KUNA photos A group photo of Minister Al-Mutairi with the presidents of the International Olympic Committee, Bach and Coventry, members of the Olympic Council of Asia, and representatives of the National Olympic Committees.

KUWAIT CITY, May 12, (KUNA): The 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) took place on Monday in Kuwait, bringing together leaders from National Olympic Committees across 45 Asian countries. Kuwait's representation was led by Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee. The event began with a vibrant opening ceremony attended by top sports officials and dignitaries from across Asia and the world.

Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi conveyed Kuwait’s deep pride in hosting this major continental Olympic gathering. He highlighted the honor of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah representing the nation at the opening ceremony, and wished the OCA continued success in developing Asian sports across all disciplines.

In his address, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Dr. Thomas Bach emphasized Asia’s vast and growing influence in global sports. “Asia is not only the largest continent but one with a rich history and a powerful presence in the sporting world,” he said. Dr. Bach also praised the OCA’s “outstanding work” in contributing to the success of Olympic Games such as Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022.

OCA First Vice President Timothy Fok expressed appreciation for Kuwait’s role as the Council’s home base and thanked His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown Prince for their unwavering support of the Asian Olympic Movement.

The meeting, chaired by Hussein Al-Musallam, the Director of the OCA, began with a keynote address by Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Coventry, who will officially assume her IOC position in June, emphasized sport's power as a unifying force for athletes, giving them the platform to express themselves and engage with their communities.

In her speech, Coventry highlighted Asia’s key role in the global Olympic movement, noting the success of Asian countries in hosting major Olympic events. She particularly praised the organization of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. Coventry commended the exceptional organization of the OCA’s assembly and the opening ceremony in Kuwait, reflecting the region’s strength in managing international sports events.

Following the opening remarks, the assembly heard reports from the OCA Vice Presidents representing each Asian region. These included Timothy Fok (Hong Kong, East Asia), Dr. Norza Zakaria (Malaysia, Southeast Asia), Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (Bhutan, South Asia), Otabek Umarov (Uzbekistan, Central Asia), and Dr. Thani Al-Kuwari (Qatar, West Asia).

The assembly also heard presentations from Witold Banka, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), as well as updates from the organizing committees of future events, including the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Summer Games and the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games in China. The upcoming Asian Youth Games in Bahrain (2025), Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (2026), Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh (2026), and the Asian Winter Games in NEOM (2029) were also discussed.

The meeting concluded with the Council’s standing committees presenting their annual reports, delivered by the heads of each committee. These included the advisory, athletes, cultural, education, electronic sports, martial arts, mind sports, ethics, finance, gender equality, international relations, legal, media, and medical committees. Reports were also presented from the committees on the Parallel Asian Games, peace through sports, sports, sports and the environment, and sports for all.

During the assembly, the OCA honored Dr. Bach with the prestigious Order of Merit in recognition of his more than 12 years of leadership and contributions to the Olympic Movement. The Council also congratulated newly elected IOC President Christy Coventry on her victory.

Kuwait Olympic Committee Chairman Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah noted that the assembly provides a vital platform for collaboration and shared vision among Asia’s leading sports figures. He reaffirmed Kuwait’s commitment to supporting the OCA’s objectives and working closely with national Olympic committees to empower young athletes and develop regional sports.

Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming spoke at the event, reflecting on the powerful role sports played in shaping his education, personal growth, and international understanding. He praised the assembly in Kuwait for offering a supportive environment for athletes and sports leaders alike.