Al-Musallam: Asian Games reinforce sport’s unifying role

Asian Olympic Council Director General Hussain Al-Musallam.

NAGOYA, Oct 4: Asian Olympic Council Director General Hussain Al-Musallam said the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games had reinforced the power and influence of sport in bringing the continent together and promoting the values of peace, solidarity and unity.

Speaking at a press conference in Aichi-Nagoya, Al-Musallam highlighted the high level of competition at the Games, which produced 54 world records, 11 world junior records, 89 Asian records, and 212 Games records.

He attributed the achievements to the excellent conditions provided for athletes by the organizing committee, stressing that world-class performance could only be achieved in an environment that enables competitors to perform at their best.

Al-Musallam praised the Aichi-Nagoya organizing committee, the governor, mayor, secretary-general, staff, and volunteers for their extensive efforts in preparing and staging the Games.

He said the Asian Games were far more than a sporting event, describing them as a platform that, for more than a century, had helped develop sport in Asia and strengthen ties among its peoples despite the challenges facing the world.

“The records achieved in Nagoya could not have been set without creating the right environment for athletes and enabling them to deliver their best performances,” he said.

Al-Musallam said the Games had made a significant contribution to the development of Asian sport, with the record-breaking performances in Nagoya providing clear evidence of their wider developmental impact.

He also stressed the importance of the Asian Games as a platform for peace and unity, particularly at a time when Asia and other parts of the world continue to face conflicts, disputes, and economic challenges.

“Despite all these challenges, we see Asia united through sport, preserving the principles of peace, solidarity and unity and putting them into practice at the highest level,” he said.

He pointed to the participation of 45 National Olympic Committees, alongside the Refugee Team, as a clear example of the Games’ unifying role.

Al-Musallam also cited the history of the Asian Games, particularly the participation of North and South Korea, as evidence of sport’s ability to bridge political divisions. He recalled how the two countries marched together as one team at the 2002 Asian Games and competed jointly at the 2018 edition, where they also won medals.