organised by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited, the opening ceremony of the three-day Olympism Camp was held on February 17 at the Tai Tam Scout Centre, Tai Tam Road.

One of the country's most successful boxers, Sen Rady, was declared Male Athlete of the Year and petanque ace Ke Leng was named Female The residential camp, which has benefitted over 120 elite athletes since Athlete of the Year. 2013, attracted 24 young athletes from eight elite sports. Subjects included the structure of , anti-doping, media (www.noccambodia.org) relations and Olympic values. (www.hkolympic.org)

Page 25 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

India N.O.C.I.R.IRAN Iran

India's first Winter Olympian, Shiva Keshavan, has urged the authorities United World Wrestling reports that the Iran Wrestling Federation has to come forward and help the athletes who are left to battle all odds in taken another step forward in developing women’s wrestling by paying their quest to bring laurels to the country, reports The Times of India. annual salaries for female coaches in traditional wrestling.

The 34-year-old Olympian in luge expressed his views in a panel In addition, during the recent Takhti Cup, the federation honoured six discussion under the banner “International Convention on Business of female coaches for their work and dedication to developing wrestling in Sports”, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce Iran. They were Mobtadi, Esmaeili and Maryam Valizadeh (belt and Industry in New Delhi. wrestling) and Sadat Ghadamgahi, Homeria Rajabzadeh and Sakineh Kazemi (grappling). He said he had competed in five Winter Olympics without a coach due to a lack of funding. NOC President Kiomars Hashemi attended the ceremony alongside the vice president of women’s wrestling, Maryam Monazami.

Indonesia Iraq Many countries have offered assistance to Indonesia in preparing for the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Antara News Iraq winger Humam Tareq (pictured) described the men’s football reports. team’s qualification for Rio 2016 as “a big moment for our country” following their 2-1 victory over host Qatar in the AFC U23 Champion- A spokesman for the Youth and Sports Ministry, Gatot S Dewa Broto, ship third-place play-off in Doha. said that Britain had told Indonesia they were ready to help, either as a consultant or contractor.

Tareq credited the resilience his team displayed in coming back from 1-0 down and hailed the triumph as an important moment for the Britain’s seriousness to help Indonesia was expressed in a gathering at people of Iraq. the British Embassy attended by representatives of the Youth and Sports Ministry, Public Works Ministry, Jakarta and South Sumatra provincial “Qatar had the home advantage but we never gave up,” he said. governments and related parties with regard to the Asian Games. “When we won I couldn’t control my emotions. I dedicate our win to my family, friends and all who have been supporting the national team.” "We are open. Everything must go through a tender," Dewa Broto added. (www.the-afc.com)

Page 26 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Japan Kazakhstan

The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has welcomed TOTO Ltd as a The NOC announced the winners of the annual sports awards at a Tokyo 2020 Official Partner, the second domestic tier of the Tokyo special ceremony held in Almaty. Asian Games champion 2020 Sponsorship Programme. Eldos Smetov (pictured) was acclaimed Athlete of the Year after his remarkable performance at the 2015 in Astana where he gained the gold medal at 60kg.

TOTO has been attributed the category "Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures." Its addition brings the total number of Tokyo 2020 Partners to 27, including 12 Official Partners. Yuriy Yurkov won the Desire to Win award for beating world No. 2 Zhu Qinan (China) in the gold medal match of the ISSF Rifle and Pistol (www.tokyo2020.jp) World Cup in Fort Benning, USA, from a world ranking of 50 at the time. (www.olympic.kz)

Jordan Korea Nash, the children’s ambassador for the , proved a huge hit during his latest visit to a local school to promote the Rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae, 21, won the country’s top sports values of sport. award for 2015 – the grand prize at the 62nd annual Korean Olympic Committee Awards. This was Son's first such award, reports Yonhap The cuddly character was introduced by the JOC last year and his story News Agency from . has already reached thousands of kids across the Kingdom who are following his example of embracing sport and healthy living into their Son, the 2014 Incheon Asian Games gold medalist, last year was a daily lives. triple gold medal winner at the Gwangju Summer along with two silvers.

Nash’s latest Kids Day was held at Mashrek International School, close to Amman, where up to 200 youngsters got to meet their idol and join him for team activities to learn about the power of sport through fun and inclusive games. Nash’s programme of visits to school will continue through the year. The 2012 London Olympian also won three gold medals, a silver and a bronze at the 7th Asian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in (www.joc.jo) Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, in June. Photo: Yonhap News.

Page 27 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Kuwait Lebanon

Kuwait's Disabled Sport Club team won a host of medals at the 6th Sports and Youth Minister Abdul Muttalib Hennawi has met with Sharjah International Open Athletics Meet on March 14-15 at the Turkey’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Cagatay Erciyes, to discuss several Althiqah Club in Sharjah, UAE, reports the Kuwait News Agency means of cooperation, reports the National News Agency of the (KUNA). Around 330 athletes from 31 countries took part. Lebanese Republic’s Ministry of Information.

Kuwait’s medal haul included gold medals for Ahmad Niqa in the 100m wheelchair race and Abdulla Al-Seif in the discus.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan will host the Asian Wrestling Championship in 2018, a senior wrestling official, Asylbek uulu Damirbek, announced at a press conference in Bishkek on February 24, reports the Kabar National News Agency.

The Asian Wrestling Federation awarded the 2018 event to Kyrgyzstan despite strong competition from Chinese Taipei, Iran and Kazakhstan, he said.

“I think by 2018, together with the Government and the National In the wake of the meeting, the Turkish diplomat said that talks with Olympic Committee, we will build a sports arena to conduct interna- Hennawi had touched on the prevailing situation at the local and tional competitions," he said. regional scenes, and he stressed the importance of boosting the special existing ties between Lebanon and Turkey. Kyrgyzstan previously hosted the Asian wrestling championships in 2007. "Sports cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth is among our goals and proposed projects," the Turkish diplomat said, disclosing plans to build sports fields for the youth in Lebanon.

Laos

The men’s national team won one of the 10 events at the 2nd Asian Macau Chinlone Championship held in , reports the Myanmar Times. The Macau Government rewarded its athletes for their medal-winning performances in 2015 at a prize presentation and gala dinner at the Fisherman’s Wharf banquet hall on January 7.

The government handed out 6.5 million MOP (around 800,000 USD) to 281 athletes and 83 coaches for their performances in world, continental and regional championships, with the amount for each Khenkittisack, the manager of the Lao team, said his players saw medal depending on the level of competition. chinlone for the first time at the 27th South East Asian (SEA) Games in 2013. Before that they had played only . They plan to Macau NOC President Charles Lo, who is Chairman of the OCA continue competing in chinlone tournaments, building on their success Media Committee and a member of the OCA Executive Board, in Mandalay. The next Asia Chinlone Championship will be in Indone- presented a cheque to Hoi Long, who excelled in hearing-impaired sia in 2018. The Lao women's team is pictured in action. athletics and swimming events.

Page 28 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Malaysia Mongolia

Malaysian diver Cheong Jun Hoong will join Wendy Ng at the Rio The NOC, in close cooperation with the National Authority for Border Olympics after she finished eighth in the preliminary round of the Protection, launched its “Sacred flame - Sacred border” torch relay women's 3m springboard individual in the World Cup in Rio, reports along the border of the country and the historic county of Dadal, the New Straits Times. birthplace of Genghis Khan, in Khentii province.

The relay has covered 7,762km through the territory of 64 counties of 12 provinces, escorted by border service soldiers and officers.

Cheong posted 320.15 to make the semi-finals. The top 18 after the preliminary round get automatic Olympic slots. Teammate Wendy earned her Olympic ticket at last year's World Championships in Kazan, Russia. (Photo: NST/Reuters)

Ts. Damdin, an NOC Vice President and judo silver medallist at the Maldives 1980 Olympic Games in , is pictured with J. Jamsranjav, Chief of the local border office, along with some athletes, who took part in Seven sports officials from Maldives have been selected to the OCA outdoor sporting activities despite temperatures of -42 Celsius. standing committees for the term 2015-2019.

The President of Maldives Olympic Committee, Mohamed Shaweed, has joined the Advisory Committee and the Vice President, Mohamed Myanmar Abdul Sattar, is on the Sport for All Committee. Myanmar's men’s and women’s teams each won a title at the 2nd Asian Chinlone Championship, comprised of 10 events in four separate competitions, reports the Myanmar Times.

MOC’s Secretary General, Ahmed Marzooq, will continue on the Media Committee, and the Treasurer, Hussain Rasheed, is on the Sports and Environment Committee. Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India, Iran, Cambodia, Myanmar, Korea, Thailand, and Japan competed in the men’s Ahmed Latheef, a member of MOC’s Executive Committee, is on the competition. Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Culture Committee. Mrs Umana Noordeen, who has assisted MOC in Cambodia competed in the women’s competition. several games with the medical team, was selected as a member of the Anti-Doping Commission. Mohamed Hanim, an active sports official, is The competitions in Myanmar’s national sport were held in the stadium on the Sports Committee. near Waiyawsana Jade Pagoda in Amarapura township, Mandalay Region. The Ministry of Sports and Mandalay Region government (www.nocmaldives.org) hosted the activities from February 16 to 19.

Page 29 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Nepal Pakistan

Nepal Olympic Committee President Jeevan Ram Shrestha received the The Pakistan Judo Federation has sought Uzbekistan’s help to train prestigious flag of the South Asian Olympic Council during the closing three judokas at the International Judo Training Centre in Tashkent ceremony of the 12th South Asian Games in Guwahati, India on Febru- ahead of the Asian Championships/Olympic qualifiers in Uzbekistan ary 16 as Nepal will be hosting the next edition in in 2018. from April 14-17, reports Dawn media.

“I feel honoured today holding the prestigious flag of the South Asian PJF secretary Masood Ahmed said Pakistan was relying heavily on Olympic Council to host its 13th series in Nepal in the year 2018. It will -100kg category judoka Shah Hussain, who recently won gold at the be the third time after we successfully conducted the first edition in 12th South Asian Games in India, to get a berth at the Olympics. Shah 1984 and the eighth edition in 1999 in Kathmandu,” said NOC Hussain Shah is pictured (right). President Shrestha. (Photo: Dawn/INP)

Oman Palestine The Tour of 2016 recorded a remarkable increase in the number of social media impressions across internet channels, reaching Palestine made headlines in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings 19.8 million impressions across the world, reports the Times of Oman. published on February 4.

More than 32 media staff broadcast the Tour of Oman news and The three most impressive teams for February’s ranking all come from updates to 189 channels, showcasing the natural charm of the Sultan- Asia. Palestine (110, plus 21), Saudi Arabia (55, plus 20) and Korea ate and its geological diversity. DPR (95, plus 18) enjoyed the biggest advances since the last world ranking. The race's great media success was reflected in the large number of observers from the Omani and foreign media. (www.fifa.com) Photo: www.the-afc.com

Page 30 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Philippines Singapore

Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz has qualified for her third Olympic Games in The President of the Singapore National Olympic Council, Mr Tan Rio 2016 by placing third in the IWF World Championships held in Chuan-Jin, has praised the key role of table tennis in shaping the Houston, Texas from November 20-28, 2015. Olympic movement in Singapore.

She garnered three bronze medals in the Snatch (96kg), Clean & Jerk (117 kg) and Total (213kg) in the 53 kg women’s weight class partici- pated in by 39 athletes. (www.olympic.ph) Speaking as guest of honour at the Keppel-STTA annual awards night on February 19, Mr Tan said Singapore’s table tennis players had been bringing home medals from the SEA Games and Asian Games since Qatar the 1960s, and had also excelled at the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and World Championships. The ’s Secretary General, HE Dr Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, has described the Qatar Total Open as one of (www.singaporeolympics.com) the first and most prestigious tennis tournaments in the thanks to the unprecedented participation of the world’s top players.

Sri Lanka

The NOC has congratulated the Sri Lankan team for their second-place finish at the 12th South Asian Games in India, saying they had brought honour and pride to the country by winning 25 gold medals, 63 silver and 98 bronze for a total of 186. Rumeshika Rathnayake is pictured after winning the women’s 100 metres.

Dr Al Kuwari said that the QOC spared no effort in supporting all sports federations that organised global tournaments, including the Qatar Tennis Federation under the chairmanship of Nasser Ghanim Al Khulaifi. (www.olympic.qa)

Saudi Arabia

Prince Abdullah bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz, General President of Youth Welfare, received in the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Hungary, Dr. Laszlo Sabo, who was visiting the Kingdom to attend the meetings of Joint Saudi-Hungarian Committee, the Saudi Press Agency reports.

During the meeting, which took place on February 23, they discussed Sri Lanka sent 700 athletes and officials in 23 sports, led by Brig. aspects of cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Dampath Fernando as Chef de Mission. High Jumper W. P. Manjula Republic of Hungary to enhance the relationship between the two was the team captain and weightlifter K. Anton Sudesh Peiris was the friendly countries and ways of activating the youth and sports fields vice captain. through agreements signed between the General Presidency for Youth Welfare and the Hungarian Ministry of Youth and Sports. (www.srilankaolympic.org)

Page 31 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

Syria Thailand

A member of the Syrian national team for special sports, Noura The International Ski Federation has settled a defamation claim by pop Baddour, ranked second and won the silver medal at the 2016 IPC violinist Vanessa-Mae, whom it wrongly alleged had qualified for the World Cup held in Malaysia, reports the Syrian Arab News Winter Olympics in fixed giant slalom races to compete for her Agency from Kuala Lumpur. father’s native Thailand.

FIS said it had apologised and made an "appropriate payment" to Vanessa-Mae, who intends to give the money to charity. Vanessa-Mae won an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport last June, overturn- ing her four-year ban. CAS said qualifying races arranged at short notice in January 2014 were allowed by weak FIS rules. (Photo: AFP/Bangkok Post)

Baddour was able to lift 88kg and qualified for the Paralympics to be held in Brazil next September. Timor-Leste

The President of the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Joko Widodo, made Chinese Taipei his first official visit to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on January 26. The visiting delegation included Indonesia’s Minister of The Association flag handover ceremony took place Youth and Sports, reports the Government of Timor-Leste. on Wednesday, January 27 before the 33rd EAGA council meeting at the Taichung Lin Hotel in Taichung City. The discussions between President Widodo and Prime Minister Dr. Rui Maria de Araújo covered several areas of bilateral cooperation, includ- ing Youth and Sports. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Under- standing to conclude the visit.

Turkmenistan

A sports delegation from Turkmenistan visited Kazan, Russian Federa- tion, to share experience in holding large-scale international sports events and to build up close relations ahead of the 5th Asian Indoor The flag handover ceremony completed the official protocol ahead of and Martial Arts Games to be held in Ashgabat in September 2017. the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee’s hosting of the inaugural in August 2019 by Taichung City. The youth games will replace the East Asian Games, last held in Tianjin, China, in 2014.

Tajikistan

The Prime Minister, Qohir Rasoulzoda, attended the official reopening of the refurbished Safedorak tourism and skiing resort in the Varzob district on January 7, reports the Asia-Plus media group of . The representatives of Turkmenistan visited large sports facilities in Kazan, the International Information Centre and Athletes Village. The Tajikistan NOC notes that the Children’s Winter Sports School, which is located in the territory of the Safedorak skiing resort, has been They also had meetings with the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport of renovated with the financial support of Shamsullo Sohibov, Tajikistan’s the Republic of Tatarstan, Vladimir Leonov, and with the Prime Minister Trade Representative in the who was recently elected of the Republic of Tatarstan, Ildar Khalikov, at Tatarstan Government to head the Winter Sports Association of Tajikistan. House on January 20. (http://www.ashgabat2017.gov.tm)

Page 32 News and Sport from 45 NOCs

United Arab Emirates Vietnam

The general preparation course for Olympic team managers and The Department of Culture and Sports announced 10 outstand- coaches, organised by the National Olympic Academy at the Leader- ing cultural and sports events in 2015, selected in consultation with ship Qualification Center, concluded on February 25 with two lectures. 100 media agencies in the city, reports the Hanoi Times.

The list of 10 included the performance of Hanoi athletes in the The first lecture was delivered by Advisor Mohammed Al Kamali, Secre- Vietnam delegation at the 28th SEA Games in Singapore - winning 68 tary General of the UAE National Olympic Committee, where he medals out of Vietnam’s total of 186 and 25 out of 73 gold medals reviewed the Olympic Charter. Brigadier "R" Abdul Malik Jani, Head of (34.25 per cent) - and the Olympic Day Run that attracted 300,000 the Academy, delivered a lecture on social preparation aspects. participants.

(www.uaenoc.ae)

Yemen

Uzbekistan Yemen struggled in a tough Group C at the AFC U23 Championship in Qatar, losing 2-0 to Iraq, 5-0 to and 3-1 to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan’s reigning AIBA Junior World Boxing Champion, Timur Merzhanov, continued his winning ways at the Akim Prizes Junior Tournament in Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan, from February 7-13, picking up the 70kg title.

Iraq finished third in the 16-team tournament, which doubled as Asia’s qualifier for Rio 2016, and Korea reached the final before losing to Japan. Merzhanov’s teammate, Samandar Holmuradov, claimed the gold medal at pinweight (46kg) after beating Mogamed Shamsayev of Japan, Korea and Iraq booked the three tickets for Asia at the Olympic Russia in the final. Games this August.

(www.aiba.org) Photo: Asian Football Confederation.

Page 33 OCA Standing Committees for 2015-2019

Mr. Jugder Otgontsagaan Mongolia Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha Nepal Advisory Committee Entourage Committee Mr. Abdulla Alghamdi Saudi Arabia Mr. Yasuhiro Nakamori Japan Chairman: Mr. Ng Ser Miang Singapore Chairman: Mr. Dae Sung Moon Korea Mr. Tony Mariadass Malaysia Mr. Majid Wassem Pakistan HRH Prince Tunku Imran Malaysia Mr. Hiroshi Takeuchi Japan Sports Committee Mr. C.K. Wu Chinese Taipei Ethics Committee Mr. Eun Key Yoon Korea Chairman: Mr. Song Luzeng China Mr. Syed Shahid Ali Pakistan Chairman: Mr. Wei Jizhong China Mr. Mahmoud Abdollahi Iran Mr. N. Ramachandran India Mr. Ahmed Marzooq Maldives Mr. Kasem Inthara Lao Mr. Mohamed Shaweed Maldives Mr. Pipat Paniangvait Thailand Finance Committee Ms. Low Beng Choo Malaysia Chairman: Kevin, Kuo-I Chen Chinese Taipei Medical Committee Mr. Taha Sulaiman Al Kishry Oman Athletes Committee Chairman: Dr. M. Jegathesan Malaysia Mr. Shaukat Javed Pakistan Chairman: Mr. Koji Murofushi Japan Mr. Southanom Inthavong Lao Mr. Chris Chan Singapore Mr. Aslan Amanov Kazakhstan Dr. Alongkone Phengsavanh Lao Mr. Toshiaki Murasato Japan Mr. Tsend Damdin Mongolia Mr. Thana Chaiprasit Thailand Dr. Varin Tansuphasiri Thailand Mr. Jai Wang Yang Korea Mr. Mansour Sultan Al-Tauqi Oman Mr. Rajabaliev Bahrullo Tajikistan Dr. Xie Minhao China Mr. Carson Ma Chi Seng Macau Mr. Vath Chamroeun Cambodia Mr. Muhammad Khalid Mahmood Pakistan Mr. Huan Cheng Chang Chinese Taipei Mr. Mohammad Hamin Maldives Ms. Luai Al Sabri Yemen Mr. Soo Won Lee Korea Dr. Sultan Yarub Al Busaidi Oman Mr. Chi Hsuing Huang Chinese Taipei Mr. Ali Yousef Kuwait Dr. Takao Akama Japan Mr. Ronnie M.C. Wong Hong Kong Mr. Azat Muradov Turkmenistan Dr. Gagandeep Singh India Sports for All Committee Ms. Nadin Dawani Jordan Mr. Abdulla Al-Ahjri Yemen Mr. Young Soo Jin Korea Chairman: Genl. Mowaffak Jouma Syria Mr. Feras Mouala Syria Mr. Sadyr Mamytov Kyrgyzstan Dr. Mohammad Razi Iran Mr. Rasoul Khadem Azghadi Iran Dr. Mohammed Saleh Konbaz Saudi Arabia Mr. Mohamed Abdul Sattar Maldives Dr. Mohd. Al-Musleh Qatar Mrs. Song Xueying China Information and Statistics Committee Dr. Waleed Rahahlehn Jordan Coordination Committee Chairman: Dr. Demchigjav Zagdsuren Mongolia Anti-Doping Commission Mr. Syed Aqil Shah Pakistan Chairman: Mr. Tsunekazu Takeda Japan Dr. Kamal Al Hadidi Jordan Mr. O Chol Min DPR Korea Ms. Frances Yuh-Fang Wang Lee Chinese Taipei Ms. Venera Abdulla Kazakhstan Mr. Won Hong Joo Korea Mr. Haithem Abdohameed Iraq Mrs. Yuan Hong China Mr. Gholamali Mohammadalipour Iran Culture Committee Ms. Rana Al Saeed Jordan Mrs Umana Noordeen Maldives Mr. Kanat Amankulov Kyrgyzstan Chairman: Mr. Mohammad Al Kamali UAE Mr. Mohammad Fawzi Khawaja Pakistan Dr. Makato Ueki Japan Mr. Alex Vong Iao Lek Macau Mr. Ibrahim Abazid Syria Mrs. Tuan Guak Iris Malaysia Dato Sieh Kok Chi Malaysia Mr. Eric K.S. Fok Hong Kong Mr. Kang Ryong Gil DPR Korea Mr. Sonam Karma Tshering Bhutan Mr. Sung Chul Kim Korea Mr. Wei Daishun China Mr. Majed Ahmed Basonbul Saudi Arabia Rules Committee Women and Sports Committee Mr. Kamran Lashari Pakistan Dr. Alireza Dalbir Iran Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Sabah Kuwait Chairperson: Mrs. Natalya Sipovich Kazakhstan Mr. Ji Young Kim Korea Mr. Turdiev F Uzbekistan Dr. Fazlollah Bagherzadeh Iran Mr. Zhang Jilong China Ms. Jacquelin Yi-Ting Shen Chinese Taipei Ms. Samira Asghari Afghanistan Prof. Charoen Wattanasin Thailand Ms. Suada Salim Al Ismaili Oman Mr. Rajeev Mehta India International Relations Committee Mr. Hesham Hyder Lebanon Prof. Supitr Samahito Thailand Mr. Ahmad Latif Maldives Chairman: Mr. Fumio Ogura Japan Ms. Vivien C.C. Lau Hong Kong Mr. Deva Henry Sri Lanka HRH Prince Jigyel Wangchuck Bhutan Mr. Steven Hontiveros Philippines Mrs. Lana Al Jaghbeer Jordan Mr. Raehyouk Kang Korea Mrs. Fatima Lakhani Pakistan Mr. Syed Shahid Reza Bangladesh Mr. Jasair Hassan Rhaeef Iraq Ms. Luibna Mouala Syria Education Committee H.E. Mr. Rustomi Emomali Tajikistan Mr. Majid Khalid Khuthalia Saudi Arabia Ms. Jyoti Rana Nepal Chairman: Mr. Kenneth K.K. Fok Hong Kong Mr. Andrey Kruykov Kazakhstan Ms. Sohee Kim Korea HRH Prince Abdulhakim Bin Abdulaziz Saudi Arabia Mr. Yasuo Saito Japan Mr. Kasimov Oybek Uzbekistan Mrs. Robab Shahrian Iran Mr. Heejong Moon Korea Ms. Sun Baoli China Mr. Khusankhodjaev B Uzbekistan Mr. Pang Chung Hong Kong HRH Prince Khalid Bin Abdul Aziz Saudi Arabia Sports and Environment Committee Peace Through Sports Committee Ms. Yekaterina Kulakovskaya Kazakhstan Mr. Osama AlShafar UAE Chairman: Mr. Kyung Sung Yu Korea Chairman: HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein Jordan Ms. Narin Haj Tass Jordan Mr. Sharshenbek Abdykerimov Kyrgyzstan Ms. Sunaina Kumari India Mr. Abdulloev Muhamadsho Tajikistan Mr. Umesh Lal Shrestha Nepal Mrs. Veena Salman Masud Pakistan Mr. Baker Al Abadi Jordan Mr. Bahram Afsharzadeh Iran Mr. Ko Chol Ho DPR Korea Mr. Raja Wasim Ahmed Pakistan Mr. Gamini Jayasinghe Sri Lanka Mr. Kil Doo Kim Korea Media Committee Mr. R A K Jeewantha Sri Lanka Mr. Chaudhary Mohammd Yaqub Pakistan Mr. Salamat Ergeshov Kyrgyzstan Chairman: Mr. Lo Keng Chio, Charles Macau Mr. Khin Maung Lwin Myanmar Mr. Ezzat Kraytem Lebanon Mr. Maxwell De Silva Sri Lanka Mr. Tiras Odisho Bano Iraq Ms. Naseem Al Mulaiki Yemen Mr. Khamisa Mohammed Al Balushi Oman Mr. Mahmoud Mashhoun Iran Mr. Hong Dow Lin Chinse Taipei Mr. Hussain Rasheed Maldives

Page 34 OCA Standing Committees for 2015-2019

Mr. Jugder Otgontsagaan Mongolia Mr. Hussain Rasheed Maldives Mr. Abdulla Alghamdi Saudi Arabia Mr. Jeevan Ram Shrestha Nepal Mr. Tony Mariadass Malaysia Mr. Yasuhiro Nakamori Japan Mr. Majid Wassem Pakistan Mr. Hiroshi Takeuchi Japan Mr. Eun Key Yoon Korea Sports Committee Mr. Mahmoud Abdollahi Iran Chairman: Mr. Song Luzeng China Mr. Ahmed Marzooq Maldives Mr. Kasem Inthara Lao Mr. Pipat Paniangvait Thailand Medical Committee Ms. Low Beng Choo Malaysia Chairman: Dr. M. Jegathesan Malaysia Mr. Taha Sulaiman Al Kishry Oman Mr. Shaukat Javed Pakistan Dr. Alongkone Phengsavanh Lao Mr. Chris Chan Singapore Dr. Varin Tansuphasiri Thailand Mr. Toshiaki Murasato Japan Dr. Xie Minhao China Mr. Jai Wang Yang Korea Mr. Huan Cheng Chang Chinese Taipei Mr. Carson Ma Chi Seng Macau Dr. Sultan Yarub Al Busaidi Oman Mr. Mohammad Hamin Maldives Dr. Takao Akama Japan Dr. Gagandeep Singh India Mr. Young Soo Jin Korea Sports for All Committee Dr. Mohammad Razi Iran Chairman: Genl. Mowaffak Jouma Syria Dr. Mohammed Saleh Konbaz Saudi Arabia Dr. Mohd. Al-Musleh Qatar Mr. Mohamed Abdul Sattar Maldives Mrs. Song Xueying China Anti-Doping Commission Dr. Waleed Rahahlehn Jordan Dr. Kamal Al Hadidi Jordan Mr. Syed Aqil Shah Pakistan Ms. Venera Abdulla Kazakhstan Mr. O Chol Min DPR Korea Mrs. Yuan Hong China Mr. Won Hong Joo Korea Mrs Umana Noordeen Maldives Mr. Gholamali Mohammadalipour Iran Dr. Makato Ueki Japan Mr. Kanat Amankulov Kyrgyzstan Mrs. Tuan Guak Iris Malaysia Mr. Alex Vong Iao Lek Macau Dato Sieh Kok Chi Malaysia Rules Committee Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Sabah Kuwait Women and Sports Committee Chairperson: Mrs. Natalya Sipovich Kazakhstan Mr. Zhang Jilong China Prof. Charoen Wattanasin Thailand Ms. Jacquelin Yi-Ting Shen Chinese Taipei Mr. Hesham Hyder Lebanon Ms. Suada Salim Al Ismaili Oman Mr. Fumio Ogura Japan Prof. Supitr Samahito Thailand Mr. Steven Hontiveros Philippines Ms. Vivien C.C. Lau Hong Kong Mr. Raehyouk Kang Korea Mrs. Lana Al Jaghbeer Jordan Mr. Jasair Hassan Rhaeef Iraq Mrs. Fatima Lakhani Pakistan Mr. Majid Khalid Khuthalia Saudi Arabia Ms. Luibna Mouala Syria Mr. Andrey Kruykov Kazakhstan Ms. Jyoti Rana Nepal Mr. Kasimov Oybek Uzbekistan Ms. Sohee Kim Korea Mrs. Robab Shahrian Iran Sports and Environment Committee Chairman: Mr. Kyung Sung Yu Korea Peace Through Sports Committee Chairman: HRH Prince Faisal Al Hussein Jordan Mr. Abdulloev Muhamadsho Tajikistan Mr. Baker Al Abadi Jordan Mr. Umesh Lal Shrestha Nepal Mr. Raja Wasim Ahmed Pakistan Mr. Bahram Afsharzadeh Iran Mr. R A K Jeewantha Sri Lanka Mr. Gamini Jayasinghe Sri Lanka Mr. Khin Maung Lwin Myanmar Mr. Chaudhary Mohammd Yaqub Pakistan Mr. Tiras Odisho Bano Iraq Mr. Ezzat Kraytem Lebanon Mr. Mahmoud Mashhoun Iran Ms. Naseem Al Mulaiki Yemen

Page 35 OCA Sports Diary

2016

PyeongChang, Korea: March 14 – 18 Lausanne, Switzerland: June 1 6th IOC Coordination Commission for 2018 IOC Executive Board Winter Olympics Beijing, China: June 27 Qian’an, China: March 23 – April 3 1st IOC Coordination Commission for 2022 AIBA Open Boxing (AOB) Asia/Oceania Rio Winter Olympics Olympic Qualifying Tournament Yakutsk, Russian Federation: July 5 – 17 Lausanne, Switzerland: April 3 6th Children of Asia International Sport Games ANOC International Relations Commission Manila, Philippines: July 5 – 10 Lausanne, Switzerland, April 4 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in men’s ANOC Executive Council basketball, Mall of Asia

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: April 11 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: July 30 IOC Coordination Commission IOC Executive Board

Lausanne, Switzerland: April 17 – 22 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: August 2 – 3 Sport Accord Convention 2016 129th IOC Session

Sapporo, Japan: April 25 – 26 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: August 5 – 21 Chef de Mission Seminar for 8th OCA Asian Olympic Games Winter Games 2017 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: September 7 – 18

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h t 5 OCA Coordination Committee meeting for 5th OCA Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games September 24 OCA Executive Board, Danang, Vietnam Jakarta, Indonesia: May 10 – 11 4th OCA Coordination Committee meeting for Danang, Vietnam: September 24 – October 3 18th OCA Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018 5th OCA Asian Beach Games

Tokyo, Japan: May 14 – 22 Danang, Vietnam: September 25 FIVB Asia/World Olympic Qualifying Tournament 35th OCA General Assembly in women’s volleyball 2017 Bangkok, Thailand: May 16 – 17 Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum for Sapporo, Japan: February 19-26 South, South East and East Asia NOCs 8th OCA Asian Winter Games

Astana, Kazakhstan: May 19 – 27 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: August 19 – 31 9th AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships 29th SEA Games (12 quota places for Rio 2016)

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h t Doha, Qatar: May 20 – 21 5 5th OCA Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum for West and Central Asia NOCs San Diego, USA: September 29 – October 9 1st ANOC PyeongChang, Korea: May 23 7th IOC Project Review Jakarta, Indonesia: November (dates to be decided) 3rd OCA Asian Youth Games Tokyo, Japan: May 28-June 5 FIVB Asia/World Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2018 in men’s volleyball Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia: August 18 – September 2 18th OCA Asian Games

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