Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia
Edition 49 - June 2020
HELLO HANGZHOU!
MEET THE NEW ASIAN GAMES MASCOTS
OCA Games Update OCA Advisory Commi�ee OCA Sports Calendar OCA and COVID-19
Contents
Inside Sporting Asia Edition 49 – June 2020
11 20 22
3
President’s Message
4-7
News in Pictures
8-9
Awards
10 - 11
Inside the OCA
12 - 16
OCA Games Updates
17 - 20
Asia/Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifier
21
Road to Tokyo: Table Tennis
22 - 25
Olympic Spirit in COVID-19
26 - 27
Women in Sport
28 - 29
News in Brief
30 - 34
Obituary
36
OCA Sports Diary/Sponsors Club
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.
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In April 2019, Geely Holding Group became the official prestige partner of the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. Under the slogan “Enjoy E-mobility @ the Asian Games with Geely,” the Group will empower the games with green, intelligent, and humanistic technologies. Geely will develop a series of full autonomous mobility solutions by 2022 to service the 19th Asian Games.
President’s Message
OLYMPIC SPIRIT SHINES BRIGHTLY IN DARK DAYS OF COVID-19 Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia, published quarterly. Executive Editor / Director General Husain Al-Musallam husain@ocasia.org Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari vinod@ocasia.org Director, Asian Games Department Haider A. Farman haider@ocasia.org Editor Jeremy Walker jeremy@ocasia.org Executive Secretary Nayaf Sraj nayaf@ocasia.org Olympic Council of Asia PO Box 6706, Hawalli Zip Code 32042 Kuwait Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 Email: info@ocasia.org Website: www.ocasia.org
A
t the turn of the year, the world was looking forward to a summer of celebration – the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It would be a time for athletes from all continents to gather together and inspire us with their heroic deeds and golden achievements – and, for some, to write their name in Olympic history. Then along came COVID-19 and the world stopped. Our sports events were called off; our athletes were forced to go into lockdown and train at home; and our world was devastated by the loss of human life. Today, our world is a much different place to the one at the turn of the year when everything seemed so positive and the outlook so bright.
Front Cover:
The mascot triplets for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.
But, even in these darkest days, the Olympic Movement has displayed all the characteristics that make it so special and so unique: the cooperation and understanding in dealing with this new set of circumstances; the team spirit in working together towards a collective goal; the resolute determination to emerge victorious. The biggest sports casualty of all, of course, was the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Tokyo which have now been put back a year to the summer of 2021.
This was the first time in history that the Olympics had been postponed and we all had to accept the “new-norm” and embrace the changes that needed to be made. Once again I think the Olympic family has shown a true team spirit in adapting to the conditions and overcoming the challenges one by one. The International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, the International Federations, the National Olympic Committees and individual athletes around the world put the disappointment behind them, rolled up their sleeves and began planning for Tokyo 2020 – in 2021. The world will eventually return to normal – including our world of sport and our cherished Olympic Movement. Until then, stay safe, stay strong and follow the guidelines to protect yourself and others. At the end of this, we will meet again and celebrate a victory greater than anything we have witnessed on the sports field.
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, Olympic Council of Asia
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News in Pictures
PALESTINE Olympic Committee President Gen. Jibril Rajoub praised the hard work and dedication of female staff within the local Olympic sports movement as part of International Women’s Day celebrations. “She is the mother, the sister and the daughter that we cherish,” he said, while praising the effort and determination they have showed in breaking down stereotypes.
ASIAN Games 2018 MVP Rikako Ikee is back in the pool after 406 days of treatment and recovery since being diagnosed with leukemia in February 2019 – just six months after winning six gold medals and two silver medals in Jakarta. The 19-year-old Japanese swimmer posted two pictures on her Instagram account on March 17 to share the latest developments in her life. Page 04
ANOC Merit Award winner Firas Mualla is the new President of the Syrian Olympic Committee. The renowned long-distance swimmer was elected as head of the General Sports Federation and of the Syrian Olympic Committee in the 10th public conference of the General Sports Federation held on February 16. (Photo: The Syria Times)
News in Pictures
CHINESE Olympians joined local sports officials at the official opening of the new Athlete Training and Development Centre next to the East Asian Games Dome in Macau, China. The local officials were: Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau of the Macau SAR Government and Vice President of the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China; Charles Lo, President of the Olympic Committee and OCA Executive Board member; and Carson Ma Chi Seng, head of the Youth Committee and Treasurer of the Olympic Committee.
CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee celebrated International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on April 6 with a “white card” campaign as a symbol of peace. The 22 elite athletes taking part included Chieh Chen (pictured). CTOC also held a reunion for graduates of the International Sports Affairs Training Course on March 29. The activities included a seminar and sport climbing exercise.
WORLD badminton champion PV Sindhu is one of the new ambassadors for the Badminton World Federation’s “I am badminton” integrity campaign. The Indian superstar and Rio 2016 silver medallist said: “You are playing the sport for yourself. You need to be happy about it. You have to play it very clean and that is very important to me.” The list also includes: Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (China) and Chan Ho-yuen (Hong Kong, China). Page 05
News in Pictures
SOUTHEAST Asia Regional AntiDoping Organisation (SEARADO) Director General Gobinathan Nair (left) visited Brunei on February 18 to meet with key stakeholders including Maj Gen Dato Aminuddin Ihasan Abidin, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Brunei Darussalam NOC Secretary General Zuraimi Abdul Sani.
TAJIKISTAN National Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the Committee for Youth and Sport, held a “Sport for All” day in a variety of sports including athletics, chess and judo on April 28. All winners were awarded diplomas and medals by Tajikistan NOC as well as commemorative gifts. The aim of the event was to attract more youngsters to sport and unearth new talent. (Photo: Tajikistan NOC)
UZBEKISTAN NOC President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov briefed the Advisor to the President of Uzbekistan, Abdujabbor Abdukhokhidov, on the condition and fitness levels of the country’s Olympic elite athletes during quarantine and explained the activities and exercises they were undertaking to maintain their fitness.
ASIA Rugby General Manager Ross Mitchell retired from his post at the end of March. He was involved with rugby in Asia for over 45 years and was a popular figure on the Asian Games circuit. In 2007, Ross was elected by the Asia Rugby (ARFU at the time) Council as Honorary Secretary General for four years. In 2013, Asia Rugby appointed him as General Manager.
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News in Pictures
THE Athletes 365 Career+ Outreach Workshop organised by the Athletes Commission of the Qatar Olympic Committee took place at the Qatar Olympic Academy on February 24. The two-day workshop brought together 15 Team Qatar athletes who had represented the country in previous Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
IRAN is forming a women’s para powerlifting national team to take part in international competitions, the Tehran Times reports. Last year, the Iran Weightlifting Federation sent female lifters to the Asian Championships and to the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships for the first time. (Photo: Tehran Times)
KAZAKHSTAN National Olympic Committee elected a new Executive Committee at the General Assembly on February 26. The meeting was attended by NOC President Timur Kulibayev and Deputy Prime Minister Yeraly Tugzhanov as well as presidents and representatives of national sports federations.
SRI Lanka NOC made special arrangements for six female athletes to take their GCE O Level examinations even as they competed at the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal last December. All six won medals for their country and passed their exams with flying colours!
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IOC Women and Sport Awards 2020 SKATEISTAN WINS IOC’S WOMEN AND SPORT WORLD TROPHY
O
ne of the biggest contributors to the success of the OCA Skateboarding Youth Camp in Nanjing, China last summer was the team from Afghanistan. With one female and one male athlete, supported by an enthusiastic and talented coach, the delegation was a credit to Afghanistan, the OCA and the sport of skateboarding. The athletes and coach came from a group known as Skateistan – a non-profit organisation based in Afghanistan and with branches in Cambodia and South Africa. The organisation uses skateboarding to create safe environments where girls can overcome barriers and gain access to sport and education. Earlier this year, the documentary Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl), which follows the progress of a group of girls at Skateistan in Kabul, was awarded the BAFTA for Best British Short Film (Documentary) and an Oscar for Best Documentary (Short Subject). Thanks to this remarkable success and noble aims, Skateistan was named winner of the World Trophy of the annual IOC Women and Sport Awards, for 2020. There were also five awards for the continents, including Asia.
Skateistan students have a creative, arts-based education. (Photo: Skateistan.org)
Commenting on the announcement, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Congratulations to the six winners of this year’s edition of the IOC Women and Sport Awards. Each project is a lifelong commitment to advancing gender equality on and off the field of play. Each winner demonstrates the power of sport to make gender equality a reality.” The six winners will receive their awards at a later date.
Founded: 2008 In: Kabul, Afghanistan HQ: Berlin, Germany Project reach: 2,500 children Ages: From 5 to 17 In: Afghanistan, Cambodia, South Africa.
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The Afghanistan delegation at the OCA skateboarding youth camp in Nanjing, China in 2019. Coach/manager Noorzai Ibrahimi (centre) works for Skateistan in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan.
IOC Women and Sport Awards 2020/Forbes List
OLYMPIC ARCHER KIM EARNS IOC AWARD FOR ASIA
K
orea’s first archery world champion, Kim Jin-ho, has been named IOC Women and Sport Award winner for Asia in 2020.
Kim, who won the world championship for the first time in 1979 and again in 1983, was selected for her successful efforts to increase female representation within national sport governing bodies. She was also recognised for her pioneering work with Myeonggoong Council - an organisation she founded and which provides free archery lessons and scholarships to children, particularly girls.
Kim won the bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and also competed in three Asian Games, climbing the podium nine times. Since the end of her international career, the 58-year-old Kim has become a professor at the Korean National Sport University. She is also a board member of the Korean Archery Association and was previously a director of the Women’s Sport Association of Korea from 1990 to 1998. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee presented her with the Korea Sports Hero award in 2018.
Kim Jin-ho (Photo: World Archery)
ASIAN GAMES CHAMP DIDAL JOINS FORBES LIST
A
sian Games skateboarding champion Margielyn Didal of the Philippines has been included in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for Asia in 2020.
gold in the men’s floor exercise at the FIG World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany in 2019 and has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. (Photo: AFP)
“Magic Margie” won the street discipline of skateboarding at Jakabaring Sports City in Palembang, Indonesia in 2018 and is on course to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, where the daredevil sport will make its Olympic debut next year. Forbes were so impressed with the impact she has made in the Philippines, Asia and beyond that they named her in the list of 30 most influential change-makers aged under 30 in the Sport and Entertainment category for Asia. At the age of 21, the Red Bull-sponsored Didal has plenty of years ahead of her in the sport and has allowed other youngsters to dream of what can be achieved with determination, devotion and hard work. The list of 30 also includes her compatriot Carlos Yulo, who won
Asian Games 2018 skateboarding champion Margielyn Didal.
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Inside the OCA DOHA AND RIYADH BID TO HOST 21ST ASIAN GAMES IN 2030 “This proves once again the trust and confidence in the OCA from our National Olympic Committees to stage world-class multi-sport events on a major scale,” said Sheikh Ahmad.
ASIAN GAMES HOST CITIES 1951: New Delhi, India 1954: Manila, Philippines 1958: Tokyo, Japan
“The fact that we have already signed Host City Contracts with Hangzhou, China for the 19th Asian Games in 2022 and with Doha, which hosted the 15th Asian Games in 2006, boasts a scenic Corniche. Aichi-Nagoya in Japan for the 20th Asian Games in 2026 he Olympic Council of Asia received two strong bids to host gives our sports calendar stability the 21st edition of its showpiece event, the Asian Games, in 2030. and continuity for the next decade.
1966: Bangkok, Thailand
Doha, capital of Qatar, and Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, submitted official bids before the OCA deadline of April 22, 2020. The documents included the required letters of support from the respective governments.
“We are in an envious position in this regard and it shows once again that Asia is a major partner in the global Olympic sports movement.”
1978: Bangkok, Thailand
The OCA will elect the host city of the 21st Asian Games 2030 at the General Assembly on November 29, 2020, on the sidelines of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China.
Sheikh Ahmad added that the sequence of Asian Games from 2022 to 2030 – be it Riyadh or Doha – enabled the NOCs and, in particular, the athletes to set targets for the short-term, mid-term and long-term.
T
The President of the OCA, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, said he was delighted to receive two strong bids from major capital cities in the Gulf region.
1962: Jakarta, Indonesia
1970: Bangkok, Thailand 1974: Tehran, Iran
1982: New Delhi, India 1986: Seoul, Korea 1990: Beijing, China 1994: Hiroshima, Japan 1998: Bangkok, Thailand 2002: Busan, Korea 2006: Doha, Qatar 2010: Guangzhou, China 2014: Incheon, Korea 2018: Jakarta/Palembang, Indonesia 2022: Hangzhou, China
Riyadh, capital of Saudi Arabia, is bidding to host an OCA games for the first time in history. Page 10
2026: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Inside the OCA
OCA THANKS HAGOC FOR MASS MASK DONATION
T
he Olympic Council of Asia has thanked the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee for the donation of 30,000 medical masks to fight the spread of COVID-19. The OCA will distribute the masks to staff at OCA HQ, the sports community in Kuwait and to the Ministry of Health for the frontline medical workers saving lives every day. “This is a wonderful gesture,” said the OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam. “It shows the strong bond between the two organisations and between the people of China and Kuwait. We will put the masks to good use around Kuwait and we are sure they will contribute to saving lives during these difficult times.”
The OCA Director General displays the Asian Games slogan.
NEW OCA VP: The OCA has appointed a new Vice President linked to the organisation of the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Bangkok and Chonburi province from May 21-30, 2021. Dato Seri Chaiyapak Siriwat is Vice President of NOC Thailand, Vice President of the Asian Hockey Federation and President of the Thailand Hockey Association. (Photo: AHF)
OCA ADVISORY COMMITTEE HOLDS ONLINE MEETING
T
he Olympic Council of Asia conducted an online meeting of the OCA Advisory Committee on Monday, April 27.
The Chairman of the OCA Advisory Committee, IOC Member Ng Ser Miang of Singapore, began the meeting by providing the background on the decision to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021 due to COVID-19. HRH Prince Faisal Al-Hussein, IOC Member from Jordan and President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, briefed the members on the flexible approach of the IOC regarding National Olympic Committee elections due to the postponement of Tokyo 2020.
The OCA Director-General, Husain Al-Musallam, reported on the latest developments of the multi-sport games. The meeting was attended online by: Ng Ser Miang (Chairman, Singapore), CK Wu (Chinese Taipei), Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (Philippines), Dr Narinder Batra (India), HRH Prince Faisal Al-Hussein (Jordan), Li Lingwei (China), Zhang Hong (China), Ryu Seung Min (Korea), Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul (Thailand), OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam and Chris Chan, Edmund Lim and Antony Lee from Singapore NOC.
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OCA Games Update Hangzhou 2022
ROBOT TRIPLETS UNVEILED
T
hree sporty robots will be the official mascots of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2022.
The Chairman of the OCA Coordination Committee, Raja Randhir Singh, was very impressed with the three mascots.
The mascots were unveiled at a high-tech 20-minute online ceremony on Friday, April 3 which involved a video link between the capital Beijing and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, eastern China.
“The concept and the design is very modern and forwardlooking while also representing traditional Chinese characteristics,” said Raja Randhir.
The three mascots, known collectively as the “smart triplets”, represent the three UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hangzhou as well as the futuristic internet capabilities of the city and the province.
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“I am sure they will be very popular with people of all ages and will help promote the Asian Games and the city of Hangzhou.
Congcong
Lianlian
“At the same time, the fact that they signify the three UNESCO World Heritage sites of Hangzhou reflects the long history and
OCA Games Update Hangzhou 2022
AS ASIAN GAMES MASCOTS the culture of the region. They represent the past, the present and the future. “The OCA would like to congratulate the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee for choosing such dynamic and likeable mascots,” added Raja Randhir, whose OCA Coordination Committee works alongside HAGOC in planning and preparing for the Asian Games. Introducing mascots:
Chenchen
the
three
Congcong: The name comes from the Cong jade pendant – the quintessential relic unearthed from the ancient ruins
of Liangzhu City dating back 5,000 years. It takes yellow, the colour of earth and bumper harvest, as the main tone. Lianlian: Represents the West Lake and the name depicts a lake full of lush lotus leaves. Green stands for life and nature. Chenchen: Represents the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It takes its name from the iconic, arched Gongchen Bridge a landmark structure in the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal. Blue represents science and technology. NOTE: The organising committee received 4,633 submissions for the mascot designs and the robot characters were the creations of Zhang Wen and Yang Hongyi, lecturers from the China Academy of Art.
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OCA Games Update Hangzhou 2022
85 PER CENT OF ASIAN GAMES VENUES TO BE FINISHED THIS YEAR
C
onstruction of 42 of the 58 competition venues and athlete villages for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, Xinhua News reports.
A total of 53 competition venues, five Asian Games villages and 31 training venues are needed for the Asian Games in September 2022. Forty of them were already under construction in 2019 and work on the remaining competition venues will begin this year. "Our target is to complete the construction of 42 competition venues and auxiliary facilities by the end of this year, which accounts for more than 85 percent of the total construction work," the organising committee said. All competition venues are expected to be completed by March 2021 – giving organisers plenty of time for fixtures and fittings and for the all-important test events in the ensuing 18 months.
The design of the Big Lotus – main stadium for the 19th Asian Games.
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Hangzhou 2022 held a meeting on April 29 to discuss the criteria for joining the official hotel programme for the 19th Asian Games. Organisers are looking to sign up 70 hotels to provide services for the OCA, technical officials, athletes and media.
OCA Games Update SANYA 2020
ASIAN BEACH GAMES ORGANISERS DESIGNATE SPORTS VENUES SPORTS PROGRAMME 17 sports 19 disciplines 93 events 1: Aquathlon (3 events) 2: Aquatics: Open Water (4) Water Polo (2) An aerial view of the beach at Sanya Bay. (Photo: Wei Wu/Hainan Daily)
T
he organising committee of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, Hainan province of China, has finalised the competition venues for the sand and sea sports festival. SABGOC has created four venue clusters to host the 17 sports, 19 disciplines and 93 events of the 6th ABG, which will run from November 28 to December 6, 2020. The four venue clusters, with sports, are: Tianya (9 sports/10 disciplines): Beach Volleyball, Beach Handball, Powerboat, Beach Woodball, Aquathlon, Sailing, Sport Climbing, Aquatics (open water swimming and water polo) and Dragon Boat. Jiyang (5 sports/6 disciplines): Basketball 3x3, Beach Soccer, Beach Kabaddi, Teqball and Martial Arts (Beach Wrestling and Jujisu). Haitang (2 sports): Beach Athletics and Surfing. Yazhou (1 sport): Powered Paragliding.
A Torch Relay Working Conference was held in Haikou and attended by three key departments of Hainan Province - the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sport, the Department of Finance and the Public Security Department - as well as representatives of the 12 coastal cities and counties in Haikou, Sanya, Qionghai and Wanning. The OCA is hoping to hold the ABG Chefs de Mission Seminar in Sanya, Hainan Island, on July 20. If this is not possible, a remote CDM Seminar will be conducted online. Sanya 2020 revealed the 19 sports pictograms and official posters on May 8.
3: Beach Athletics (12) 4: Powerboat (8) 5: Dragon Boat (9) 6: Basketball 3x3 (2) 7: Sport Climbing (4) 8: Beach Handball (2) 9: Beach Soccer (2) 10: Beach Volleyball (2) 11: Woodball (8) 12: Martial Arts: Beach Wrestling (7) Jujitsu (4) 13: Beach Kabaddi (2) 14: Surfing (6) 15: Sailing (10) 16: Teqball (3) 17: Powered Paragliding (3)
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OCA Games Update
OCA CONFIRMS DATES, SPORTS FOR 6TH AIMAG 2021
T
he OCA signed a host city contract with NOC Thailand on April 23 for Bangkok and Chonburi province to host the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) next year. It was a virtual signing ceremony conducted online between the Sports Authority of Thailand HQ in Bangkok and the OCA HQ in Kuwait. The two main signatories were the OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, and the President of NOC Thailand, Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon. The dates have been confirmed as May 21 – 30, 2021.
The online signing ceremony of the host city contract for the 6th AIMAG.
The 28 medal sports are: Indoor Athletics, Cue Sports, Bowling, Dance Sport, Chess, Futsal (men and women), Roller Sports/Sport Climbing, Short Course Swimming (25m), Muay, Jujitsu, BMX Cycling, Hoop Takraw/Sepak Takraw, Kurash, Floorball, Netball, Taekwondo, Indoor Hockey, Karate, E-Sports, Badminton, Pencak Silat, Cheer Leading, Sambo, Indoor Rowing, Indoor Volleyball (men and women), Basketball 3x3 (men and women), Traditional Wrestling, Kickboxing. The two demonstration sports are: Teqball, Air Sport (Indoor Drone).
3rd AYG Shantou 2021 The OCA has announced the sports programme for the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou, Guangdong province, from November 20-28, 2021. The 18 sports for AYG 3 are: 1, Athletics; 2, Aquatics (Swimming, Diving and Water Polo); 3, Badminton; 4, Basketball (3x3); 5, Beach Volleyball; 6, Dragon Boat Racing; 7, Football; 8, Gymnastics; 9, Golf; 10, Handball; 11, Hip Hop Dance; 12, Sport Climbing; 13, Rugby Sevens; 14, Surfing; 15, Table Tennis; 16, Taekwondo; 17, Wind Surfing; 18, Wushu.
AICHI-NAGOYA 2026 UNVEIL EMBLEM FOR 20TH ASIAN GAMES
T
he Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC) revealed the official emblem for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on March 23. AINAGOC asked the public for emblem designs in the autumn of 2019 and received 884 proposals from all over Japan.
AINAGOC said the smooth curves represented the athleticism of sport; purple represents the iris – prefectural flower of Aichi; gold describes the “kinshachi” - the golden tiger-headed dolphins on the roof of Nagoya Castle; and green signifies the environment. The emblem also contains the letter A for Asia and Aichi and the N for Nagoya.
The design created by Hiroshi Miyashita - Associate Professor of the Department of Design, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Aichi Sangyo University - was examined thoroughly by the emblem selection panel and finalised at the AINAGOC Executive Board meeting held on the same day of its release. Hideaki Ohmura, President of AINAGOC and Governor of Aichi prefecture, Takashi Kawamura, Deputy President of AINAGOC and Mayor of Nagoya, and Tsuyoshi Fukui, Vice President of AINAGOC and Secretary General of the Japanese Olympic Committee, attended the EB meeting and emblem launch. Double Olympic judo champion and Busan Asian Games 2002 gold medal-winner Ayumi Tanimoto from Aichi prefecture was also in attendance. Page 16
The emblem for the 20th Asian Games is unveiled.
Asia/Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournament
JORDAN STEPS IN TO HOST WORLD-CLASS BOXING QUALIFIER FOR TOKYO 2020 OLYMPIC GAMES
J
ordan’s hosting of the Asia/Oceania boxing qualifying tournament for the Tokyo Olympics was a success from start to finish. Stepping in at short notice after the original host city, Wuhan in China, was unable to organise the event on the intended dates of February 3-14, Jordan put on a top-class spectacle in the capital Amman from March 3-11. A total of 221 boxers from 35 countries and regions in Asia and Oceania competed in 13 categories – eight for men and five for women. There were a total of 63 places available at the Tokyo Olympics through this qualifier and the fact that host country Jordan claimed five of them added to the excitement. The Secretary General of the Jordan Olympic Committee, Nasser Majali, said: “We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the successful hosting of this huge event that created wonderful moments and memories for sport in Jordan.
“This tournament proved the great capability of Jordan in hosting major sports events and this was due to a combination of youth and experience, enthusiasm and teamwork. I would also like to praise the role of the large number of volunteers. It created a beautiful image of our country.” Majali was proud of the support the organising committee received, from corporate sponsors to the spectators in the stands of the impressive Prince Hamzeh Hall who cheered five local boxers all the way to Tokyo. “The success of this tournament proved that, with collaboration and cooperation from all parties, any event can be held at the highest level of professionalism,” he added, in reference to the tight 45-day timeline from being appointed host city to the opening day of competition.
63 HEROES The 63 qualifying places were filled by: 9: Kazakhstan and India 7: Uzbekistan 6: China 5: Jordan and Australia 4: Chinese Taipei and Thailand 3: Japan 2: South Korea, Philippines, Iran and Tajikistan 1: New Zealand, Mongolia and Vietnam
SEE ALSO Pages 18 and 19: Photo Gallery. HRH Prince Faisal Al-Hussein, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, attends the victory ceremony of Jordan’s Zeyad Ishaish, who won gold in the welterweight (69kg) division.
Page 20: The 63 boxers who qualified for Tokyo. Page 17
Asia/Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournament
Feeling champion: That's China's Chang Yuan after defeating Tsukimi Namiki of Japan in the women's flyweight final.
The Philippines' Eumir Marcial (right) gets the better of Kazakhstan's Abilkhan Amankul in the men's middleweight final.
Chinese Taipei’s Lin Yu-ting (left) defeats Sena Irie of Japan in the women’s featherweight final.
Zakir Safiullin (Kazakhstan) and Elnur Abduraimov (Uzbekistan) are locked in a Central Asia battle. Page 18
Asia/Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournament
India’s Simranjit Kaur Baatth battles Korea’s Oh Yeon-ji.
A victory salute from Uzbekistan’s Tursunoy Rakhimova after winning a box-off.
Mongolia’s Byamba-Erdene Otgonbaatar takes on Seyedshahin Mousavi of Iran.
Thailand’s Chatchai-Decha Butdee fights Korea’s Ham Sang-myeong. Page 19
Asia/Oceania Olympic Boxing Qualifying Tournament
OCA CONGRATULATES 63 TOKYO-BOUND BOXERS FROM ASIA/OCEANIA OQT
MEN Flyweight (52 kg) – 6 Hu Jianguan Thitisan Panmot Amit Panghal Shakhobidin Zoirov Alex Winwood Saken Bibossinov
(CHN) (THA) (IND) (UZB) (AUS) (KAZ)
Featherweight (57 kg) – 6 Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov Mohammad Al-Wadi Serik Temirzhanov Nguyen Van Duong Danial Shahbakhsh Chatchai Butdee
(UZB) (JOR) (KAZ) (VIE) (IRI) (THA)
Lightweight (63 kg) – 6 Elnur Abduraimov Zakir Safiullin Baatarsükhiin Chinzorig Obada Al-Kasbeh Manish Kaushik Bakhodur Usmonov
(UZB) (KAZ) (MGL) (JOR) (IND) (TJK)
Welterweight (69 kg) – 5 Zeyad Ishaish Vikas Krishan Yadav Bobo-Usmon Baturov Ablaikhan Zhussupov Sewon Okazawa
(JOR) (IND) (UZB) (KAZ) (JPN)
Middleweight (75 kg) – 5 Eumir Marcial Abilkhan Amankul Ashish Kumar Tuohetaerbieke Tanglatihan Shahin Mousavi
(PHI) (KAZ) (IND) (CHN) (IRI)
Light heavyweight (81 kg) – 5 Bekzad Nurdauletov (KAZ) Paulo Aokuso (AUS) Odai Al-Hindawi (JOR) Chen Daxiang (CHN) Shabbos Negmatulloev (TJK)
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Heavyweight (91 kg) – 4 Vassiliy Levit David Nyika Hussein Ishaish Sanjar Tursunov
(KAZ) (NZL) (JOR) (UZB)
Super heavyweight (+91 kg) – 4 Bakhodir Jalolov (UZB) Justis Huni (AUS) Satish Kumar (IND) Kamshybek Kunkabayev (KAZ)
WOMEN Flyweight (51 kg) – 6 Chang Yuan Tsukimi Namiki Mary Kom Huang Hsiao-wen Irish Magno Tursunoy Rakhimova
(CHN) (JPN) (IND) (TPE) (PHI) (UZB)
Featherweight (57 kg) – 4 Lin Yu-ting Sena Irie Skye Nicolson Im Ae-ji
(TPE) (JPN) (AUS) (KOR)
Lightweight (60 kg) – 4 Oh Yeon-ji Simranjit Kaur Sudaporn Seesondee Wu Shih-yi
(KOR) (IND) (THA) (TPE)
Welterweight (69 kg) – 4 Gu Hong Chen Nien-chin Lovlina Borgohain Baison Manikon
(CHN) (TPE) (IND) (THA)
Middleweight (75 kg) – 4 Li Qian Caitlin Parker Pooja Rani Nadezhda Ryabets
(CHN) (AUS) (IND) (KAZ)
Road to Tokyo SYRIA’S HEND ZAZA QUALIFIES FOR TOKYO – AT 11 YEARS OLD!
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yrian table tennis player Hend Zaza made headlines around the world when she qualified for Tokyo 2020 at the tender age of 11.
At seven, Zaza joined her brother when he attended the West Asia Hopes Week and Challenge in Qatar in 2016 and her talent was recognised immediately.
The ping-pong prodigy won the Olympic qualification tournament for West Asia held in Amman, Jordan on February 26 to become the youngest table tennis player in history to qualify for an Olympic Games.
Today at home in Hama, Zaza practises six days a week for three hours a day. Conditions are far from perfect in a hall with four relatively old tables, a concrete floor and frequent power outages that make training dependent on sunlight.
“It’s a gift to my country Syria, my parents and all my friends,” she said, after beating Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon, 31 years her senior, in the final.
The Olympic Games must wait another year to see this table tennis talent in Tokyo – but it will be well worth the wait.
Born in 2009 in Hama, Zaza started playing table tennis in 2014. Her home city was heavily affected by terrorism and war, and table tennis offered respite from daily hardships for Zaza and her brothers.
Hend Zaza cries tears of joy after qualifying for Tokyo. (Photo: Jordan Olympic Committee)
Hend Zaza celebrates her Olympic Games qualification alongside Princess Zeina Rashid of Jordan (Photo: Jordan NOC)
SAUDI Arabia’s Ali Alkhadrawi won the men’s qualifier in Amman to book his ticket to Tokyo. The 22-year-old left-hander defeated Lebanon’s Dauud Cheiab 4-1 (11-7, 12-10, 6-11, 11-4, 11-8) in the final. (Photo: Deepak Malik/SPORTZPICS).
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Olympic Movement in Asia – working together
OCA PROUD OF ASIAN ATHLETES AT TIME OF CRISIS
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he Director General of the OCA, Husain Al-Musallam, has spoken of his pride regarding the reaction of Asia’s athletes to the COVID-19 pandemic and enforced community lockdowns.
Mr. Al-Musallam also praised the selfless efforts of athletes to raise money for the needy due to the problems caused by lockdown in many countries.
“I would like to congratulate our National Olympic Committees and our athletes for the way they have rallied round and shown a true Olympic spirit in these difficult times,” said Mr. Al-Musallam.
“It has been very moving to see athletes raising money for people less fortunate than themselves. This has involved athletes giving up prize money or their own monthly allowances to buy food packages for the needy or contributing to a central fund.
“I have seen many examples of NOCs launching their own social media campaigns to highlight their athletes in training at home, sharing their experiences and encouraging members of the public to join them in their exercise routines and activities. “This has created a special bond between the athletes and the public and has raised spirits around Asia.”
“It is heartwarming to see how our athletes and the Olympic movement have embraced this challenge and it makes me very proud. I would like to thank them and congratulate them for their initiatives, creativity and big hearts.”
SINGAPORE’S Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling took to social media to urge people to stay at home and avoid the spread of COVID-19.
PALESTINE Olympic Committee announced a virtual taekwondo championship organised by World Taekwondo and Palestine Taekwondo. Held from May 15-20, the competition was in five age categories and required athletes to produce a 10-second action video of their best combination moves, to be assessed by six international judges. The five categories were kids, cadet, junior, senior and masters.
The 24-year-old 100m butterfly champion posted in his Facebook account: “Stay Home and stay safe everyone. By working together and being socially responsible, we can beat this virus.”
BAHRAIN Olympic Committee asked gold medal-winners to add a hashtag to their photo saying “Protect yourself to bring back the golden era” in a campaign aimed at alerting athletes, sports fans and the public to stay safe during the pandemic and to dream of future success. (Photo: BOC)
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Olympic Movement in Asia – working together
BANGLADESH national football team defender Topu Barman (right) is bearing the cost of two weeks’ food for the families of 19 female footballers at the Narayanganj Promila Football Academy in Dhaka due to the loss of income in the pandemic. (Photo: © Dhaka Tribune)
ASIAN Games 2018 weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz raised over 150,000 Peso (USD 3,000) from donations by holding an online weightlifting clinic and seminar. The donations enabled her to provide relief food packages for 400 families in her hometown of Zamboanga City and other areas of the Philippines.
FOLLOWING on from the successful SEA Games motto “We Win As One” last year, the Philippines established a series of “We Heal As One” medical centres to accommodate COVID-19 patients and reduce the spread of the virus. One such venue was the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in the famous Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. (Photo: PIA)
NEPALESE athletes from a wide variety of sports, including Olympians and 13th South Asian Games champions, extended a helping hand to feed the poor affected by the nationwide lockdown. The donations included sacks of rice, salt, cooking oil, sugar, tea, noodles, snacks and shoes. (Photo: The Himalayan Times).
MONGOLIAN Boxing Federation President Dashdemberel Bat-Erdene has been supporting teachers, athletes, coaches and colleagues, despite being in self-quarantine in Ulaanbaatar. The boxing federation is part of a charity programme and has distributed protective garments, face masks and other important equipment. (ASBC) Page 23
Olympic Movement in Asia – working together
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, held a virtual meeting with presidents of the national sports federations to discuss the challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. HRH Prince Abdulaziz said the SAOC planned to inaugurate an electronic platform to provide a unified system of communication with all stakeholders and create a new-normal working environment.
UNDER the direction of Dr. Nasser Nassiri, President of the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) Iran and the Asian Kickboxing Confederation, WAKO Iran held an online kickboxing competition. The Corona Fighting Cup was contested from home in four musical forms (soft style and hard style with weapons and without weapons) at cadet, youth and adult levels. Over 100 kickboxing enthusiasts from 12 provinces took part.
TEAM Kazakhstan athletes recorded a moving video message to honour the frontline workers, describing medical staff as the real heroes and the true champions of the world as they put their own lives on the line to save patients: #TeamKZwithYOU.
UZBEKISTAN Olympic Committee President Rustam Shaabdurakhmonov thanked the IOC, ANOC and OCA for their “encouragement and support” of NOCs during the pandemic and highlighted the projects being undertaken by Uzbek athletes. These include lockdown training programmes and virtual relays and challenges to maintain a competitive spirit. (Photo: www.olympic.uz)
IRANIAN weightlifter Poopak Bastami has made headlines around the world by forsaking her training to take her place on the front line in the fight against COVID-19. Iran’s first female weightlifter at the Asian Women’s Championship - in China in 2019 - has worked as a nurse for seven years and took up weightlifting during her spare time as a student. Source: ifpnews.com
JAPANESE athletes from summer and winter sports displayed true team spirit in responding to a call by the Japanese Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission to support local society. The three key messages from the athletes to the public were: Stay healthy, stay home and admiration and gratitude for the front-line workers. Page 24
Olympic Movement in Asia – working together
TOKYO-bound Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain gave financial assistance to Assam Arogya Nidhi, an Indian Government initiative for those with life-threatening diseases. The charity helps people cover expenses for diagnosis, treatment and medicine. Borgohain, 22, also arranged for 250 packets of fruit, vegetables and other food to be sent to people in her home region in Barpathar.
CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee supported the IOC’s Stay Strong social media campaign by inviting athletes to frame a Facebook picture with a message of support “(ting jhu)” to overcome the challenges facing the world. Here is four-time Olympic shooter Lin Yi-Chun.
INDIAN track star Hima Das saluted the “real heroes risking their lives for our safety” by posting a message of support and gratitude under the hashtag “India Fights Corona” on her Facebook page. She also contributed one month’s salary to the Assam Government to safeguard the health of the people.
OCA Culture Committee Chair Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, in her role as Chairperson and Executive Producer of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, showed her support for the front-line COVID-19 fighters by organising an online musical performance of the well-loved Thai song “Samakkhi Chumnum” to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. Page 25
Women in Sport
AIPS ASIA LAUNCHES WOMEN IN SPORT MAGAZINE
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he Asia branch of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has launched a new magazine to promote and honour the women in sport in Asia. Entitled “Women in Sports”, the publication is a joint initiative of AIPS Asia and the Chinese Taipei Sports Journalist Federation. The magazine not only highlights prominent women in sport around the continent, from athletes to administrators to leaders, it also focuses on the media work of female journalists and photographers within the sports industry in Asia. The President of AIPS Asia, Sattam Alsehali, introduces the new magazine and explains the reasons for its publication. As well as reports and photos from around the region, including Iran, Pakistan, Japan, India, Mongolia and Saudi Arabia, there is also a column by the Olympic Council of Asia focusing on the efforts being made by the OCA to raise the profile of women’s sport on and off the field of play.
The OCA column in the new magazine. Packed with interesting articles and top-quality photos, accompanied by pride, passion and enthusiasm throughout, Women in Sports will further empower the women’s sports movement in Asia and beyond.
FIRST WOMEN’S PRO GOLF EVENT IN SAUDI ARABIA MOVED TO OCTOBER
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he inaugural Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund, the first female professional golf tournament to be played in Saudi Arabia, has been rearranged for October 8-11. The original dates were in March.
The October tournament will be a watershed moment for the Kingdom and will mark the first time that professional female golfers have played there competitively, breaking new ground in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation as part of Vision 2030. (Photo: Ladies European Tour)
A new date for the USD 1 million tournament at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Al Murooj, King Abdullah Economic City, was agreed by Golf Saudi and the Ladies European Tour. His Excellency Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan, Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and Golf Saudi, said: “We will, of course, continue to work closely with health authorities both domestically and across the region in the interim but are hopeful that we will be able to bring this momentous occasion to Saudi Arabia in six months’ time.”
Women's professional golf is coming to Saudi Arabia. Page 26
KAZAKHSTAN’S Yulia Galysheva has been signed on as a Red Bull athlete. The 27-year-old freestyle skier won a bronze medal in moguls at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and was world champion in 2019. “I am very proud to be invited to join this prestigious programme,” she said. (Photo: @Kazakhstan NOC)
Women in Sport OLYMPIAN HO APPOINTED FISA CONTINENTAL REP FOR ASIA
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he World Rowing Federation (FISA) has appointed Fay Ho Kim-fai as FISA continental representative for Asia. In a news release, the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association said Ho had succeeded China’s Liu Aijie, who stepped down from the role last December. Continental reps represent FISA in their respective continents and are full members of the FISA Council. Fay represented Hong Kong at the Olympic Games in both canoeing and rowing and was elected as the first female Vice President of the Asian Rowing Federation (ARF) in 2018.
Fay Ho Kim-fai.
This new appointment will lead to closer cooperation between FISA and the ARF and further demonstrates the standing of Hong Kong rowing in the world. (Photo: Hong Kong, China Rowing Association)
OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS RECEIVE CHINA’S YOUTH AWARD
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hina's women's volleyball team spiker Zhu Ting was among 60 people to receive China's Youth Award on April 28 ahead of China's Youth Day on May 4. Another awardee from sport was China’s first-ever Olympic speed
skating champion Zhang Hong. Aged 32, Zhang is also one of the youngest members of the International Olympic Committee. The award, jointly presented by the All-China Youth Federation and Chinese Communist Youth League, is the highest honour for youths from all walks of life and all corners of the country. China's captain said she received the award on behalf of the team, claiming the award was also a major encouragement to her. "Our coach Lang Ping always reminds me that we are a team; everyone cannot make progress without the cultivation of the group, no matter who she is," Zhu told Xinhua News. The 1.95-metre Zhu, 25, led China to a third Olympic gold at Rio 2016.
Zhu Ting attacks the Dutch wall of defenders during the women’s volleyball semi-final at Rio 2016. (Photo: VCG)
Monday, May 4 marked the 101st anniversary of the May 4 Movement, a patriotic campaign that started from universities and was launched in 1919 by young Chinese to fight imperialism and feudalism. May 4 was later established as Youth Day in 1949 by the Chinese government. MALAYSIA'S three-time Olympic diver and two-time Olympic medallist Pandelela Rinong provides a fascinating – and amusing – insight into her life and career on a special Olympic Channel Podcast. Listen to her story on: Olympic Channel Podcast: Pandelela - the famous Malaysian diver in isolation - Olympic News. (Photo: Getty Images) Page 27
News in Brief
New
IOC counts the cost The International Olympic Committee anticipates that it will have to bear costs of up to USD 800 million due to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics, the IOC Executive Board announced on May 14. This figure is made of USD 650 million for the organisation of the Games in 2021 and an aid package of USD 150 million for the Olympic Movement, including the International Federations, National Olympic Committees and IOC-recognised organisations. IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The Olympic Movement is facing an unprecedented challenge. We shall all need to make sacrifices and compromises. Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures.”
Women's football OQ T The women's football qualifying play-off for Tokyo 2020 between China and Korea will be played over two legs on February 19 and 24, 2021, the Asian Football Confederation announced on May 27 . China and Korea wil l be seeking to join Japan (men and women), Australia (men and women), men’s AFC U23 Championship win ners Korea and runners-up Saudi Arabia as Asia’s repres entatives at the Tokyo Ol ympic Games.
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date
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World Ath letics back on track The World Athletics ca lend track after the upheava ar is back on l caused b coronavirus y the pandemic. The World Athletics In door Cham ships will pionnow take place from 19-21, 202 March 1 at Nanjin g, China. The World Athletics C hampionsh be held the ips will following ye ar, from July 2022, at E 15-24, ugene, Ore gon in the States. The United original da tes were A 6-15, 2021 ugust .
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News in Brief
Rio 2 016
ANOC GA Seoul 2020 postponed This year’s ANOC General Assembly and Gala Awards, due to be held in Seoul on November 25-26, has been postponed to 2021 on dates to be determined, ANOC announced on May 18. The two-day event was part of the centenary celebrations of the Olympic movement in Korea dating back to the establishment of the Chosun Sports Council on July 13, 1920. The ANOC Executive Council has voted to postpone the next edition of the ANOC World Beach Games to 2023 in order to alleviate pressure on the NOCs. ANOC had intended on hosting the second edition of the ANOC World Beach Games in 2021 following the great success of the inaugural event in Qatar last October.
cham p Ton towi Indon retire esia’s Rio 20 s doubl es b 16 O lympic admin Ahma ton Game d ann c sport s mixe on M ounced his hampion d ay 18 T r o e ntow tireme . i n t from “This the is the time t I’ve d os ev made oted over ay goodby e ha my lif e mo lf my life t to somethi said. ng re co o and lourfu l,” To that has ntowi “I was , 32, hopin g to q but th uit at is is l the to ife want. po I’m pr ; we cann ot ge f the podi oud o very g um t ever f wha ratefu yth tI l His g olden to have be have achie ing we en ve retired p in 201 artner in R in this posi d and t io i 9. o, Lil iyana n.” Natsir,
With NOCs busy preparing for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and the Olympic Winter Games in Beijing in 2022, ANOC decided to delay their own showpiece event to 2023.
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Obituary
OCA PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORMER VP SHEIKH ISA
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he President of the OCA, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, expressed his deepest condolences to the Royal Family in Bahrain and to the Bahrain Olympic Committee on the passing of Sheikh Isa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa. He was 81 years old. Sheikh Ahmad said he had worked with Sheikh Isa for several years and that he would miss his wisdom and knowledge of sport. Sheikh Isa was associated with the OCA for almost two decades and was Vice President (West Asia) of the OCA for over 10 years. “Sheikh Isa made a major contribution to the sports movement over a number of years, not only in Bahrain and the Gulf region but also in Asia and the world,” said Sheikh Ahmad. “He was an important and respected member of the OCA and served the interests of the NOCs in West Asia with great commitment and leadership.”
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Sheikh Isa was Honorary President of the BOC.
HONG KONG SPORTS ICON A. DE O. SALES
he Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China reported the passing of Honorary Life President Arnaldo de Oliveira “Sonny” Sales on March 6. He was 100 years old.
after the handover of sovereignty from Britain to China in 1997.
As a founding member of the Federation, Mr. Sales devoted over half a century to the Olympic movement in Hong Kong as Honorary Secretary General, Chairman, President and Honorary Life President. “Under his presidency from 1967 to 1998, Hong Kong athletes gradually gained recognition in many international multi-sports Games such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and Asian Games,” the Federation said in a statement. The Federation added that the efforts and vision of Mr. Sales had helped preserve the sporting identity of Hong Kong, China
A. de O. “Sonny” Sales. (Photo: South China Morning Post)
LAOS NOC VICE PRESIDENT
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former Vice President and Secretary General of NOC Laos, Mr. Souvannarath Saignavong, died on May 7. He was 87. Regarded as a dedicated sports leader, Mr. Saignavong was Secretary General of NOC Laos from 1980 to
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1995, Vice President from 2005 to 2009 and Vice President and Secretary General from 2009 to 2012. He was Chef de Mission for the Lao delegation at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He was also an honorary life member of the South East Asian Games Federation and Secretary General of the 25th SEA Games Vientiane 2009 Organising Committee from 2007 to 2009.
Obituary
ANNABEL PENNEFATHER – SINGAPORE SPORTS ICON
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he Olympic movement in Singapore was devastated by the loss of sports icon and lawyer Annabel Pennefather on April 27. She was 72.
Annabel served as Chef de Mission at the 2004 Olympics, the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and 2010, the 2006 Asian Games and the 2013 SEA Games.
Ms Pennefather was a former Vice President of the Singapore National Olympic Council, President of the Singapore Hockey Federation from 2004 to 2012 and a consultant in sports law. A national hockey player for 15 years, she became the first woman to be elected Vice President of Singapore NOC in 2002, a position she held until she stepped down in 2018. Singapore NOC President Tan Chuan-Jin said: “Annabel was one of the pioneer women sports administrators in Singapore and was very passionate in championing the Olympic movement and women in sports. Her contribution was not limited to Singapore. We are grateful for all that she has poured in, and will miss her greatly.”
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Annabel Pennefather.
BOB HASAN: INDONESIAN ATHLETICS PATRON
ong-serving athletics patron, business tycoon and former government minister Mohamad “Bob” Hasan died in Jakarta on March 31. He was 89.
edge, professionalism and passion earned him recognition not only in Indonesia but also in Asia and the international scene.”
He was a former Vice President of the OCA, fourth President of the Asian Athletics Association from 1991 to 2000 and IAAF Council Member from 1995 to 1999. The President of the Asian Athletics Association, Dahlan Alhamad, said: “Being the Indonesian Athletics Federation (PASI) Chief, Bob Hasan dedicated himself to the world of Track and Field for more than 40 years. During his term in office he cared for the underprivileged Federations in terms of expenses. “Indonesia and the Asian Athletics fraternity will always remember him for his jovial disposition, kindness and generosity. His knowl-
Bob Hasan. (Photo: © Jakarta Post/Wienda Parwitasari)
SALVADOR ‘BUDDY’ ANDRADA – ASIAN TENNIS
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he Asian Tennis Federation paid tribute to a former ATF President, Col. Salvador “Buddy” Andrada, who died in the Philippines on April 8.
Salvador ‘Buddy’ Andrada.
“Col Salvador Andrada was an accomplished sports
administrator and had held various distinguished posts in sports during his time,” the ATF said. “He was a greatly admired and loved personality.” He was also a former President of the Philippine Tennis Association, former Vice President of the Philippine Olympic Committee and former Commissioner of the Philippine Sports Commission.
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Obituary
LUKMAN NIODE – SWIMMING HERO FROM INDONESIA
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lympic swimmer and Indonesian sports official Lukman Niode died from COVID-19 on April 17. He was 56. Lukman won nine individual gold medals at the SEA Games and represented Indonesia at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. On retiring from the sport he became an official at the National Sports Council (KONI) and Secretary General of the Indonesian Olympians Association. Tributes were paid by the World Olympians Association and former swim team members at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California.
Lukman Niode (Photo: Courtesy Ricard Sam Bera)
BEKET MAKHMUTOV - KAZAKHSTAN
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prominent figure in boxing and judo in Central Asia and the world, Beket Makhmutov passed away on April 14. He was 81. The Asian Boxing Confederation and the International Judo Federation led tributes to the Vice President of Kazakhstan NOC who had served terms as president of both the boxing federation (1993-1999) and judo federation in his home country. He was Vice President of boxing’s world governing body AIBA from 1996 to 2006.
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Beket Makhmutov
RAJA M. WICKRAMASINGHE
ri Lanka NOC reported the passing of a former NOC Secretary-General, Wing Commander Raja M. Wickramasinghe, on March 27. He was 83.
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C. S. FERNANDO
ri Lanka NOC on May 15 announced the passing of former Secretary-General Colonel C. S. Fernando. He was 87. Fernando was the first person to represent Ceylon, as it was then known, in three sports – athletics, football and rugby – and is regarded as one of the greatest all-round sportsmen in Sri Lanka’s history. Known by his initials “CS”, Fernando was SecretaryGeneral of the NOC from 1980 to 1983. He also held the position of general secretary of the national federations in athletics, football and rugby. Page 32
He was Secretary-General of the NOC from 1974 to 1975 and from 1978 to 1979 as well as a national discus champion.
Obituary
SABURO MATSUSHITA - JUDO ‘SENSEI’
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ormer Japanese Olympic Committee Executive Board member and judo “sensei” (teacher) Saburo Matsushita died of pneumonia caused by the coronavirus on April 19. He was 84. The International Judo Federation said Matsushita-sensei had been very influential in the development of judo at the renowned Kodokan Institute in Tokyo – regarded as the spiritual home of judo in Japan. In the early ‘60s, Matsushita-sensei taught judo in Great Britain. In 2000 he was appointed Senior Managing Director of the All Japan Judo Federation.
Saburo Matsushita (Photo: IJF)
BALBIR SINGH KULLAR ASIAN GAMES HOCKEY CHAMP
DANIEL GEVARGIZNEJAD IRANIAN WEIGHTLIFTER
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he Olympic Games and Asian Games medallist with the Indian hockey team died of a heart attack at his home on February 28, reports The Tribune. He was 77.
Balbir Singh Kullar.
Known as Balbir Singh (Punjab) to distinguish him from his two namesakes in the Indian team, Kullar was a member of the Indian team that won gold at the 1966 Asian Games in Bangkok and bronze in the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
Kullar, who hailed from the famous hockey village of Sansarpur in Jalandhar district, made his India debut in 1963 in France. (Photo: © Sportstar – The Hindu)
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ormer national team weightlifter Daniel Gevargiznejad died on March 27 at the age of 79, reports the Tehran Times.
The Iranian lifter won a silver medal at 75kg at the 6th Asian Games in Bangkok in 1970. He also participated in the middleweight division at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
Daniel Gevargiznejad (Photo: Tehran Times)
CHRIS REED – JAPANESE ICE DANCER, 30
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he International Skating Union expressed its “profound sadness” on the sudden passing of Japan’s Winter Olympics ice dancer Chris Reed. He was 30 years old. (Photo: ISU) Reed, a three-time Winter Olympian who skated with his older sister Cathy for much of his career, died of a heart attack in Detroit, Michigan on March 14, according to the Japanese Skating Federation.
Chris Reed skates with his sister Cathy in 2015.
The ISU said: “He was busily preparing for his second career as a choreographer and ice dance coach with his sister Cathy in Japan.” Page 33
Obituary
CHUNI GOSWAMI: ASIAN GAMES FOOTBALL CHAMPION
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ormer India football captain Chuni Goswami, 82, passed away in Kolkata on April 30 after a prolonged illness, reports The Hindu Sportstar. The captain of the 1962 Asian Games gold-medal winning team in Jakarta, Goswami also represented Bengal in first-class cricket tournaments.
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AZAM KHAN SQUASH DYNASTY
akistan’s Azam Khan, regarded by many as the most gifted squash player of all time, died from coronavirus on March 28, aged 95. Based for many years in London, where he owned the New Grampians Squash Club, Azam was the younger brother of Hashim Khan, winner of six British Open titles. Azam finished as runner-up in three of those finals before going on to win the prestigious title himself four years in a row, between 1959 and 1962.
In club football, Goswami always played for Mohun Bagan. In his college days he captained Calcutta University in both football and cricket in the same year.
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PK BANERJEE ASIAN GAMES CHAMP
egendary Indian footballer PK Banerjee passed away in Kolkata on March 20. He was 83, The Hindu reports. Banerjee, who played at centre forward or right wing, represented India at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956 and in the Rome Olympics four years later. He played in three Asian Games from 1958-1966, winning the gold medal in Jakarta in 1962 by beating South Korea 2-1 in the final. He scored 65 goals in 84 appearances for the national team.
“The WSF is saddened by the passing of Azam Khan, one of the greatest squash players of all time,” said World Squash Federation President Jacques Fontaine.
Azam Khan (Photo: WSF) Page 34
PK Banerjee in action (Photo: © The Hindu Archives)
Breaking News…Breaking News…Breaking News OCA CONGRATULATES FEMALE ASIAN SPORTS LEADERS ON NEW IOC ROLES
T
he OCA has congratulated two female Asian sports leaders who have been appointed to lead two IOC Commissions. On May 28, the IOC announced that Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul had been appointed Chair of the IOC Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission and Zhang Hong would head the newly-formed IOC Coordination Commission for the 4th Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, Korea in 2024. Khunying Patama is an IOC Member from Thailand, Chair of the OCA Culture Committee and Deputy President of the Badminton World Federation.
Khunying Patama with IOC President Thomas Bach.
Zhang Hong is an IOC Member from China, Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic speed skating champion and Executive Board member of the Chinese Olympic Committee. They are both members of the OCA Advisory Committee. The OCA Director General, Husain Al-Musallam, said: “We are very proud that two female sports leaders from Asia have been appointed to head these important IOC Commissions. With their experience and knowledge we are certain they will provide inspirational leadership in their roles. The two commissions are in safe hands.”
Zhang Hong at the OCA Asian Athletes’ Forum in 2018.
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 comprehensive 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 Hangzhou 2022.
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OCA Sports Diary
2020 Remotely: June 10 IOC Executive Board meeting
Shantou, Guangdong Province: November 20 – 28 3rd OCA Asian Youth Games 2021
Remotely: July 15 IOC Executive Board meeting
Hanoi, Vietnam: November 21 – December 2 31st SEA Games
Virtually and live-streamed: July 17 136th IOC Session
Huelva, Spain: November 29 – December 5 Badminton World Federation World Championships 2021
Sanya, China (or remote): July 20 Chefs de Mission Seminar for 6th Asian Beach Games 2020
Abu Dhabi, UAE: December 10 – 12 FINA World Aquatics Convention
Remotely: July 22 IOC Executive Board meeting
Abu Dhabi, UAE: December 13 – 18 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m)
Busan, Korea: September 27 – October 4 World Table Tennis Championships
2022 Chandigarh, India: January (dates to be confirmed) Commonwealth Archery and Shooting Championships
Aarhus, Denmark: October 3 – 11 Badminton World Federation TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2020
Beijing, China: February 4 – 20 Olympic Winter Games
Saudi Arabia: October 8 – 11 Ladies European Tour Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund, Royal Greens Golf and Country Club
Beijing, China: March 4 – 13 Paralympic Winter Games Fukuoka, Japan: May 13 – 29 FINA World Championships
Singapore: October 10 – 11 HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens
Kyushu, Japan: May 31 – June 9 FINA World Masters Championships
Hong Kong, China: October 16 – 18 Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
Oregon, USA: July 15 – 24 World Athletics Championships
Sanya, China: November 28 OCA Executive Board
Birmingham, England: July 27 – August 7 Commonwealth Games
Sanya, China: November 28 – December 6 6th OCA Asian Beach Games 2020
Hangzhou, China: September 10 – 25 19th Asian Games
Sanya, China: November 29 OCA General Assembly 2021
Dakar, Senegal: October 22 – November 9 4th IOC Youth Olympic Games
Nanjing, China: March 19 – 21 World Athletics Indoor Championships
Qatar: November 21 – December 18 FIFA World Cup
Bangkok-Pattaya/Chonburi, Thailand: May 21 – 30 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2021
2024 Gangwon, Korea: January 19 – February 2 4th IOC Winter Youth Olympic Games
Phuket, Thailand: May 31 – June 4 International Skating Union Congress
2025
Doha, Qatar: May 31 – June 5 FINA General Congress
Tashkent, Uzbekistan: (dates to be finalised) 4th OCA Asian Youth Games
Tokyo, Japan: July 23 – August 8 Olympic Games
2026
Tokyo, Japan: August 24 – September 5 Paralympic Games
Aichi-Nagoya, Japan: September 19 – October 4 20th OCA Asian Games
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