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Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Edition 53 - June 2021

INCREDIBLE IKEE MVP COMPLETES OLYMPIC COMEBACK

OCA CONGRATULATES OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS OCA WOMEN IN SPORT OCA GAMES UPDATE OCA SPORTS DIARY Contents Inside Sporting Asia Edition 53 – June 2021

3 OCA President’s Message

18 4 – 9 Six pages of NOC News in Pictures

10 – 17 OCA Games Update

10 – 15 2022

16 Shantou 2021 19 17 Aichi- Asian Games 2026 18 – 24 Road to

18 Tokyo 2020 – Finally!

19 Miracle Worker: Rikako Ikee 22 20 – 21 Photo Gallery on Asian qualifiers 22 Steel Roses show nerves of steel

23 Rugby Repechage, draw

24 , , sport climbing 23 25 – 27 Inside the OCA 28 – 31 Women in Sport

32 – 35 Obituary

36 – 37 News in Brief

38 – 39 OCA Sports Diary

24 40 Hangzhou 2022 Volunteers

OCA Sponsors’ Club

*

Page 02 President’s Message

ASIAN ATHLETES SHOW TRUE OLYMPIC SPIRIT ON ROAD TO TOKYO

Sporting Asia is the official It has been a long wait for the newsletter of the Olympic in Tokyo, but we Council of Asia, published are now turning the last corner and quarterly. hitting the home straight together.

The finishing line is in sight in terms Executive Editor / Director General of organisation and preparation, Husain Al-Musallam [email protected] and soon the Olympic Games will be upon us.

Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari This will come as a huge relief for [email protected] all concerned, to finally begin the sports competitions and use the Director, Asian Games Department magnificent venues built or Haider A. Farman [email protected] renovated for this grand occasion and global celebration.

Editor Jeremy Walker It has been a build-up like no other – and it The postponement and the changes in [email protected] will be an Olympic Games like nothing protocol brought about by the pandemic before due to the health protocols in place and health requirements have created an Executive Secretary for athletes and officials from the National array of new challenges for our Nayaf Sraj [email protected] Olympic Committees around the world. administrators, but they have worked diligently behind the scenes to produce the

Media Manager At this point I would like to congratulate all best environment for the athletes to enable Jeans Zhou Jian our Asian athletes and our NOCs for their them to produce their peak performance at [email protected] tireless work during the past year in such an important time in their life. particular. It was decided several months ago that PO Box 6706, Hawalli Zip Code 32042 All our plans and preparations were put on there would be no spectators allowed from hold in March 2020 when the Olympics overseas, but the athletes can rest assured

Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 were postponed for a year, and since then they will be cheered passionately and Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 everyone has had to regroup and refocus enthusiastically by their family, friends and Email: [email protected] on their targets. everyone back home. Website: www.ocasia.org

The athletes have shown remarkable In this respect, the Olympic Games Tokyo dedication and determination to keep the 2020 will truly bring the world together Olympic spirit burning in their hearts and to again and provide some positive and keep alive their hopes of winning a medal exciting news in the weeks to come. and representing their flag with pride on this massive Olympic stage.

Front Cover: The OCA wishes all our Asian athletes the best for Tokyo 2020 and we are sure you Asian Games OCA MVP will add to the proud legacy of the Olympic Rikako Ikee shows her Games, not only in your own country or delight in qualifying for the region but throughout our continent. Olympic Games at the

Japanese national trials in Our NOCs, too, must take a lot of credit for Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah Tokyo in April 2021. coming this far. President, Olympic Council of Asia

(Photo: AFLO SPORT/JOC)

Page 03 NOC News in Pictures

PALESTINE Olympic Committee’s events department organised a seminar on athlete nutrition and a healthy lifestyle at the Joseph Blatter Academy to mark the World Health Organisation’s World Health Day on April 7. Young athletes from , , and other sports heard a presentation from nutritionist Reem Masharqa from the Palestine Olympic Medicine Center.

SINGAPORE National Olympic Coun- cil reported on a special gift from a special family: A S$500,000 donation from the famous -playing Tan family to support the development of the sport in .

Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Com- munity and Youth, principal donor Dr Tan Eng Liang and IOC Vice President Ng Ser Miang launched the fund on March 21.

TAJIKISTAN NOC held a two-day work- shop on March 18-19 in Dushanbe city to discuss preparations of national teams at a number of major interna- tional events in 2021, including the Tokyo Olympics and the Asian Youth Games.

The seminar was attended by head coaches and representatives of national sport .

SRI Lanka NOC’s OVEP Debater 2020 competition for schools was won by Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya of , ahead of Hillwood College Kandy in second place and Chundikuli Girls' College, Jaffna in third. The prize presentation was held in the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium of Olympic House. The NOC began this debater competition in 2017 as a pilot project and plans to expand it in Sinhala, English and Tamil languages.

Page 04 NOC News in Pictures

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the TRACK cycling champion Sarah Lee Wai Sze was named Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, sent his congratula- Athlete of the Year for the sixth time at the Cathay Pacific tions to Dr Thomas Bach on his re-election as IOC Presi- 2019 Sports Awards organised by the Sports dent on March 10 through to 2025. HRH Prince Abdulaziz and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, described President Bach as a visionary leader during his on April 10. Fencer Vivian Kong Man Wai was named first eight-year term of office and said the future of the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year. The VIP guest was Chief Olympic movement was very bright. Executive Carrie Lam (pictured with Sarah Lee).

UZBEKISTAN NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the President of the Turkish Olympic Committee and World HIS Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid President, Ugur Erdener, during a visit to Tashkent. Al Maktoum, President of the President Shaabdurakhmonov said: “We know that National Olympic Committee, chaired the UAE NOC is a country with great opportunities, particular in the field 44th General Assembly on April 22. His Highness said of sport. Our athletes often hold training camps in Turkey that developing the UAE sports sector and enhancing the - in rowing and canoeing, cycling, weightlifting and competitiveness of UAE athletes was key to raising the athletics - and I am sure both sides will benefit from this country’s profile in international events and was in line arrangement.” with the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years.

Page 05 NOC News in Pictures

NEPAL Olympic Committee Presi- dent the Hon. Jeevan Ram Shres- tha attended a one-day painting exhibition in Kiritpur Municipality in collaboration with the Tourism Board and the Peace Through Sport Commission.

The exhibition promoted the history and culture of Kiritpur and showed how art and sport can bring peace and unity among the people.

UNDER the patronage of Olympic Committee and with the support of Olympic Solidarity, the Yemen Athletes’ Committee organised a seminar on psycho- logical support for national team athletes on March 22 at the OlympAsia Hall of the Olympic Complex. The symposium attracted 86 participants. Yemen NOC Secretary General Moham- med Abdullah Al-Ahjeri stressed the importance of mental training as well as physical and technical skills.

KOREAN Sport and Olympic Committee President Lee Kee- heung signed an official partner- ship agreement with Youngone Outdoor Corporation (The North Face) Chairman and CEO Sung Ki-hak in the sports apparel category of Team Korea.

The deal was signed on March 17 at the Olympic Culture Center in Songpa-gu, and will run through to 2024.

Page 06 NOC News in Pictures

MONGOLIA'S IOC Member and NOC First Vice President Batbold Battushig gave a welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the “ NOC – 65” international online conference and read out a congratu- latory message from the IOC President, Thomas Bach, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the NOC in 1956.

He also gave a presentation on the first ever Mongolia House at an Olympic Games, planned for Tokyo 2020, at the 137th IOC Session held virtually from March 10-12.

AFGHANISTAN National Olympic Committee President Olympic Association President Lt Gen (ret) Syed Dr. Hafizullah Wali Rahimi presented prizes at the Open Arif Hasan led the POA’s White Card campaign to mark Blitz Chess for Women to mark International the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace Women’s Day on March 8 at the Kabul Serena Hotel. The on April 6. He was joined by athletes and officials from event attracted 12 players. many sports in the country.

CAMBODIA NOC Secretary General Vath Chamroeun said - on a site visit on April 4 - that the main stadium of the new Morodok Techo National Sports Complex was 95 per cent finished and was on course to be completed by the end of May 2021.

The complex will be the main sports hub for the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in May 2023.

Page 07 NOC News in Pictures

INDIAN Olympic Association President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra (right) met with former IOA President Mr. N Ramachandran, President, Tamil Nadu Olympic Associa- tion and Honorary Life President, Rackets Federa- tion in on April 9. Representatives of National Sports Federations joined the occasion. TAN Sri Dato’ Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, President of the Olympic Council of , chaired a meeting of the selection committee for the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Vietnam 2021 on March 23. The OCM President is pictured (left) with Chef de Mission Datuk Haji Hamidin Haji Mohd Amin.

QATAR Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani announced on March 28 that the QOC would undertake a comprehensive Gender Equality Review CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee celebrated the to determine how Qatari sport can build on recent prog- International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on ress and where further advancements can be made. The April 6 for the third year in a row by inviting elite athletes findings will be used to develop a first-of-its-kind Gender to join the White Card campaign. Here, athlete Equality Policy for the QOC and National Federations. Wen Tzu-Yun shows her support.

Page 08 NOC News in Pictures

MALDIVES Olympic Committee held its Annual General NOC’s Olympic Academy continued its Assembly on May 1 chaired by the President, Mohamed Olympic Day in School campaign by visiting Montrisuksa Shaweed. Ex Co members attended in person and 19 School in Khonkaen Province from April 5-7. The Olympic member associations followed the meeting online. The culture and education activities included a general sports 2020 Annual Report, 2020 Audited Expenditure Report knowledge quiz and Olympic values. and Estimated Budget for 2021 along with an amendment to MOC Statutes put forward by the Swimming Association of were all approved. (Photo: @images.mv)

HIS Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Olympic Committee and Drukair Corporation Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 21 Sports and President of the Olympic Committee, for a period of 30 months, extending an agreement as opened an integrated water complex at Al Jazayer beach official carrier first signed in 2016. The MoU includes on April 11. The ceremony was attended by Royal Life discounted airfares and excess baggage waiver for all Saving Bahrain Chairperson Shaikha Najla bint Hamad official travel of athletes and officials. As well as branding bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa and other NOC and sports and marketing rights, Drukair will now have free access to officials. the BOC Astroturf Football Ground at Paro once a week.

Page 09 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

HAGOC MARKS 500 DAYS TO OPENING CEREMONY

Excitement is building in Hangzhou and throughout province in eastern China as the organising committee of the 19th Asian Games (HAGOC) continues to tick off major milestones. One of these landmarks fell on April 28, when HAGOC marked 500 days to go to the opening ceremony on September 10, 2022.

The celebrations included the inauguration of a series of countdown clocks in strategic locations around the city, including the City Balcony leisure and viewing area of Qianjiang New City, Hubin Pedestrian Street and Canal Culture Square.

“Can't wait for all the excitement!” HAGOC said on countdown day.

HAGOC reported that the first phase of the Sport Entry process for National Olympic Committees – Entry by Sport – had been completed success- fully on March 16. The OCA’s 45 NOCs took the first step in the three-stage procedure by submitting their entry for the 40 sports and 61 disciplines.

HAGOC is planning a series of events to mark the one-year count- down. These include an Asian Superstars Concert at the Big Lotus main stadium on September 11, a Symphony Orchestra Concert at Hangzhou Grand Theatre on September 8, a 2,022-metre street art graffiti wall on both banks of the Qiantang River, an Asian Games merchandise market from September 10-12, Asian Games mascot Congcong clears another a nationwide English Star speaking competition from May to August and hurdle on the road to Hangzhou 2022. activities in co-host cities , Wenzhou, Jinhua, and .

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 10 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

GLOBAL SEARCH BEGINS FOR 52,000 VOLUNTEERS

On April 21, HAGOC announced that a global campaign to recruit 52,000 volun- teers for the 19th Asian Games would begin in May 2021.

The recruitment campaign will run for six months and interested parties will have until the end of October to register for a place.

The preliminary candidates will be selected in November and will undergo interviews and psychological and English tests before the end of March 2022.

The successful candidates will be announced in May 2022 and then have three months of training before they start their duties ahead of the September 10-25 Volunteers at the two-year countdown festival. Asian Games.

The OCA always appreciates and acknowledges the crucial role The Asian Games has grown to become the second biggest of volunteers as they help to ensure the smooth running of the international multi-sport event in the world after the Olympic Asian Games in a wide range of areas, such as arrival and Games – and that is reflected in the number of volunteers the departure protocol, accreditation, transportation, NOC team organising committee will need for Hangzhou 2022. liaison officers and VIP guest assistants.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 11 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

TWO OFFICIAL SPONSORS JOIN MARKETING PROGRAMME

Organising committee HAGOC has announced the first two Official Sponsors of their four-tier marketing programme. They are:

YTO Express as official logistics services sponsor New Oriental Education and Technology Group (XDF.CN) as official online education service.

Founded on May 28, 2000, Shanghai YTO Express (Logistics) Co., Ltd. is a large private express company in China which is committed to advancing this sector of business and society. The company motto is "YTO Express - Choice of the Chinese".

“With the help of our self-developed YTO Thorough Monitoring Mao Genhong (left), Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC, signs and Management System, we are capable of ensuring the the contract with Yang Zhihui of New Oriental in on April 29. efficiency and safety of every package,” the company said.

The signing ceremony with New Oriental took place in Beijing In other sponsorship news: on April 29. Founded in 1993, the company will provide online education and training and, through the Asian Games, will Osaka-based Tasogare Coffee became the exclusive engage students and young people in promoting the Olympic official coffee supplier at a signing ceremony with HAGOC on spirit and building a sports culture. April 12 and pledged to provide 100 million free cups of coffee to people who contribute to the organisation and preparation of New Oriental has had 64.9 million student enrollments and has the Asian Games, as well as to athletes and officials during a network of 1,625 learning centres and over 48,000 teachers Games time. in 104 cities.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 10 Games Update Hangzhou 2022

GLITZY NEW HOME FOR BREAKING’S ASIAN GAMES DEBUT

one each for girls and boys, will be contested at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium.

Newly built, the gymnasium has a floor area of 21,500 square metres and a seating capacity of 6,500.

The same venue will also host the table competition at the 19th Asian Games.

Breaking proved to be a big success at the in Buenos Aires in 2018 and has been added to the sports programme for the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium will host breaking and . 2024 Olympics in .

The new Asian Games sport of breaking, or break-dancing, It was added to the 19th Asian Games at the OCA General will have a glitzy new home for its debut appearance. Assembly in Muscat last December and has attracted 17 National Olympic Committees in the initial “entry by sport” The breaking competition, which will have two events in total, phase.

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 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

FACTS AND FIGURES ON THE ROAD TO HANGZHOU 2022

19th Asian Games OCA Protocol

Opening ceremony: September 10, 2022 OCA HQ hotel: 1 Closing ceremony: September 25, 2022 Official hotels: 5 Competition days: 16 Total rooms: 2,200 Sports: 40 Protocol assistants: 850 Disciplines: 61 Events: 482

Asian Games Village

Buildings: 108 Topped out: December 2020* Completion: End of December 2021 Ready for operation: March 2022 Capacity: Athletes and officials: 10,400 Medical Services Technical officials: 3,800 Media: 5,000 Designated hospitals: 32 Satellite Villages: 4 Asian Games Village Polyclinic: 1 Location: Ningbo, Jinhua, Wenzhou, Chun’an. Clinics: 216, comprised of Total capacity: 2,613 athletes and officials. Athletes’ clinics: 85 Field of Play clinics: 56 *Topped out = Ceremony to mark the completion of the highest Spectator clinics: 75 point of construction

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

FACTS AND FIGURES ON THE ROAD TO HANGZHOU 2022

Doping Control Chefs de Mission Seminar

Run by: China Anti-Doping Agency (CHINADA)/HAGOC Arrival: September 9 Doping Control Stations in venues and AGV (to date): 57 CDM Seminar: September 10 Doping Control Officers: 393 Venue and Village Tour: September 11 Chaperones/volunteers: 580 Departure: September 12 Venue: Asian Games official hotel Virtual CDM Seminar: September 9-10 Venues Note: OCA/COC to decide CDM Seminar format in July 2021

Competition Venues: 55 Venues completed by March 2021: 42 Major venues ready for operation: June 2021 Remaining venues completed: October 2021 Training venues: 33

Medical Personnel Torch Relay

Doctors: 503 Torch Lighting: China Nurses: 503 Relay: China (only) Public health officials: 130 Torchbearer selection: 2022 Total: 1,136 Online relay: Began September 2020 Ambulances: 112, 1-2 per venue Operator: Alipay Helicopters: 3, in Chun’an, Tonglu and Xiangshan Users: 11 million

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 11 Games Update Shantou 2021

SHANTOU AYG FLAG, MASCOT ON TOP OF THE WORLD

The flag and mascot of the OCA’s 3rd Asian Youth Games Shantou 2021 were taken to the top of the world in an epic expedition and public relations exercise from the summit of Mount Everest.

With the AYG set to take place in Shantou – a port city in Guangdong province – from November 20-28, 2021, the profile of the event has never been higher thanks to the exploits of Hong Genglong, President of the Shantou Long Distance Running Hong Genglong shows the AYG flag at the top of Mount Everest. Association.

Hong informed the world of his successful mission to the summit He said the journey, involving a team of nine of Mount Everest on WeChat on May 13, writing: "At 10am climbers over 23 days, displayed the pride of Beijing time on May 11, I successfully climbed the summit of Shantou in hosting the AYG and the Mount Everest from the southern slope of Nepal. I have returned determination, vitality and vigour of the youth to safely." in reaching their goal.

AYG ORGANISERS COMPLETE VENUE

Shantou 2021 has announced that the Shantou Zhengda Gymnasium is the first competition venue to be completed for the AYG and is ready to host the badminton competition.

The project, which started in May 2020, includes the renovation of the original Zhengda Gymnasium, the building of a new multi-sport training centre and the upgrading of a road network and landscaping.

The refurbished gymnasium has a seating capacity of 3,198, while a new car park can accommodate 165 vehicles, including 10 spaces for buses, and offers charging poles for electric vehicles.

There will be 18 sports, 21 disciplines and 161 Shantou Zhengda Gymnasium will host the AYG badminton. events at the AYG.

ORGANISING committee SAYGOC opened its third official merchandise store in April. The new outlet is located in Qunguang Square and offers almost 100 licensed products including the mascot Jinfengwa, key chains, pin badges and attractive sports apparel. A further 20 stores are planned.

Page 16 Games Update Aichi-Nagoya 2026

AICHI-NAGOYA 2026 MARKS 2,026-DAY COUNTDOWN

sports and 15,000 athletes and officials from the OCA’s 45 NOCs.

“Let’s celebrate the 2,026-day countdown to Aichi-Nagoya 2026,” AINAGOC said in a Facebook post.

“For the next 2,026 days, the organising committee will be preparing for a competition that will be welcomed by athletes and everyone coming to the Asian Games in 2026.”

The slogan for the 20th Asian Games 2026 is “Imagine One Aichi-Nagoya 2026 celebrates 2,026 days to go. Asia”.

The organisers also produced a video Organising committee AINAGOC celebrated the slideshow on March 29 marking 2,000 days to 2,026-day countdown to the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya go. The video featured athletes from Aichi 2026 on March 3. prefecture and members of the public showing their support for the Asian Games coming their 20th Asian Games The Games will be held in Nagoya city and Aichi-Nagoya 2026 way in 2026. Some of the slides were taken at from September 19 to October 4, 2026 with approximately 40 a PR booth marking the 2,000-day countdown.

ASIAN GAMES NEWS FOCUSES ON PROPOSED VENUES

The third edition of Asian Games News – official publication of organising committee AINAGOC – introduces four sports on the proposed sports programme for 2026: surfing, sport climbing, skateboarding and breaking.

Surfing, sport climbing and skateboarding will all make their Olympic Games debut at Tokyo 2020, while breaking will join at Paris 2024.

Asian Games News Edition 3 (March 2021) also looks at 10 of the proposed venues for the 20th Asian Games, including the Aichi Sky Expo for skateboarding and six stadiums for the men’s and women’s football .

There is also a report on the Asian Games joint promotional video made in cooperation with Hangzhou 2022 that focuses on the culture and landmarks of the two cities and regions in China and . Asian Games News Edition 3.

Page 17 Road to Tokyo

The Torch Relay begins its journey around Japan. (Photo: Getty Images)

TOKYO OLYMPICS WILL SHOW ‘SOLIDARITY, UNITY’, SAYS IOC PRESIDENT

When Tokyo won the right to host the 2020 Olympic “In this way, these postponed Olympic Games will be the light at Games in 2013, no one could have predicted the world that lay the end of the dark tunnel that we all find ourselves in right now.” ahead. Since then, widespread vaccination programmes have kicked in, Right up until the end of 2019, just seven months before the Olympic qualifying tournaments have been held in numerous Opening Ceremony was due to take place on July 24, 2020, sports and Tokyo has hosted a series of successful test events, all the planning was at such an advanced stage that the IOC the while putting in place the strict health protocols in President, Thomas Bach, declared the Japanese capital as the preparation for the Olympic Games. best prepared hosting city he had ever seen. Tokyo 2020 will be an Olympic Games like no other – but the Then the Covid-19 pandemic took a grip, and the IOC – names of the Olympic champions will join the roll of honour just together with the Japanese authorities – decided on March 24 like all the rest. to postpone the Olympic Games for the first time in history. It’s time for the sport to begin and for Olympic history to be Within a few days the new dates had been set for July 23-August made in Tokyo! 8, 2021, and the sports world quickly adjusted its calendar to focus on Tokyo 2020 in 2021. TOKYO 2020 Addressing the OCA General Assembly in December 2020, President Bach acknowledged that the world had changed “dramatically” and that “nothing is as it was before”. Opening Ceremony: Friday, July 23 Closing Ceremony: Sunday, August 8 However, he was confident that the Tokyo Olympics would be “a celebration of solidarity and resilience of humankind” and Ceremony Venue: stressed that “our top priority remains the health and safety of all Sports: 33 - Events: 339 - Venues: 42 participants.”

Setting the scene for the Olympics, President Bach added: “When the athletes of all 206 National Olympic Committees Opening Ceremony: Tuesday, August 24 and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team finally come together in Closing Ceremony: Sunday, September 5 Tokyo, it will send a strong message of solidarity and unity of humankind in all our diversity.

Page 18 Road to Tokyo

ASIAN GAMES MVP IKEE COMPLETES INCREDIBLE COMEBACK

The Olympic spirit never dimmed in the heart of the OCA Tokyo Timeline MVP at the 18th Asian Games, Rikako Ikee – even when she was diagnosed with cancer. September 2018: Ikee is named OCA MVP for the 18th Asian Games and returns to from Tokyo to collect After winning six gold and two silver medals in the Jakarta pool her award and USD 50,000 prize money. She is the first female in 2018, Ikee looked set to be the face of Tokyo 2020 in her athlete to be named Asian Games MVP. hometown Olympics. February 2019: During a three-week training camp in But then, just six months after the Asian Games, the Japanese Australia, she feels unwell and returns to Tokyo to see a swimmer was diagnosed with leukemia, and her Tokyo dreams specialist. On February 12 she announces she has been looked to be over. diagnosed with leukemia.

But with the Olympics delayed for one year, and with Ikee December 2019: After 10 months of treatment, she is displaying remarkable courage and determination, she able to leave hospital. managed to qualify for Tokyo 2020 at the national trials in April 2021 to complete her incredible recovery. March 2020: Ikee is cleared to swim again – one year after her leukemia diagnosis – and admits she was lucky to be alive. "I can't begin to describe how happy I felt,” Ikee told the Olympic Channel on April 4, unable to hold back tears at Tokyo Aquatics August 2020: Makes her competitive comeback and Centre. "At that moment, I remembered everything I had to go states that her goal is to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024. through to get here. January 2021: Swims in the Kosuke Kitajima Cup in “I was shocked. I couldn’t make sense out of anything. I think it’ll Tokyo and meets the qualifying standard for the national take a while for all this to sink in. In the end, I went into the race championships/Olympic trials in April. thinking, 'I'm home. I belong here’.” April 2021: Ikee wins four titles at the national The 20-year-old Rio 2016 Olympian said her goal now was to championships and qualifies for two relay races at the Olympic improve her condition in time for the Olympic Games, which Games – the 4x100m medley relay and 4x100m freestyle relay. start on July 23. Her astonishing comeback is complete.

“It will be my second Games and I think there’s a lot I can pass on with my experience. I want to help lead the team and enjoy it,” she said.

Rikako Ikee wins four titles at the national championships in Rikako Ikee at the 18th Asian Games (Photo: Reuters) April 2021. (Photo: AFLO SPORT/JOC)

Page 19 Road to Tokyo

OCA CONGRATULATES ALL ASIAN ATHLETES ON OLYMPIC GAMES QUALIFICATION!

Bhavani Devi, 27, became the first fencer from to qualify for Mongolia has qualified for the Olympic Games in a for the Olympic Games. The Chennai-born sabre specialist booked the first time in history thanks to the efforts of their women’s 3x3 her Tokyo ticket at the FIE World Cup in , from team. The three-a-side format, long promoted by the March 11-13. (Photo: www.bhavanidevi.com) OCA, will make its debut at Tokyo 2020 with eight teams in each competition. (Photo: https://news.mn)

Iranian freestyle wrestler , Rio 2016 Olympic Singapore sailor Amanda Ng, 27, has shown her versatility on the champion at 74kg, will be aiming for a golden double in Tokyo ocean waves by qualifying for Tokyo 2020 in the women’s RS:X after overpowering all his opponents 10-0 at 86kg in the 2021 windsurfing – four years after teaming up with Jovina Choo in the Asian Championships in on April 18. The 26-year-old women’s 470 (two-person dinghy) at Rio, where the pair finished grappler was using the event as preparation for the Olympics. 20th. (Photo: Singapore ) (Photo: UWW)

Page 20 Road to Tokyo

Thailand is set to have its first ever canoe sprint athlete at an Olympic Games after Orasa Thiangkathok won the women’s C1 200 quota place at the Asian Canoe Confederation qualifiers in Pattaya on May 6. (Photo: ICF).

Kuwaiti skeet shooter Mansour Al Rashidi will be hoping to follow ’s 2018 Asian Games men’s beach champions up his Asian Games gold medal in 2018 with Olympic gold in Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan produced some sparkling form Tokyo. The 36-year-old shooter qualified for the Olympics way on the FIVB Cancun Hub in Mexico to earn direct qualification. They back in April 2019 by winning the ISSF World Cup in Al-Ain, UAE. are ranked seventh in the world and fifth in the Olympic classification.

Kazakhstan’s Yekaterina Smirnova, 34, qualified for her third Olympic Games in canoe slalom after winning the women’s K1 at the 2021 Canoe Slalom Asian Olympic Qualifier in Pattaya, Thailand from April 30 to May 2. She finished 12th at Beijing 2008 and 19th at Rio 2016.

Page 21 Road to Tokyo

China’s players thank their fans after the epic encounter with Korea (Photo: www.the-afc.com)

STEEL ROSES HOLD OFF KOREA IN PULSATING PLAY-OFF

China clinched the final qualifying spot for Asia in the Men’s draw for Tokyo 2020 - Group A: Japan, South women’s football tournament at Tokyo 2020 following a Africa, Mexico, France. Group B: New Zealand, Korea gripping play-off victory over Korea. Republic, Honduras, Romania. Group C: , , Argentina, Australia. Group D: Brazil, , Côte d'Ivoire, After winning the first leg 2-1 in Korea, the “Steel Roses” were . red-hot favourites to finish the job when the two sides met again five days later in China. Women’s draw - Group E: Japan, Canada, Great Britain, Chile. Group F: China PR, Brazil, Zambia, But the Koreans stormed into a 2-0 lead on the day to surge . Group G: Sweden, USA, Australia, New Zealand ahead 3-2 on aggregate and looked poised to complete a remarkable and totally unexpected comeback. ASIAN PLAY-OFF When China cut the deficit to 2-1, the score was tied at 3-3 and the play-off went into extra time. The deciding goal came in the First leg: April 8 103rd minute when Wang Shuang brought China level 2-2 and they held on to qualify 4-3 on aggregate in front of 13,500 At: Goyang, Korea jubilant fans. Score: Korea 1 China 2

China’s coach, Jia Xiuquan, praised his players for their fighting Second leg: April 13 spirit. “The match was even harder than I expected,” he said. At: Suzhou, China

“I would like to thank all my players for not giving up when we Score: China 2 Korea 2 (after extra time) were 2-0 down. As long as they can carry on the same spirit, I Result: China won 4-3 on aggregate. believe that our team will become better and better."

Page 22 Road to Tokyo

ASIAN TEAMS HEAD TO MONACO FOR RUGBY REPECHAGE

With Korea (men) and China (women) safely in the draw for the Tokyo 2020 rugby sevens competitions after winning their respective Asian qualifiers, the dream is still alive for other Asian teams.

The World Rugby Sevens Repechage will take place in Monaco on June 19-20 when two women’s teams and one men’s team will complete the 24-team line-up for the Olympic Games.

The women’s repechage features 12 teams, including and Hong Kong, in three groups of four. The top two teams in each group (six teams), plus the two best third-placed teams, will qualify Asian Games champs Hong Kong (in blue shirts) will be trying to qualify for Tokyo 2020 in for the knockout stages. the world repechage at Monaco. (Photo: https://www.hkrugby.com)

Women’s Repechage Men’s Repechage

Pool A: Russia, Argentina, Mexico, Samoa. Pool A: Samoa, Ireland, Tonga, Zimbabwe, Mexico. Pool B: Papua New Guinea, Kazakhstan, Jamaica, . Pool B: France, Hong Kong, Chile, , Jamaica. Pool C: France, Hong Kong, Colombia, Madagascar. The Olympic men’s rugby sevens competition will take The men’s repechage features 10 teams in two groups of five. place from July 26-28, with the women’s tournament following Asia is represented by 2018 Asian Games champions Hong on July 29-31. All the action will take place at Tokyo Stadium, Kong, who were beaten in the final of the Asian Olympic which was a venue for the Rugby World Cup 2019. qualifier by Korea. Rugby sevens is expected to be one of the most highly After a round-robin, the top two teams in each group (four anticipated events of the Tokyo Games following the success of teams) will advance to the semi-finals. The winner of the final will the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan. claim the last ticket to Tokyo.

The International Handball Federation conducted the draw for the men’s and women’s handball tournaments at the Olympic Games on April 1.

The top four teams in each group of six will advance to the quarter-finals.

Page 23 Road to Tokyo

JORDAN UNDERLINES HOSTING POTENTIAL

Jordan put on another memorable Olympic show on the Road to Tokyo by hosting the Asian taekwondo qualifying tournament on May 21-22.

As well as qualifying two athletes – Julie Alsadeq (women’s -67kg) and Saleh Salah El Sharabaty (men’s -80kg) – Jordan staged a top-class event that matched their hosting of the Asia-Oceania qualifier in March 2020.

Jordan Olympic Committee Secretary General Nasser Majali praised the local taekwondo federation for producing athletes to compete at such a high level.

“We are also very pleased with the organisational success of the Asian qualifying tournament and the organising committee of the championship which applied a very successful health protocol in light of the current situation globally. This reflected the capabilities of Jordan to host such a big international event,” he said.

Eighty-four players from 28 countries and regions attended. Chinese Taipei won four of the 16 Olympic tickets on offer followed by (3), Jordan (2), Kazakhstan (2) and China, Vietnam, , Thailand and with one each.

The International Federation of Sport Climbing announced on March 9 that the final two places for Tokyo 2020 would go to Korean duo Chon Jongwon (pictured) in the men’s combined and Seo Chaehyun in the women’s event. There will be 20 athletes in each competition for the sport’s debut at Tokyo 2020.

(Photo: René Oberkirch/IFSC)

Saleh Salah El Sharabaty and Julie Alsadeq won taekwondo places for host Jordan. Amer Elalami OCA YOUTH CAMP GRADUATE QUALIFIES FOR TOKYO 2020

A graduate from the OCA’s rowing youth camp has been rewarded for his hard work and dedication – with a ticket to Tokyo.

Cris Nievarez, 21, was a member of the Philippines delegation at the OCA youth camp in Pattaya, Thailand in October 2016, when 38 athletes and 21 coaches from 21 National Olympic Committees took part.

After competing in the Asia-Oceania Olympic qualification regatta in Tokyo in early May, Nievarez learned on May 10 that he had been allocated a slot in the men’s single sculls by World Rowing.

Among the many people to congratulate Nievarez was Chris Perry – the OCA’s chief instructor at the youth camp in Pattaya. The Hong Kong-based rowing coach said the Tokyo slot was a just reward for the hard work of the Philippine Rowing Association. Cris Nievarez has qualified for Tokyo 2020. (Photo: Icon Fornea)

Page 24 Inside the OCA

OCA-AESF LAUNCH ‘ROAD TO ASIAN GAMES’ PROGRAMME

The OCA, in partnership with the Asian There will be six events at Hangzhou 2022, and the AESF will be Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), responsible for selecting the six games, organising the regional announced the “Road to Asian Games” qualifiers and managing the competition at Hangzhou 2022 – initiative at a virtual signing ceremony held under the auspices of the OCA. simultaneously in Kuwait and Hong Kong on March 1. The OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam, said: “We wish our partners at the AESF all the best on the journey ahead. The “Road to Asian Games” programme also underlines the The OCA will provide full support to make sure the OCA’s commitment to the AESF as the sole authority for esports competition at Hangzhou 2022 is a big success.” at Hangzhou 2022. AESF President Kenneth Fok added: “I would like to express our Esports will make its debut as an official medal sport at the 19th sincere appreciation for the continuous support and trust from Asian Games following its appearance as a demonstration sport the OCA. The Asian Games presents the best stage for us to at the 18th Asian Games in in 2018. share Olympic values with the esports community.”

Esports effect

After the OCA approved the addition of esports for the 19th Asian Games at the General Assembly in Muscat on December 16, Chinese social media went into overdrive.

The news became a hot trending topic on the Sina Weibo Chinese microblogging website with 190 million views.

This figure climbed to 300 million across all online platforms, highlighting the interest in esports OCA Director General Husain in China ahead of the Asian Al-Musallam. AESF President Kenneth Fok. Games in September 2022.

XIACHENG Digital Park Esports Centre, with a floor area of 80,000 square metres and a seating capacity of 4,087, will host the esports competition at Hangzhou 2022.

Page 25 Inside the OCA

OCA ‘VERY COMFORTABLE’ WITH ASIAN GAMES PROGRESS

Distance could not keep apart the determined joint efforts of the OCA and organising committee HAGOC when the 4th Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 took place on April 8.

With video conference links to OCA HQ in Kuwait and to CC members around Asia, as well as to HAGOC HQ and the Chinese Olympic Committee and General Administration of Sport of China in Beijing, the three-hour virtual meeting covered 11 major aspects of planning and preparations. The Hangzhou 2022 team attends the 4th OCA CC meeting on April 8.

The Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee, Raja conditions created by the Covid-19 pandemic, Raja Randhir Randhir Singh, congratulated HAGOC on the “excellent” noted: “How far we have travelled! Quietly and efficiently, the presentations and thanked them for making the presentations in organising committee has gone about their work day by day so English to assist with the smooth flow of the meeting. that we find ourselves in this current position.

“Every presentation made a big impact,” he said. “We are going through very difficult times and the way of life is changing, but we feel very comfortable with the way the Looking at the overall progress, especially in such difficult organisation is taking shape.” (Photo: HAGOC)

CHINESE GOVERNMENT PRAISES OCA

The Chinese government’s sports ministry has credited the OCA for creating stability in the Olympic movement during the pandemic.

Addressing the 4th OCA Coordination Committee meeting for the 19th Asian Games on April 8, Deputy Sports Minister Gao Zhidan said: “Since the Covid-19 outbreak, the OCA has taken the initiative for the unity and stability of the Olympic movement.

“The OCA has made positive contributions to the fight against the epidemic and also to the sustainable and healthy development of the Asian Olympic movement.

“We are grateful to the OCA for your active support of and will continue to support the work of the OCA. We will be united and confident and tide over the difficulties together, thus contributing to the international community’s victory over the epidemic, world economic recovery and the HAGOC informed the OCA Coordination Committee safety and health of people in all countries.” meeting about plans to establish anti-doping education outreach stations in the Asian Games Village. This Gao Zhidan is Deputy Minister of the General programme has proved very popular at previous OCA Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the events, including here at the Asian Indoor and Chinese Olympic Committee. Games Ashgabat 2017. (Photo: OCA)

Page 26 Inside the OCA

OCA ANNOUNCES NEW EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR

The Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, His Royal Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, is the new Chair of the OCA Education Committee.

Prince Fahad bin Jalawi succeeds HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, who has been appointed OCA Vice President in relation to ’s hosting of the Asian Games in 2034.

On the recommendation of the SAOC, the OCA Executive Board nominated Prince Fahad bin Jalawi as the new Chair of the OCA Education Committee for the remainder of the term 2019-2023.

“The OCA welcomes HRH Prince Fahad to the OCA family and wishes him all the best in his endeavours as Chair of the Education Committee,” the OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al-Sabah, said in a circular dated April 7.

“We would like to thank HRH Prince Abdulaziz for his excellent work as Chair of the OCA Education Committee and we look forward to continuing working together on the OCA Executive Board.” HRH Prince Fahad bin Jalawi.

OCA International OCA Culture Committee Relations Committee Chair Khunying Patama Chair HRH Prince Jigyel Leeswadtrakul of Thailand Ugyen Wangchuck was was re-elected unopposed unanimously re-elected Deputy President of the President of the Bhutan Badminton World Olympic Committee for Federation at the 82nd the term 2021-25 at the BWF AGM on May 22. 5th General Assembly on The new term will run May 21. from 2021 to 2024.

OCA URGES NOCS TO FIGHT COMPETITION MANIPULATION

The OCA is encouraging its National Olympic Committees to take a leading role in the fight against competition manipulation.

In a circular to NOCs dated April 28, OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam said the OCA has set up a special department under the OCA Athletes’ Committee to focus on the prevention of competition manipulation.

“The Olympic Council of Asia will be working very closely with the International Olympic Committee in this regard,” Mr Al Musallam said.

The OCA Director General is asking NOCs to establish a dedicated Prevention of Competition Manipulation unit and to appoint ambassadors to lead the awareness programme by engaging with athletes and officials. The OCA will work with the IOC to fight competition manipulation.

“The OCA is ready and available to support the activation hand in hand to fight against competition manipulation in process, provide more information and work with all NOCs sport,” said Mr Al Musallam. (Photo: IOC)

Page 27 Women in Sport

KAZAKHSTAN NOC APPOINTS FIRST FEMALE VICE PRESIDENT

Award-winning banker Umut Shayakhmetova has become the first female Vice President in the history of NOC Kazakhstan, Olympic.kz reports.

The NOC elected her unanimously (37-0) at the online Extraordinary General Assembly on April 28. Her term of office will run until 2024.

Umut Shayakhmetova fills the vacant Vice President for International Relations (Photo: Olympic.kz) position held previously by Andrey Kryukov, who was elected as the new NOC Secretary General in December 2020. Umut Shayakhmetova is the first female Vice President of Kazakhstan NOC.

The new Vice President has been working on sports development succeeded in both the corporate and sports worlds and actively in Kazakhstan as a member of the Executive Committee for empowers other women. more than five years. From 2011 to 2021 she was President of the Kazakhstan Federation. As an economist, she successfully led the banking, financial, educational, sports and other areas over the last 20 years. She Also, she is Chair of the Business Women’s Council of the has received numerous awards, both governmental and Kazakhstan National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. She has international.

TURKMENISTAN weightlifter Yulduz Jumabayeva was presented with a gold medal by the President of and Turkmenistan NOC, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in a special ceremony on March 11. Yulduz, 22, had originally finished second in the women’s 45kg category of the IWF World Championships in Ashgabat in November 2018 but the gold medal-winner was later disqualified for a doping offence. Yulduz also received the “Love of the Motherland” medal and a white Lexus LX570 Sport Plus for her victory. (www.olympic.tm)

NEPAL NOC MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Nepal NOC’s Women and Sport Commission celebrated the recognise the achievements of female athletes and sports 111th International Women’s Day at the NOC HQ on March 8. administrators.

NOC President Jeevan Ram Shrestha inaugurated the special occasion and said the country’s constitution secured the role of women in society and protected women’s rights, and that the NOC was committed to equal participation of female and male athletes in upcoming multi-sport games.

The Women and Sport Commission honoured middle distance runner Mrs. Bimala Joshi Amatya for winning the bronze medal in the 3rd -Calcutta 1987 and long-serving National Sports Council admin staff Mrs. Bhawani Adhikari.

President Shrestha and Women and Sport Commission President Jyoti Rana handed over Rs. 25,000 to each awardee. The awards will be made every year instead of every two years to The awards presentation on International Women’s Day.

Page 28 Women in Sport

ASIAN GAMES CHAMP NAMED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Rising star Yuka Saso was named Athlete of the Year by Media Centre in . It was the second time the young golfer the Philippine Sportswriters Association for her sensational had been named Athlete of the Year following her sparkling rookie season on the Japan Ladies Professional Golfers’ Asian Games year in 2018. Association Tour in 2020.

Saso, 19, won two tournaments from 15 starts in 2020 and ended the year as the leading money-winner with over 93 million yen (USD 860,000/43 million Philippine Peso) and second in the Mercedes points rankings.

“I hope my play can inspire the Filipino people especially in these challenging times of the pandemic,” said Saso, who won two gold medals for her country at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia – individual and women’s team.

The awards night was held online on March 27 and organised jointly by the PSA and San Miguel Corporation at the TV5 Yuka Saso won the Athlete of the Year in the Philippines. (Photo: olympics.com)

YUKO Arakida, a former Chair of the OCA Athletes’ Committee, was appointed Vice President of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee on March 3 with a brief to further promote gender equality and respect for diversity. “Yu-san” was a member of Japan’s gold medal-winning women’s volleyball team at Montreal 1976. (Photo: FIVB)

SHEIKHA ASMA TO ATTEMPT EVEREST CHALLENGE

The reports that avid adventurer Sheikha Asma has set herself the daunting goal in 2021 as part and QOC official Sheikha Asma Al Thani aims to become the of her drive to inspire women and young people in the region to first Qatari woman to climb Mount Everest. challenge stereotypes and fulfil their dreams.

Everest represents the toughest challenge yet on Sheikha Asma’s journey to become the first woman from the to complete the Explorers Grand Slam, which involves climbing all of the Seven Summits and reaching the North Pole and South Pole. She has already completed three of the nine challenges.

Sheikha Asma said: “I have dreamed of climbing mountains ever since I was young – a dream which has always been ignited by my love of sport and its ability to inspire.

“In my extensive work within sport in Qatar, I have seen first-hand the powerful impact that sport and its incredible athletes can have on the lives of so many. If they fall, they always get up and try harder. And if they lose, they always rise stronger. Sheikha Asma will attempt to climb Mount Everest. Ultimately, they inspire us all to be better versions of ourselves.”

Page 29

Women in Sport

MONGOLIAN OFFICIAL BECOMES UWW ASIA GENERAL SECRETARY

Mongolian official Buyana Pelje is the new General Secretary of Asia.

“Buya” was one of seven new members elected to the Executive Committee of the Asian governing body at the UWW Asia General Assembly in Almaty, Kazakhstan on April 12.

“Buya has been Director of the International Division of the Mongolian Wrestling Federation since 2014,” Mongolia NOC said in a statement.

“She is the third wrestling official from Mongolia to sit on the Asian Executive Committee but the first woman – and the first official from Mongolia to be General Secretary.” Buya is pictured with the women’s team trophy in Almaty.

Mongolia’s female wrestlers then showed their prowess on the Championships with 173 points from India (168) and mat by winning the women’s team title at the Asian Kazakhstan (156).

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY IN PALESTINE

Palestine Olympic Committee reports that the Palestinian Sports Culture Federation held a family fun walk to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

The event, in Gaza and Hebron, attracted participants of all ages and began with a 3km walk. The federation stressed the importance of regular exercise to contribute to a healthy lifestyle and said the Interna- tional Women’s Day activity would promote sports culture in the community.

The organisers praised the cooperation and coordination of various other women’s institutions to make the event a big success and thanked all the women who took part.

The 3km sports walk served as an introduction to other activities International Women’s Day in Palestine. planned for the northern and southern governorates in Palestine.

KABUL A beat Herat in the final of the women’s national basketball championship, which was held from April 7-11 at the Physical Education and Sport Ministry’s Gymnasium in Kabul. Kandahar finished third in the seven-team event, which was attended by senior officials of NOC and the government.

Page 30 Women in Sport

KONERU HUMPY NAMED BBC INDIAN SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Chess marvel Koneru Humpy is the BBC Indian Sportswoman The 33-year-old grandmaster beat an all-star cast of sprinter of the Year for 2020. , shooter Manu Bhaker, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and hockey captain Rani Rampal to win the award after a public vote.

Humpy is the world rapid chess champion having won the title in December 2019 after a two-year maternity break. In 2020, she won the Cairns Cup, an elite-level tournament for the top female players.

Advising young sportswomen to "just enjoy the game", she added: "Try to make it to the end and believe in yourself. You have to earn your respect and recognition, be confident and look up to the goal.

"I won over the years because of my willpower and confidence. A female player should never think about quitting her game. Marriage and motherhood are just a part of our life and they Grandmaster Koneru Humpy. (Photo: Koneru Humpy/Twitter) should not change the course of our lives," she said.

LAO’S FEMALE RUGBY PLAYERS SHOW THEY ARE ‘UNSTOPPABLE’

Lao Rugby Federation CEO Viengsamai Souksavanh organised a networking event in Vientiane to help promote women’s rugby in the community.

The event was attended by 17 members of the “Unstoppable” initiative – a World Rugby campaign with the hashtag “Try and Stop Us” to display the determination of women and girls to play rugby.

The focus of the day-long activity was on leadership development workshops and creating a better environment for female rugby players in the future. The 17 members of the Lao “Unstoppable” women’s rugby campaign.

The event coincided with International Women’s Day and more than 50 per cent of players and coaches are female. highlighted the popularity of the women’s game in , where (Photo: Asia Rugby)

IRANIAN archer Zahra Nemati - a two-time Paralympic champion - has been nominated for the International Paralympic Committee Athletes’ Council elections at the Tokyo 2020 . Nemati became the first Iranian woman to win gold at either a Paralympic or Olympic Games at London 2012. There are 22 candidates for six positions. (Photo: Times)

Page 31 Obituary

DR. DEMCHIGJAV ZAGDSUREN: The OCA was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Demchigjav Zagdsuren on April 21 following an illness at the age of 62. He was Vice President of the Mongolian CELSO L. DAYRIT: The former Philippine Olympic National Olympic Committee from 1999 to 2001 and Committee President passed away on April 28 at 70 years was the 12th President from 2001 to August 2020. A old. “A champion for Filipino sports, he lived a life filled with renowned and popular sports doctor as well as visionary compassion, dedication and kindness,” the POC said of leader, he oversaw several major developments in the “Cito”, who was President from 1994 to 2004 and was the Olympic movement in Mongolia, notably the incumbent President of the Fencing Confederation of Asia for establishment of an independent, fully integrated Olympic 15 years. He was awarded OCA and ANOC merit awards. House in 2002. He was Chairman of the OCA Information and Statistics Committee and contributed invaluable data to the OCA on the performances of Asian NOCs and athletes in the various disciplines of international multi-sport games.

MILAN KWEE: The veteran sports administrator and Vice JS GEHLOT: The OCA and Indian Olympic Association President of the Singapore National Olympic Council paid tribute to “Mr ” Janardan Singh Gehlot, who passed away on March 9 aged 74. He was a former passed away on April 28. He was a kabaddi pioneer and President of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation and a raised the profile of the sport in Asia through the Asian distinguished taekwondo athlete, as well as respected Games since 1990 and around the world as President of representative of the National Sports Associations in the International Kabaddi Federation. He was also Singapore. (Photo: The Straits Times) President of the Asian Kabaddi Federation.

Page 32 Obituary

RASHED AL-SWAISAT: The sports community in Jordan was rocked by the death of boxer Rashed Al-Swaisat, 19, on April 26 in Kielce, Poland – 10 days after being taken CATHERINE CHE KUK-HUNG: Hong Kong’s first Asian to hospital during the AIBA Youth World Championships. Games gold medallist, tenpin bowler Cat Che, passed The expressed deep sadness away on May 10 at the age of 69. Cat won the women’s and pain and offered sincere condolences to his family, singles title at the 10th Asian Games in Seoul in 1986. friends and teammates. (Photo: AIBA). (Photo: South China Morning Post)

FORTUNATO FRANCO: One of the unsung heroes of Indian football’s golden generation passed away on May 10 in Goa. He was 84. The midfielder helped India win Asian Games gold at Jakarta 1962 and was a member BALBIR SINGH JUNIOR: A member of of the Olympic squad at India’s Tokyo silver Rome 1960. He won 26 medal-winning hockey team, Balbir Singh caps for India before a Junior died on April 11. He was 88. The injury ended his Sports Authority of India paid tribute to the career in 1966. (Photo: “esteemed” national team player. The Hindu)

ASIR VICTOR: Malaysia lost a track great from the 1960s TOSHIHIKO KOGA: The three-time Japanese Olympian when Datuk Asirvatham Victor Asiruvatham passed away and three-time world champion died at the age of 53 on May 11. He was 81. The 400m runner competed in the on March 24 following an illness. Known for his creativity, Olympic Games (1964-1968), Asian Games (1962- artistry and courage on the mat, he was Olympic cham- 1966-1970), (1962) and South- pion at 1992 and silver medal-winner at Atlanta east Asian Peninsular (now SEA) Games. He won four gold 1996. He later coached the women’s national team to medals in the SEAP Games in 1965 and 1967 and two Olympic glory. Koga is pictured on a goodwill judo silver and one bronze in the Asian Games. (Photo: OCM) mission to Bhutan. (Photo: Bhutan Judo Association)

Page 33 Obituary

RP SINGH: A member of ANUPAMA PUCHIMANDA: India’s gold medal- Asian hockey mourned the winning hockey team at passing of the popular player Moscow 1980, Ravinder turned international umpire Pal Singh passed away in on April 18 in Bengaluru at Lucknow on May 8 due to the age of 40 due to Covid- Covid-19 complications 19 complications. AHF Presi- aged 62. The centre half dent Fumio Ogura said Anu also played at Los Angeles would be greatly missed by 1984, the Champions the hockey family in India and Trophy in 1980 and 1983, Asia. (Photo: The Hindu) World Cup in 1982 and in 1982.

MK KAUSHIK: Indian HO LIEN SIEW: Singapore hockey hero Maharaj NOC reported on April 5 that Krishan Kaushik excelled the Melbourne 1956 basket- as a player and coach, ball Olympian passed away winning Olympic gold at aged 88. Ho was nicknamed Moscow 1980 and later “Shen Shou” (Sharpshooter). leading the men’s and He played in three SEAP women’s national teams. Games, winning a bronze He died on May 8 in New medal in 1961, and the Asian Delhi due to Covid-19 Games in 1962 and coached complications aged 66. basketball until he was 82. (Photo: © Lovorth Media/SNOC)

LIM HENG CHEK: The Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall HAZIQ KAMARUDDIN: The two-time Olympic archer, of Fame swimmer/coach/official passed away peacefully 27, died at his home in Selangor on May 14. The Olympic on May 15 aged 85. He competed in all four major Council of Malaysia paid tribute to the athlete, who had multi-sport games, namely the Olympic Games been a member of the national men’s recurve team since (Melbourne 1956), Asian Games (Tokyo 1958 and 2010, winning Asian Games silver at 2014 and Jakarta 1962), British Empire and Commonwealth Games four gold and two silver medals in five SEA Games. The (Perth 1962) and the South East Asian Peninsular Games, Ministry of Health said he died due a blocked artery in his winning two gold medals (100m backstroke and 100m heart and it was not connected to the Covid-19 vaccina- butterfly) at 1959 and silver (100m backstroke) tion he took on May 4 ahead of Tokyo 2020. (Photo: at Yangon 1961. OCM)

Page 34 Obituary

HO YEN CHYE: Singa- RATEB AL AWADAT: The pore NOC announced former Jordan national that the 1992 Barcelona football team defender RAJ KUMAR SACHETI: Olympic Games and and club coach passed The Boxing Federation of 1990 Beijing Asian away on March 26 aged India Executive Director Games judoka Ho Yen VENUGOPAL CHAN- 50, Jordan NOC died on May 4 after Chye had died in Jakarta DRASEKHAR: The Indian reported. The AFC Presi- battling Covid-19. He on April 12 aged 54. The table tennis legend, dent, Shaikh Salman bin was 56. Six-time women’s former national heavy- three-time national cham- Ebrahim Al Khalifa, said world boxing champion weight champion won pion, coach and Arjuna Al Awadat would always MC Mary Kom said: “You medals at consecutive awardee passed away be remembered for his left us too soon. You are SEA Games from 1983- due to Covid-19 compli- passion for the game and simple, humble, trustwor- 1991, including gold in cations on May 12. his contribution to football thy. I will always hold you 1987. Chandra was 63. (Photo: in Jordan. (Photo: © close in my thoughts.” Team India) Nasser Majali Facebook) (Photo: BFI) (Photo: @Singapore NOC)

KIYOKO ONO: The two-time Olympic gymnast, who won GENEBERT BASADRE: The 2005 SEA Games gold a women’s team bronze for Japan at Tokyo 1964, passed medal-winning boxer and bronze away on March 13 aged 85. Elite athlete turned politician, medallist died on April 25 after collapsing at his home in she was the first female Vice President of the Japanese Cagayan de Oro City. He was 37. “Gone too soon. Thank Olympic Committee and an icon of sport and society. you for bringing honor to our country, Genebert,” said the (Photo: © Japan Gymnastics Association/Kishimoto) 2019 SEA Games Facebook account.

Page 35 News In Brief

IOC President re-elected Gangwon 2024’s youth vision

IOC President Thomas Bach was re-elected The first Winter Youth Olympic Games to be held in Asia – at for an additional four-year term at the 137th Gangwon, Korea, in 2024 – has announced a powerful vision IOC Session held virtually on March 10. The that will provide the foundation for all their activities for the years 67-year-old German received 93 yes votes to come: "Gangwon 2024 – youth celebrating peaceful coexis- and 1 no vote from the 94 valid votes. tence and unity through sport to create a better future together.”

President Bach, who won Olympic gold with the men’s foil fencing The announcement was made during the first meeting between team at Montreal 1976, was first elected IOC President in 2013 the IOC Coordination Commission and Gangwon 2024, the for an eight-year term. His new term will conclude in 2025. Korean hosts of the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games.

FINA announces logo World Athletics sets Yangzhou 2022 timetable

FINA has unveiled the logo for the 15th edition of the FINA World The World Athletics Council has confirmed the competition Swimming Championships (25m) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab timetable for the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Emirates, scheduled for December 16-21, 2021. scheduled to take place in Yangzhou, China on March 27, 2022: 9.30am, women’s race; 10.0am, men’s race, followed by mass The official logo symbolises the race for recreational runners. past and present and is inspired by Abu Dhabi’s pearl- heritage. As with previous editions, there are no entry standards for the It features a swimmer constructed competition. A maximum of seven athletes may be entered by a from pearls who is powering through the water, which is represen- member federation, but only five can start the race. The top three tative of both the city’s proud history and the competitive nature of finishers for each member federation will count towards the team the world short-course championships. competition.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Page 34 News In Brief

Badminton announces equipment partners Chinese Taipei to host final qualifier

The Badminton World Federa- The World Baseball tion has concluded its periodic Confederation will stage the tender process to award its WBSC Baseball Final Qualifier official equipment partners for for Tokyo 2020 in Taichung from BWF major championships June 16-20. 2022-2025. The event will provide the sixth and last qualifier for the baseball Victor has been awarded the rights for the BWF Thomas and Uber tournament in Tokyo and qualification games will be played at Cup Finals 2022 (Thailand) and 2024 (China), as well as the BWF Taichung and Douliu. Sudirman Cup 2023 (India) and 2025 (China). The six participating teams will be world No. 4 Chinese Taipei, Yonex will continue as equipment supplier of the BWF World No. 6 Australia, No. 9 Netherlands, No. 22 China and the Championships in 2022 (Japan), 2023 (Denmark) and 2025 second and third-placed teams from the WBSC Baseball Americas (France). Qualifier in Florida.

Olympic honour for Asian rugby refs New dates for Chengdu

World Rugby has announced a list of 22 match officials from 12 The International University Sports Federation (FISU) has countries for the women’s and men’s rugby sevens competitions at confirmed that the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Tokyo 2020. The list includes eight female refs. will take place in Sichuan province from June 26 to July 7, 2022.

Asia Rugby reports that Matt Rodden (Hong Kong) and Noriaki The world’s largest international multi-sport event for student- Hashimoto (Japan) will officiate at the Olympics for the first time in athletes was due to be held in August 2021 but was postponed on the men’s tournament. April 1 due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

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2021 2025

Doha, Qatar: June 5 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 13 – 18 Birmingham, UK: July 28 – August 8 Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Dates to be determined FINA General Congress FINA Swimming World Championships (25m) Commonwealth Games OCA 4th Asian Youth Games

Monaco: June 19 – 29 Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 World Rugby Sevens Repechage for Tokyo 2020 2022 OCA 19th Asian Games 2026

Tokyo, Japan: July 23 – August 8 Chandigarh, India: January (dates to be determined) , Qatar: November 21 – December 18 Milano Cortina, : Dates to be determined Olympic Games Commonwealth Archery and Championships FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Olympic Winter Games

Tokyo, Japan: August 24 – September 5 Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4 Paralympic Games Olympic Winter Games 2023 OCA 20th Asian Games

Seoul, Korea: October 26 – 27 Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 Phnom Penh, : May 5 – 16 Dakar, : Dates to be determined ANOC General Assembly/ANOC Awards 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games IOC 4th Youth Olympic Games 2024 Shantou, China: November 20 – 28 Bangkok/Chonburi Province, Thailand: March 10 – 20 OCA 3rd Asian Youth Games OCA 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Gangwon, Korea: Dates to be determined IOC 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games , Vietnam: November 21 – December 2 Yangzhou, China: March 27 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games World Athletics Half Marathon Championships Paris, France: July 26 – August 11 Olympic Games Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: December 10 – 12 Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 FINA World Aquatics Convention 19th FINA World Championships

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

杭州2022年第19届亚运会官方合作伙伴

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2024

Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 Gangwon, Korea: Dates to be determined World Athletics Championships Oregon22 IOC 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games

Birmingham, UK: July 28 – August 8 Paris, France: July 26 – August 11 Commonwealth Games Olympic Games

Konya, Turkey: August 9 – 18 5th 2025

Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Dates to be determined OCA 19th Asian Games OCA 4th Asian Youth Games

Doha, Qatar: November 21 – December 18 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 2026

Milano Cortina, Italy: Dates to be determined

M.T 2023 MILANO CORTINA 2026 Olympic Winter Games

Nanjing, China: March 17 – 19 Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4

20th Asian Games World Athletics Indoor Championships 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

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