Sporting Asia - Edition 61 - JUN 2023

CAMBODIA'S SEA GAMES ICON SHOWS TRUE...

OLYMPIC SPIRIT

OCA Athletes’ Forum

OCA Chefs de Mission Seminar for Hangzhou

Asian Games

OCA Asian Games for All

OCA Coordina�on Commi�ee mee�ngs

21

OCA Acting President’s Message

NOC News in Pictures from our five zones: West Asia

Central Asia

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Countdown to Hangzhou Asian Games

24 29 47 57

Inside the OCA

OCA/OS Athletes’ Forum in Bangkok

OCA/HAGOC Chefs de Mission Seminar in Hangzhou

OCA Coordination Committee meeting in Hangzhou

OCA Coordination Committee meeting in Bangkok

OCA ice hockey youth camp, Asian Games Hot Line, 110-year Anniversary

32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia

Asian Games for All – Follow the Fun Run around Asia

Women in Sport

International Women’s Day Awards/Honours

Obituary

News in Brief

OCA Sports Diary

Hangzhou Asian Games Supporters

OCA Sponsors’ Club

Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia, published quarterly.

Hon. Dr. Husain AL MUSALLAM Director General husain@ocasia.org

Vinod Kumar TIWARI Director, NOC & International Relations vinod@ocasia.org

Waleed MUBARAK Director, IT Department waleed@ocasia.org

Nayaf SRAJ Financial Officer nayaf@ocasia.org

Tony TARRAF Head of Athletes Development Department & Special Projects tony@ocasia.org

Wissam TRKMANI Projects & Operations Manager wissam@ocasia.org

Jeremy WALKER Sporting Asia Editor jeremy@ocasia.org

Jeans Zhou JIAN Media Manager jeans@ocasia.org

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) PO Box 6706, Hawalli Zip Code 32042, Kuwait

Tel.: +965 22274277 - 88

Fax: +965 22274280 - 90

Email: info@ocasia.org Website: www.ocasia.org

Front Cover:

Girl in the rain: Cambodia’s Bou Samnang runs to the finish line in monsoon conditions at the 32nd SEA Games in Phnom Penh. Her heartwarming story has made global headlines and put Cambodia on the sports map for her Olympic spirit.

(CAMSOC)

CONGRATULATIONS CAMBODIA ON SEA GAMES SUCCESS

First of all, I would like to congratulate one of our National Olympic Committees, Cambodia, for hosting such a successful 32nd Southeast Asian Games from May 5-17.

Although the SEA Games was first held in 1959, this was the first time for Cambodia to host the event.

What’s more, the SEA Games became known as the ‘Free Games’ because the generous hosts paid all the accommodation costs and food of almost 11,000 athletes and officials from the 11 NOCs.

This was a wonderful gesture from the hosts, and endeared the “Kingdom of Wonder” to all visitors and spread a message of peace and unity around the region and the Olympic world.

The OCA visited Cambodia last October for our General Assembly and you could feel the warmth of the people and see their determination to make their mark in the Olympic Movement.

The NOC of Cambodia enjoys strong support from the Government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Hun Sen, and this was a major factor in the success of the SEA Games.

Cambodia is already in line to host our Asian Youth Games in 2029 and we are sure that they will have learned

a lot from this SEA Games hosting and will be well prepared and well trained to put on an impressive AYG in six years’ time.

The OCA’s latest Sporting Asia celebrates Cambodia’s success with eight pages of reports and photos. Elsewhere in this new edition, we report on the OCA/Olympic Solidarity Athletes’ Forum in Bangkok, the Chefs de Mission Seminar for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8, 2023 and the Coordination Committee meetings for our two upcoming Games this year.

Before Hangzhou, though, we have our General Assembly in Bangkok, with the Executive Board meeting on July 7 and the General Assembly on July 8. I look forward to meeting all our NOCs and Executive Board members in Thailand!

Raja Randhir Singh Acting President, Olympic Council of Asia

West Asia

LEBANON NOC reports that a weightlifting course for coaches and trainers took place from April 24-28. It was organised by the national weightlifting federation under the auspices of the International Weightlifting Federation. The course, funded by Olympic Solidarity, attracted 21 coaches and trainers - eight women and 13 men. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Georges Kallas, attended the occasion. (LOC Facebook)

General His Excellency Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain said that winning the rights to host the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Doha was due to the support and wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, and the QOC President, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani. (olympic.qa)

Khalid bin Muhammad Al Zubair conducted the regular General Assembly for 2023 on Tuesday, March 28 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel - Al Irfan. The meeting heard that the OOC would compete in four major international events this year, including the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China and the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and Chonburi, Thailand. (ooc.om)

President His Royal Highness Prince Feisal Al Hussein chaired the General Assembly meeting held in Amman on Wednesday, April 12. HRH Prince Feisal recognised the year’s achievements and acknowledged the outstanding contribution, development and improvement made by national sports federations across all levels from grassroots up to elite sport. (joc.jo)

OMAN Olympic Committee Chairman

JORDAN Olympic Committee

QATAR Olympic Committee Secretary

West Asia

KUWAIT Olympic Committee, with the support of Olympic Solidarity, held a technical programme for wrestling coaches and referees in collaboration with United World Wrestling and under the supervision of Sheikh Jaber Thamer Al Sabah, Vice President of the Kuwait Wrestling Association. (KOC)

PALESTINE Olympic Committee President Maj. Gen. Jibril Rajoub stressed the importance of establishing national sports federations in compliance with international regulations and laws at the 12th regular General Assembly at the POC HQ in Ramallah on April 8. The POC President called for the meeting to represent a true starting point for a national vision to propel the development of sport. (POC)

SYRIAN Olympic Committee President Feras Mouala congratulated national triathlete Adnan Zaki for winning the 2023 Asia Triathlon West Asian Championships in Kuwait City on March 18. Zaki defeated a field of 20 competitors to finish the 750-metre swim, 20km bike and 5km run in 1 hour, 1 minute and 21 seconds. Also present at the welcome home reception was the President of the Syrian Triathlon Federation, Nasser Al-Sayed. (SOC)

UNITED Arab Emirates NOC reports that the National Olympic Academy conducted a first aid skills workshop for its staff in collaboration with the Emirates Centre for Sports Sciences and Sports Medicine on March 16. The workshop was presented by Aisha Al-Shahi and focused on health care in daily life and in sports competitions. (@uaenoc)

West Asia

BAHRAIN Olympic Committee President His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the final of the Khalid bin Hamad Golden Generation Basketball League Under-14 category on May 2 and said that investing in promising young talent was the key to supporting sports development in the Kingdom. (Bahrain News Agency)

SAUDI Olympic and Paralympic Committee Vice President HH

Prince Fahd bin Jalawi Abdulaziz bin Musaed visited the Athletes’ Village for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He was accompanied by the Secretary-General of the SOPC, Mr Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen. (www.olympic.sa)

IRAQ NOC hosted the 17th annual board meeting of the West Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (WARADO) in Baghdad on April 28-29. The event included a result management introductory training session. NOC Finance Secretary Ahmed Sabry said anti-doping awareness and education was a key focus of the Olympic sports community. (@nociraq)

YEMEN Olympic Committee President Abdulrahman Al Akwaa conducted the first meeting of the newly elected board of directors. Discussions focused on the establishment of an Olympic Centre in Aden and an Olympic Museum. NOC Secretary General Mohamed Abdullah Al Ahjeri reported that items were being sourced for the museum. (@yemnoc)

KAZAKHSTAN NOC announced that London 2012 women’s triple jump champion Olga Rypakova has ended her athletics career at the age of 38. “I am grateful to my country,” she said. “From the President and sports leaders to my youngest fan, for only one single but very important thing – having faith in me.” (Olympic.kz)

TURKMENISTAN honoured athletes who had won prizes in prestigious international competitions held in the first quarter of the year at a ceremony in the martial arts sports complex of Ashgabat Olympic Village on April 7. Held under the auspices of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, athletes from various sports were rewarded including weightlifting, swimming, taekwondo, judo, sambo, rhythmic gymnastics, hockey, tennis and karate.

(turkmenistan.gov.tm)

IRAN NOC continues to meet with candidate national federations planning to send athletes and teams to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Meetings were held recently between the NOC’s National Teams Monitoring Centre, National Olympic Academy and officials and technical staff of golf, equestrian and basketball. (Olympic.ir)

TAJIKISTAN NOC held a national course for sport administrators in the Kushoniyon district from May 11-13, in partnership with Olympic Solidarity. (Tajikistan NOC)

NOC News in Pictures

Central Asia

UZBEKISTAN NOC Secretary General

Oybek Kasimov (left) welcomed Dr. Christian Schneider (centre) of the German Olympic Sports Confederation to the NOC Headquarters in Tashkent on Tuesday, May 2. The main topic of discussion was the current state of sports medicine in Uzbekistan and how Germany’s leading

KYRGYZSTAN NOC’s Athletes’ Commission organised an anti-doping seminar with the support of Olympic Solidarity in Bishkek on Thursday, April 6. NOC Secretary General Kylych Sarbagishev and the Director of the National Anti-Doping Center, Nurgul Kermakunov, attended the seminar along with 30 athletes from national Olympic sports federations.

NEPAL Olympic Committee congratulated

Nilendra Raj Shrestha, Secretary General, and Sujan Lal Shrestha, Executive Secretary, on receiving the Jana Shewa Shree Award from the President of Nepal, Rt. Hon. Ram Chandra Paudel, for their contribution to the success of the 13th South Asian Games. (Nepal Olympic Committee Facebook)

PAKISTAN Olympic Association President Lt Gen (ret) Syed Arif Hasan has congratulated national archer and Olympic Solidarity Scholarship-holder Hafiz Abdur Rehman on completing the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Programme in 2023. Rehman aims to coach archery to kids and youngsters in Pakistan in collaboration with educational institutions and the POA. (@NOCPak)

BANGLADESH Olympic Association celebrated National Sports Day in conjunction with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace in a colourful rally and ceremony in Dhaka. The flags of Bangladesh, the United Nations, International Olympic Committee, Olympic Council of Asia and BOA were hoisted at Olympic Bhavan. (Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha)

SRI Lanka NOC celebrated its 86th anniversary (1937-2023) with special coverage in its official weekly bulletin Good Sport News.

NOC President Suresh Subramaniam said: “We are as old as the modern Lankan history. We are now 86 years old and still growing.

INDIAN Olympic Association President PT Usha visited Goa on April 27 to review the progress of preparations and infrastructure for the National Games later this year. The track legend also met with the Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, and Sports

We look to stand together and develop within the Olympic Movement.”

(@OlympicLK)

BHUTAN Olympic Committee, in collaboration with the Japan Gymnastics Association, organised a “Gymnastics for All” programme from April 14-16 at Pekhil School Dojo in Thimphu. The programme was led by Professor Araki Tatsuo, JGA Vice President. (Bhutan Olympic Committee Facebook)

LAOS NOC President and Minister of Education and Sports Phout Simmalavong is pictured with the French Ambassador in Laos, Mrs. Siv-Leng Chhuor, at a sports event organised by the French Embassy in Vientiane on March 14 to mark 500 days to the opening ceremony of Paris 2024. Guests played pétanque, badminton and table tennis. (KPL – Lao News Agency)

INDONESIAN Olympic Committee President Raja Sapta Oktohari (pictured) proposed that the country’s esteemed President, Joko Widodo, be named “Father of Indonesian Sports” for his long-standing support of the Olympic sports movement. The proposal was approved by all 65 members of the NOC at a meeting at the Fairmont Hotel, Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, March 6. (nocindonesia.id)

South East Asia

SINGAPORE NOC reports that $489,600 from 35 corporates and individuals was raised for the One Team Singapore Fund at the inaugural One Team Singapore Golf Day jointly organised by Sport Singapore and the Singapore Olympic Foundation. With matching grants from the Government, a total of $979,200 will go towards the one team fund. The event was graced by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, who presented tokens of appreciation to the donors and sponsors. (singaporeolympics.com)

TIMOR-LESTE Head of State His Excellency Jose Ramos-Horta welcomed the torch for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games to the presidential palace in the capital Dili on Monday, April 3. A street carnival and torch relay was held the next day.

HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah, President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, handed over the national flag to SEA Games Chef de Mission Zainab binti Haji Morshidi in a ceremony at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex on May 2. (borneobulletin.com.bn)

OLYMPIC Council of Malaysia President Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria was appointed Honorary President of Badminton Asia for the term 2023-2027 during Badminton

Asia's AGM on April 29 in Dubai, UAE. (OCM)

NOC News in Pictures

South East Asia

VIETNAM Olympic Committee organised a technical course for weightlifting coaches in Hanoi from April 5-11 in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity, the national weightlifting federation and the International Weightlifting Federation. The 31 participants received an IOC certificate on completion of the seven-day course.

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee

President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino addressed the 2023 National Athletes Forum on Saturday, March 4 at the Philippine Sports Commission Conference Room inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. The forum was organised by the POC’s Athletes Commission. (Olympic.ph)

MYANMAR hosted the torch relay for the 32nd SEA Games at the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Yangon on April 21. Present at the ceremony were the Myanmar Olympic Committee President and Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, U Min Thein Zan, Cambodian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Chum Angvichet, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and 1,800 runners. (mtnewstoday.com)

MACAU, China NOC Vice President Pun Weng Kun, who is President of the Macau Sports Bureau of the SAR government, led a delegation from Macau to visit Hangzhou ahead of the 19th Asian Games. Mr Pun said Macau planned to send 190 athletes to compete in 21 sports.

CHINESE Taipei Olympic Committee held an Olympic Protocol Seminar on March 7 featuring a variety of discussions on the topic of gender equity. One of the keynote speakers was Mr. Anthony Edgar, who worked in the IOC’s media operations department for 18 years.

HONG Kong, China NOC held its General Meeting and a by-election at the Jockey Club Lecture Theatre of Olympic House on April 26 and elected Mr. Philip K.Y. Mok as Honorary Deputy Secretary General through receiving a simple majority of votes. His term of office runs until the 2024 AGM.

(Issued by: Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, April 26, 2023).

JAPAN NOC hosted the “Terre de Jeux 2024” world relay at the National Stadium in Tokyo on March 14 – 500 days before the start of the Paris Olympic Games. The French embassy led the event, which was attended by embassy staff, 75 schoolchildren from the Lycée Français International in Tokyo and JOC participants. (JOC/Kishimoto)

MONGOLIA NOC’s Gender Equality Commission conducted the OCA’s “Social Development Through Olympism and Education” project in Ulaanbaatar for the second year with two seminars and friendly competitions in badminton and table tennis. The first seminar was attended by 30 female sports administrators and physical education teachers from 21 provinces and nine districts, and the second seminar by over 30 female athletes from 16 sports associations. Topics included the prevention of competition manipulation, women's empowerment, sports nutrition and injury prevention.

CHINESE Olympic Committee President Gao Zhidan welcomed a delegation from the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, led by President Timothy Fok, to Beijing on Monday, March 13. Topics included the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou and the 15th National Games to be held in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province in 2025. (SF&OC, Hong Kong, China)

KOREAN Sport and Olympic Committee President Lee Kee-heung attends the opening ceremony of the Korea Sports for All Festival which was held from April 27-30 to promote a wide variety of sports and also to encourage public participation and a healthy lifestyle. (KSOC)

HANGZHOU ORGANISERS HIT THE HOME STRAIGHT

The Olympic Council of Asia and Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) have been making up for lost time in recent weeks as the world returns to normal after the lost years of the global pandemic.

The OCA held their first face-to-face Coordination Committee meeting with HAGOC since 2019 on March 15-16, and the Chefs de Mission from the National Olympic Committees gathered in Hangzhou the following month for the CDM Seminar on April 25-26.

In addition to this, individual NOCs took the opportunity to visit Hangzhou for meetings and venue visits from February 15 to April 10, providing both parties with the chance to enhance their preparations and coordination.

As the countdown clock moves forward to the opening of the 19th Asian Games on September 23, there are many more milestones to pass on this long journey.

These include the second World Press Briefing/World Broadcasters Meeting from June 27-30 and the draw for team sports competitions on July 27. Both these events will provide global coverage of the 19th Asian Games, while HAGOC and

the Chinese Olympic Committee will continue their local, regional and national promotion and the OCA’s “Asian Games for All” campaign spreads the message around the continent.

The following pages set the scene for the Hangzhou Asian Games, including news from Prestige Partners, and the “Inside the OCA” section of Sporting Asia reports on the recent Coordination Committee meeting and CDM Seminar.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Singapore NOC visited Hangzhou in early April for meetings and venue visits.

Hangzhou Asian Games

PRESTIGE PARTNER GEELY REVEALS ASIAN GAMES VEHICLE

Zeekr 009, a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from Geely's premium electric Zeekr brand, has been chosen as the official vehicle of the 19th Asian Games.

The electric MPV will serve as the shuttle vehicle for members of the International Olympic Committee, Olympic Council of Asia and other dignitaries, the Hangzhou-based automobile manufacturer announced.

The Zeekr 009 is the brand's second model, built on Geely's Sustainable Experience Architecture. It features CATL's (Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd) Qilin 3.0 batteries, which enable the model to have a range of 822 kilometers on one charge.

Zeekr started deliveries of the model earlier this year. Last year, Zeekr's overall sales totaled over 71,000 units. It expects deliveries to double the figure in 2023.

Geely Auto is one of 11 Official Prestige Partners of the Hangzhou Asian Games, along with China Mobile, China Telecom, Industrial and

Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), LoongAir, Alibaba, Alipay, 361 Degrees, China Pacific Insurance (CPIC), Das-Security and, the latest addition to the list, Bornan Sports Technology.

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 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.

19th Asian Games Hangzhou

2022 Prestige Partner

The Zeekr 009 electric MPV. (Photo: HAGOC)

Hangzhou Asian Games

FIH PRESIDENT TAYYAB IKRAM VISITS HANGZHOU HOCKEY VENUE

The President of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Tayyab lkram, visited Hangzhou Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium to view preparations for the Asian Games.

The design of the venue is derived from the Jiangnan oiled paper umbrella as the intangible cultural heritage of Hangzhou, and the venue is known locally as the "Hangzhou Umbrella”. The Jiangnan region is famed for its silks and handicrafts.

Tayyab was very impressed with the venue, not only its unique appearance but also the top-class facilities. After being given a briefing on the venue design, operations and management, match protocol and venue legacy, the FIH President said: “The venue has a unique and beautiful appearance, with good functional room layout and complete facilities, as well as two clean and tidy hockey fields. It is an excellent hockey competition venue."

He suggested that the stadium should host more international events and become a hockey hub.

The Technical Delegate of the Asian Games hockey competition, Asian Hockey Federation official Elisabeth Fuerst, also visited Hangzhou and said the venue was ready

to host high-level international competitions and receive athletes and spectators from around the world.

She added that the venue would lay the foundations for a successful hockey competition at the 19th Asian Games.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram is shown around the hockey stadium.

Hangzhou Asian Games

BEIJING BUILDS HANGZHOU ASIAN GAMES EXCITEMENT

Beijing, China’s first Asian Games host city in 1990, held a series of promotional activities for the Hangzhou Asian Games on Thursday, April 27.

These included an Asian Games-themed lecture at Beijing Sport University, the final leg of the Ten Cities Tour partnered by Geely and a concert at the Olympic Park.

The Ten Cities Tour was launched in Hangzhou on May 30, 2021 and had visited Shanghai, Xi'an, Tianjin, Wuhan, Chengdu, Xiamen, Nanjing, Guangzhou and Zhuhai before closing in Beijing.

“Beijing hosted the 11th Asian Games 33 years ago, which was a milestone for China's development in sports,” said Chen Weiqiang, Executive Secretary General of HAGOC and Vice Mayor of Hangzhou, during the lecture at Beijing Sport University.

“Now, Hangzhou is preparing for the 19th edition of the Games and will strive to achieve the best.”

As part of the activities, runners took in a journey

beside the National Aquatics Center at the Olympic Park, where a concert was held afterwards to introduce the promotional song of the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games.

“Through the songs and activities, the people will gain a deeper understanding of Hangzhou," said Huang Haifeng, Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC.

The Hangzhou Asian Games promotional event in Beijing. (HAGOC)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Hangzhou Asian Games

HANGZHOU, AICHI-NAGOYA SHARE ASIAN GAMES IDEAS

Chen Weiqiang, Executive Secretary General of the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (HAGOC) and Vice Mayor of Hangzhou, met with Shin Kojima, Director General of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organising Committee (AINAGOC), and his visiting delegation on April 24.

The two sides exchanged updates on the preparation for the Asian Games, as Hangzhou gears up for the 19th Asian Games from September 23 to October 8 and Aichi-Nagoya for the 20th Asian Games in 2026.

Vice Mayor Chen noted that Japan is a sports powerhouse in Asia and has hosted several Olympic Games and Asian Games, and is also the host country for the next Asian Games. He hoped that both sides would further discuss details on the themes and rituals of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

AINAGOC Director General Kojima said he was looking forward to the Hangzhou Asian Games and would visit the competition venues and cultural attractions to learn more about Hangzhou's experience, feel the charm of the city and, more importantly, to promote sports, cultural, economic and trade exchanges between the two cities.

Japan has hosted the Asian Games twice, in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994, while China will complete a hosting hat trick with Hangzhou this year after Beijing 1990 and Guangzhou 2010.

Integrity Leads to Prosperity

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.

Chen Weiqiang (right) and Shin Kojima meet in Hangzhou. (HAGOC)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

Hangzhou Asian Games

IOC PRESIDENT PREDICTS ‘BRILLIANT’ ASIAN GAMES

The President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, visited Hangzhou on Monday, May 8 and toured some of the venues for the 19th Asian Games.

“Hangzhou has world-class facilities and is operationally ready,” he said, after a walk around the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre which includes the “Big Lotus” main stadium, the “Little Lotus” tennis centre, the new aquatics centre and the basketball gymnasium.

“Athletes and spectators can look forward to exciting Asian Games Hangzhou 2023. They will be brilliant.”

President Bach was accompanied by provincial and municipal government leaders, IOC members and other leading dignitaries.

They were Mr Zhang Jiasheng, Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province and Vice President of HAGOC; Mr Yao Gaoyuan, Mayor of Hangzhou, Vice President and Secretary General of HAGOC; Mr Yu Zaiqing, IOC Member and Chinese Olympic Committee Vice President; Ms Li Lingwei, IOC Member, Vice President of the COC and Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC; Ms Zhang Hong, IOC Member and IOC Athletes Commission member; Mr Chen Weiqiang, Executive Secretary

General of HAGOC and Vice Mayor of Hangzhou; and Mr Zheng Yao, Director of Zhejiang Provincial Sports Bureau and Deputy Secretary General of HAGOC.

President Bach was making his first to China since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and was greeted by the COC President, Gao Zhidan on Friday, May 5. (Sina.com.cn)

19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Prestige Partner

OCA PUTS ATHLETES AT THE HEART OF OLYMPIC MOVEMENT

The Olympic Council of Asia’s drive to put athletes at the heart of the Olympic movement was the underlying theme of a fruitful and productive two-day Athletes Forum in Bangkok.

The Director General of the OCA, Capt. Husain Al Musallam, said the forum had laid a strong foundation on which the athletes could build in the future.

“I am very happy and proud about what we achieved here in Asia, especially to reach this amount of number of athletes50-50 male and femalestaking part in this important forum; to hear their voice - what they want and what they would like to see how the Asian Games or the Asian Olympic Movement should be in the future,” he said.

Capt. Husain added that there were many important issues that needed to be addressed in modern-day sport and that this forum would give them the information and knowledge to face these challenges.

discussions, workshops and feedback from delegates resulted in a number of recommendations, including the landmark decision to hold elections for the OCA Athletes Committee at the 19th Asian Games.

This represents another major step forward by the OCA, giving all athletes a voice and drawing attention to issues that matter the most to the people who matter the most – Asia’s athletes.

“Definitely it will help the athlete to go forward because I think there is a lot of things hidden that the athletes need to explore –the positive side, to discuss and remove the negative side.

“All these things are important; the most important things for us in the Olympic Council of Asia is athletes’ retirement and the education while they are practising sport.”

Dates: Venue:

NOC Athletes Committees: Delegates:

Female delegates:

Male delegates:

Main topics (4):

Safeguarding - protecting athletes from harassment and abuse in sport Prevention of the Manipulation of Competition Athletes Career Development for Sport and Beyond Fight against Doping.

Olympic Solidarity, National Olympic Committee of Thailand

The OCA Director General addresses the forum.

OCA/OS ATHLETES FORUM WENT ‘BEYOND EXPECTATIONS’

The OCA’s Head of Athletes Development Department and Special Projects, Tony Tarraf, said the Athletes Forum had exceeded expectations in terms of knowledge-sharing and in providing the tools to build a bright future – together.

“This forum was basically amazing, beyond expectations, like usual,” Tony said.

“We’ve been planning for a long time to make sure that we will deliver something important for the Athletes Committees, the representatives, for them to go back and transfer the knowledge to make them more effective and to give them the needed tools and equipment, not just giving them theories.

“So, at the end of the day, when you listen to their feedback and when you see how much they are happy with the knowledge they learned you feel very satisfied, so things are beyond expectations.”

Tony said that the forum was just the beginning, and that the Athletes Committees must now go back and implement the recommendations over the coming months.

“We are looking forward to what’s next. This is just the beginning with them. We need to keep the pace and keep on moving forward together,” he added.

“We gave you the needed basket full of equipment and tools. We are there to support your back, to help you, to guide you.

“I think, if we keep our promises - like we promised today that we will keep on moving forward together - we will be a great support to the athletes and we will reach really far. This is the most important thing.

“We learned a lot, we connected a great network, this is very important. So, if we keep our promises, I think we can go so far with the athletes.”

Recommendations from the forum to athletes

OCA Athletes Committee elections to be held at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September 2023

Support for Athletes Committees to have a dedicated liaison or administration in the NOC and for NOCs to fully support Athletes Committees by providing the resources needed

Athletes Committees should apply for the Olympic Solidarity activity grant of USD10,000 and the Athlete Centered Project Fund of USD3,000 from the OCA each year to organise activities to empower Athletes Committees and athletes

Athletes should not be discriminated against on grounds of nationality, religion or ethnicity

Athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments, and should have access to international competitions, including the Asian Games

With regard to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, they should return to international competitions under clear conditions including: No flag, and competing as neutrals; no government officials present; comply fully with anti-doping rules; fairness to Asian athletes in any Olympic qualification pathway.

Tony Tarraf supervises a workshop.

We are realising that we have 40 Athletes Committees in Asia now but there are so many different levels – very advanced ones, newly established ones or it’s been established for a long time but not doing much because they don’t know what to do. So, we want to enhance them and I want advanced Athletes Committees to influence the other Athletes Committees so that they will be full of energy to support their own athletes. – Mikako Kotani, OCA Athletes Committee Chair.

It was a wonderful experience to be part of this forum; firstly, brilliantly organised. I think it was great to get athlete representatives from all of Asia together, to hear them out, to hear the challenges that they have and make them aware of the several resources that the OCA provides, the IOC provides and helping empower them for the benefits of the athlete communities back home. – Abhinav Bindra, India’s Olympic shooting champion and IOC Athletes Commission member.

This was my first experience to attend an Athletes Forum and I have learned a lot of information about manipulation or anti-doping or what projects Olympic Solidarity has for Athletes Commissions. It was so beneficial for all Athletes Commissions in Asia. – Rohullah Nikpai, Afghanistan NOC AC.

This is the best platform for athletes to share the best knowledge and some best practices. We are lucky that our gender equality is really working in a positive way and I personally believe this is due to the efforts over many years of the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee that we are at this stage to have this participation with more equality. – Tayyab Ikram, Vice Chair, OCA Athletes Committee; President, International Hockey Federation.

First of all, this forum is really helpful for me and all the other athletes I am meeting. First, we can build a lot of connections with the other Asian countries and this is really important. Secondly, it is telling me all the rules that I need to know as a member of the Athletes Committee in Kuwait. – Abbas Qali, Kuwait Olympic Committee Athletes Committee.

Based on the discussions we heard I think it has been great to see the level of activity of the Asian ACs going up a lot. I think there were very important and interesting initiatives that different Asian Athletes Commissions are doing, so it has been very encouraging to see the activity and involvement of the Asian NOC ACs. – Emma Terho, Chair, IOC Athletes Commission. ”

OCA Athletes Committee Chair Mikako Kotani.

Forum participants take a souvenir photo.

Anti-doping was one of the main themes.

A wealth of experience benefited the forum participants.

OCA VP SONG STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION

The Chefs de Mission Seminar for the 19th Asian Games was held on April 25-26 at the InterContinental Hotel in Hangzhou and attended by 88 delegates from 42 National Olympic Committees.

In an informative and informal two-day programme, organising committee HAGOC combined short but detailed presentations on two half-days with competition venue tours on the first afternoon and second morning.

Delegates were also shown the Athletes Village, which has a capacity of 10,400 athletes and officials, and the new Hangzhou Asian Games Museum located in the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium, nicknamed “Big Lotus”, by the city’s Qiantang River.

The Olympic Council of Asia’s Vice President for the 19th Asian Games, Mr Song Luzeng, addressed the opening ceremony on behalf of the OCA and stressed the need for “good and timely communications” between the NOCs, OCA and HAGOC in the final stages of preparation.

“In past years, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee has overcome the difficulties brought by the pandemic and done their utmost in the preparations for the Hangzhou Games in order to ensure all the athletes and officials have a pleasant and memorable stay in Hangzhou,” he said.

The 19th Asian Games will run from September 23 to October 8, 2023 with 40 sports, 61 disciplines and 483 events. There will be 54 competition venues, 31 independent training venues, one main Asian Games Village in Hangzhou and five sub-villages throughout Zhejiang province.

“We are pleased to see that, with the concerted efforts of all the stakeholders - HAGOC, OCA, National Olympic Committees, Asian Federations and International Federations - the hard efforts of HAGOC have achieved great success.”

On the first day of the forum, the countdown clock showed 151 days to the September 23 opening and Mr Song added: “Good and timely communications and cooperation between the HAGOC and NOCs and adherence to the policies and timelines set by the HAGOC and the OCA are crucial to the success of the Games.”

Chinese Olympic Committee Vice President Yang Shu’an said the Asian Games had the full support of the Chinese government, and that President Xi Jinping had personally stated that Hangzhou had the capability to host a successful Asian Games.

The Chefs de Mission Seminar attracted 88 delegates from 42 NOCs. (HAGOC)

Volunteers prepare for the venue tour. (OCA)

Chefs de Mission Seminar, Hangzhou Asian Games

CDMS ENJOY TOUR OF ‘WORLD-CLASS’ VENUES

As a Chef de Mission, Umi Karim of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council has the experience of two Olympic Games and one Asian Games coming into Hangzhou.

So, when Brunei’s Director of Youth and Sports describes the competition venues and related infrastructure as “impressive”, she speaks from a wealth of experience.

“Really, these are world-class facilities,” Umi said on the first afternoon of the venue tour. “China organised the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and I think Hangzhou could host the Olympic Games with these venues and village.”

The Brunei CDM described the HAGOC presentations as “clear and comprehensive” and thought the new museum was spectacular with its lighting, special effects and digital technology. “I can’t wait for the opening ceremony of the Asian Games,” Umi added. “I am sure it will be huge and make a great impact on everyone.”

Another CDM, Malaysia’s Chong Kim Fatt, was impressed by the stadium designs and the efforts to promote a clean and green environment, notably in the new China Hangzhou Esports Centre.

He also pointed out that the futuristic, gleaming structures of the modern, dynamic city are also balanced by abundant flower beds, trees and parks. “It is very advanced. The government is very responsible for the people and the city. I am very encouraged about our future,” he said.

After the main tour of the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre and Asian Games Athletes’ Village on the first day of the seminar, HAGOC offered visits to the following venues on the second day:

Hangzhou Gymnasium (boxing)

Huanglong Sports Centre (football and gymnastics)

China Hangzhou Esports Centre

Binjiang Gymnasium (badminton)

Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium (table tennis and dance sports)

Zhejiang University of Technology Pingfeng Cricket Ground

Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre (archery, modern pentathlon, shooting)

West Lake International Golf Course

Umi Karim, Brunei Darussalam NOC CDM, visits the “Big Lotus” main stadium. (OCA)

Malaysia's CDM Chong Kim Fatt (third from left) on the village tour. (OCA)

OCA DG SAYS ASIAN GAMES ‘ON THE RIGHT TRACK’

The Director General of the OCA, Captain Husain Al Musallam, thanked the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee for all their hard work during the challenging years of the pandemic to keep the 19th Asian Games “on the right track”.

In his opening address at the 5th OCA Coordination Committee meeting in Hangzhou on Thursday, March 16, Capt. Husain praised the teamwork of HAGOC and the Chinese Olympic Committee.

“On behalf of the Olympic movement in Asia and the Coordination Committee members, I would like to put our deep appreciation on the record for the hard work of the team that I see here during the difficult two and a half years of the

“Our last coordination meeting was held about three years ago but yesterday (March 15), on our visit to the Athletes’ Village, Media Village and Technical Officials’ Village, it makes us confident that the 19th Asian Games are going on the right track.

“In all the history of the Asian Games and maybe even the Olympic Games, there is no Athletes’ Village combining the three sectors of athletes, media and technical officials. This is a positive step for the future and illustrates the fantastic growth of the Asian Games.”

Referring to the pandemic, Mr Al Musallam added: “I know in the past years it was not easy years for all of us, not only for Hangzhou but for all the world.

“But we are proud about what we are witnessing - a really high standard of conducting the operation sector, the technical sector and, the most important thing, the services for our athletes who will come from different sports to compete here in Hangzhou next September and October.”

The CC meeting heard that Hearthstone - a fast-paced strategy card game - has been removed from the list of esports due to licensing issues, leaving the sport with seven medal events in Hangzhou.

Athletes’ Village

September 9: Pre-opening

September 16: Official opening/sub-villages open

Beds: 10,400

Apartments: 2,696

Towers: 37

Dining hall: 4,200 capacity

Team Welcome Ceremony: September 16-22 (9am-6pm)

Hotels

Official hotels: 78, including

OCA hotels: 6

Period: September 20-October 20

International Travel Grant

30 people per NOC, USD1,000

44 NOCs each receive: USD30,000

Total: USD1,320,000

Accreditation card

Visa-waiver: August 24-October 23

Food and Accommodation Support

Accommodation cost: USD50/night

For average of: 12 nights

For 30 beds each NOC: USD18,000

All 45 NOCs will receive USD18,000 deduction in accommodation costs

Delegation

Registration Meetings

Pre-DRM: May 20-June 15

DRM: September 9-22

Tickets

Over 3 million for 600+ sessions

Available: Online and offline

Pre-sales to NOCs and Authorised

Ticket Resellers (ATR): May to August

Pre-Games and Games-time sales: August to October

Opening Ceremony

Date: September 23

Start: 8pm

Venue: Hangzhou Olympic Sports

Centre Stadium – Big Lotus

Flagbearers: One female and one male flagbearer per NOC

Closing Ceremony

Date: October 8

Start: 8pm

Venue: Big Lotus

Medical Services

Designated hospitals: 40

Designated referral hospitals: 33

Village Polyclinic: September

15-October 12

Ambulances: 133 (one or two at each venue)

Medical helicopters: 3

Doctors and nurses: 1,753

The OCA Director General at the CC meeting in Hangzhou.

MIXED MARTIAL ARTS ADDED TO AIMAG PROGRAMME

Mixed Martial Arts will pack a punch at the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand later this year after being accepted at the OCA Coordination Committee meeting in Bangkok on Monday, March 13.

OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam, who chaired the second meeting of the Coordination Committee in the Thai capital, welcomed the inclusion of Mixed Martial Arts saying it would add value to the AIMAG.

“Mixed Martial Arts will be a medal event at the AIMAG, taking

the number of medal sports to 36. We believe it will be a popular sport with Thai fans, just like Muay Thai and other martial arts sports,” Captain Husain noted.

There will be 12 events in MMA, six for men and six for women, at the 6th AIMAG from November 17-26 in Bangkok and Chonburi province.

MMA is an extreme combat sport where fighting techniques of wrestling and boxing, and those of kickboxing, judo and karate, are used.

The Director General of the Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association, David Thong, said he had no doubt that MMA would prove popular with the Thai spectators.

“I’m very happy that MMA will be at these Games,” he said.

“The sport is proving to be widely popular and, as far as logistics is concerned, it will not be a problem as the sport does not need any extra facilities. It can share the same venues like wrestling, boxing and jiu-jitsu which are already part of the competition schedule.

“MMA will add great value to the AIMAG and I believe it will give the host country an edge during competition because Muay Thai is already a popular sport in this country,” Thong added.

OCA HIGHLIGHTS THAILAND’S PROMINENT HOSTING ROLE

OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam paid tribute to Thailand for all their efforts to promote the Olympic sports movement in Asia.

Speaking at the second Coordination Committee meeting for AIMAG 6 in Bangkok on March 13, Captain Husain said Thailand was a loyal and trusted partner in hosting OCA events over several decades.

“The Kingdom of Thailand has played a huge role in sports in Asia having hosted four Asian Games, one Beach Games and now two Indoor and Martial Arts Games. This shows the commitment

and love of the people of Thailand for sports,” he said.

“I would like to place on record the deep appreciation I have for the hard work of the Organising Committee. There have been challenges. The Tokyo Olympics was postponed by one year and this led to the postponement of these Games. All these challenges have been handled in a friendly manner, highlighting the culture of Asia.”

Dato Seri Chaiyapak Siriwat, OCA Vice President for AIMAG, stressed the Organising Committee was there to answer all questions from the Coordination Committee members and would ensure that the Games would be a resounding success.

In his welcome speech, Dr. Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand and Secretary General of the AIMAG Organising Committee, noted that much progress had been made by the various committees since the first Coordination Committee meeting last November.

“This is an opportune time to assess our progress report and I can assure you that the Royal Thai Government and the authorities of the cities of Bangkok and Chonburi are fully behind the staging of these Games,” Dr. Yodmani said.

Media interest is high in AIMAG 6. (OCA)

OCA Vice President Dato' Seri Chaiyapak Siriwat (left) is pictured with Vietnam Olympic Committee Secretary General Tran Van Manh during the first OCA Coordination Committee meeting in November 2022. (OCA)

OCA BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH ICE HOCKEY YOUTH CAMP

The Olympic Council of Asia’s popular youth development camp will break new ground this year when it focuses on a winter sport for the first time – ice hockey.

The OCA has announced that the Asian Ice Hockey Youth Camp – part of the Olympic Solidarity continental programme – will comprise three elements: athletes, coaches and game officials. It is being organised in cooperation with the International Ice Hockey Federation.

In a circular to Asia’s National Olympic Committees dated April 11, the OCA said that the 2023 OCA-IIHF U16 Asian Ice Hockey Youth Camp will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from August 1-7, 2023. The venue will be the Humo Arena. Arrival date is July 31 and departure date August 8.

Each NOC is entitled to send two young athletes born in or after 2007 – one boy and one girl. NOCs are not allowed to register two athletes of the same gender, but can register one athlete of either gender.

They can also send one coach and one game official, meaning a maximum of four participants from each NOC.

OCA TO SET UP HANGZHOU HOTLINE

In an effort to prevent competition manipulation, illegal betting and match-fixing, the OCA will establish a 24-hour hotline during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou.

The hotline will be available for anyone connected to the Games to report cases – or suspected cases – of such activities. The OCA plans to have a webinar with the IOC and Interpol by the end of July for Chefs de Mission to attend online and raise awareness with athletes, technical officials and other parties at risk.

“We will be ready to receive any kind of report from anyone and we will act accordingly, based on the code,” the OCA’s Tony Tarraf told delegates at the CDM Seminar in Hangzhou. “It is not only about athletes. It is a very important topic.”

The hotline is: reportmanipulation@ocasia.org

The OCA has sent a selection criteria list to the NOCs and has set a long list registration deadline of May 31. The shortlist of participants will be announced on June 15.

ANNIVERSARY IN HANGZHOU

The OCA will hold a special celebration during the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou this September to mark 110 years since the birth of the Asian Games.

Although the first Asian Games took place in New Delhi in 1951, the roots go back much further – to the Far Eastern Championship Games in Manila in 1913. This was the first official international multi-sport games to be held in Asia, and the OCA will celebrate this 110-year anniversary with a cultural festival involving music and dance from the five zones of the continent.

The 110-year celebration is set for September 24 – the day after the opening ceremony – and will replace the OCA General Assembly, which will not be held in Hangzhou.

The history of ancient musical instruments will also be documented in the festival, which will be attended by 300 guests.

The next youth camp will focus on ice hockey.

CAMBODIA

SHINES IN SEA GAMES HOSTING

Cambodia 2023

Opening Ceremony: Closing Ceremony: Host city: Co-hosts: Venue: Officiated by: NOCs:

Athletes:

Sports:

Events:

Motto:

Athletes of the Games:

May 5

May 17

Phnom Penh

Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, Kep, Kompot

Morodok Techo National Stadium, Phnom Penh

Prime Minister Hun Sen 11

8,725

36 579

Sports: Live in Peace

Quah Ting Wen

(Singapore, swimming - 6 gold, 2 silver)

Pal Chhor Raksmy (Cambodia, vovinam – 4 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)

SEA Games Calendar:

Thailand 2025

Malaysia 2027

Singapore 2029

Laos 2031

Philippines 2033

No more talk of war, no more references to the Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot regime of the mid-to-late 1970s that decimated Cambodia and which the country is still trying to shake off.

This was Cambodia’s chance to move forward into a bright new future – a future full of energy and optimism thanks to its dynamic youth and its economic development; the chance to take a big step forward to ever-lasting peace and unity through sport and the SEA Games.

Cambodia achieved this in truly spectacular, and typically charming, Khmer style.

Not the richest country in the region, Cambodia showed that, by making the 32nd SEA Games the first ‘Free Games’ for all participants, the Kingdom of Wonder was prepared to share what it had with its 10 partners. This generosity will be repaid for years to come.

From the May 5 opening ceremony to the closing ceremony 12 days later on May 17, the Cambodian people packed the venues and cheered on their athletes to a commendable fourth-place finish in the medal rankings.

Deputy Prime Minister Tea Banh described Cambodia’s 282 medals (81 gold, 74 silver and 127 bronze) as a “remarkable achievement”, exceeding expectations, while NOC Cambodia President Dr. Thong Khon said: “I would like to thank Cambodia for delivering an event that we can all be extremely proud of.”

In the build-up to the Games, NOCC Secretary General and

CAMSOC CEO Vath Chamroeun said the Kingdom’s 64-year wait to host the SEA Games was an opportunity to emerge from the tragic past of war and to present a new image – a new and vibrant Cambodia.

Thanks to the 32nd SEA Games and its motto “Sports: Live in Peace” Cambodia has turned this corner and is running towards a bright future, especially in the Olympic world.

Country/NOC Total Rank

Legend: Gold Medal Silver Medal Bronze Medal

The biggest cheer of the night at the closing ceremony was for the volunteers, representing the youth and the future of Cambodia.

CAMBODIA’S ‘GIRL IN THE RAIN’ WINS 60 MILLION HEARTS

It’s not often that a SEA Games athlete makes headlines around the world; let alone an athlete who finished last in her race.

Yet this is exactly what happened to Bou Samnang at the 32nd SEA Games.

Running in the women’s 5,000 metres at the vast Morodok Techo National Stadium on May 8, the 20-year-old runner was caught in a torrential downpour.

She was alone, adrift from the field, and the stands were empty of spectators – but she did not give up.

She jogged on and on, barely visible in the monsoon conditions, and eventually crossed the finish line, almost six minutes behind the winner.

Her tears flowed harder than the rain; she put her palms together in thanks, and proudly displayed a Cambodian flag. The girl in the rain had become a SEA Games sensation – and

videos of her epic struggle were shown around the world and earned her praise for her determination in such tough conditions.

“I think Bou Samnang is a role model for the Olympic spirit,” said Vath Chamroeun, CEO of organising committee CAMSOC.

“She has shown the true spirit of sport and has touched the feelings of 60 million Cambodian people. She is from a poor family but she loves sport very much – and now everybody knows what is real sport.

“All the Cambodian people are saying that she won their heart. She did not win a medal but she won their heart, and that is very big value for the sport. Her feelings show us a very fantastic moment for the SEA Games.”

The Prime Minister, Hun Sen, gave her USD10,000 for her lesson to the nation in perseverance, and she was greeted as a national treasure when she appeared at the closing ceremony.

Bou Samnang runs in the rain. (Cambodia 2023)

Bou Samnang is full of emotion at the end of the race. (Cambodia 2023)

Indonesia won the men’s football gold medal for the first time since 1991 with a 5-2 victory over Thailand after extra time of a thrilling but bad-tempered final at the National Olympic Stadium.

(ASEAN World 24 – Southeast Asia Network)

Thailand's Soraoat Dapbang (263) wins the men’s 100m in 10.37 seconds at the Morodok Techo National Stadium on May 12 to complete a 100m/200m sprint double. Singapore’s Shanti Pereira achieved the same feat in the women’s races.

(The Nation, Thailand)

The Philippines’ Tokyo Olympian Carlos Yulo won two gold and two silver medals in men’s artistic gymnastics. His victory in the men’s individual all-around was his third in a row. (Jun Mendoza/Philippine Star)

Malaysia completed their mission to secure a hockey double when the women’s team beat Thailand 4-1 to clinch gold in the final at the Morodok Techo National Sports Complex on May 16. It was Malaysia’s 34th and final gold medal of the Cambodia SEA Games.

(Bernama)

Myanmar’s women’s football team enjoyed a memorable SEA Games, beating Thailand 4-2 in the semi-finals to set up a final against Vietnam at the Olympic Stadium. In the end, Myanmar had to settle for silver after going down 2-0 to the FIFA Women’s World Cup-bound Vietnam team.

(MT News)

Kong-ngeun Inthisan was the pride of Lao after winning a gold medal in the Khmer martial art of Kun Bokator. (Lao News Agency)

CAMBODIA’S

ASIAN GAMES HERO MAKES GOLDEN COMEBACK

The Incheon Asian Games in 2014 changed Sorn Seavmey’s life for ever when she became Cambodia’s first Asian Games champion in history.

The 32nd SEA Games has just added to that legacy, as she won taekwondo gold for a fourth time after previous victories in 2013, 2017 and 2019.

After a long break from the sport to get married and give birth to her daughter, “Mey Mey” was back in business – and delighted her following by winning gold in the women’s +73kg category.

“This is the last SEA Games and last gold medal for me,” she said.

“I used to dream that one day I would compete in the SEA Games in my home country and that my husband and daughter would be there to cheer me on – and today that dream came true.

“I feel very proud to have won the gold medal for my family, coach, team and the people of Cambodia.”

She feels her decision to come back for her home SEA Games after a four-year absence was well worth it.

“I am 28 now and feeling a bit old, with 60 per cent of my power

from before,” she added.

VIETNAM’S OANH RUNS TO GOLDEN GRAND SLAM

There was just no stopping Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Oanh on the track at the Morodok Techo National Stadium. The 27-year-old middle and long-distance runner completed a sensational golden grand slam to demolish the opposition with her relentless pace and consistency.

Oanh won the 1500 metres, 3000 metres steeplechase, 5000 metres and, on the last day, the 10,000 metres with an astonishing sprint from 600 metres out in energy-sapping conditions. What’s more, due to a late schedule change, her victories in the 1500m and 3000m steeplechase came within the space of 30 minutes.

Her efforts earned her big rewards back home, with a car company giving her a Peugeot and a real estate company offering her an apartment – all before she had even left Cambodia. With government and private sponsor cash rewards to come, the runner would be very well looked after by the public and private sector for her golden slam.

Regarding her two golds in 30 minutes, Oanh commented: “It was a very surprising schedule. I and my coaches were very worried. But we tried to figure out our best strategy and I had to put in my best effort.

“Right now, I have a lot of mixed emotions and I'm really tired. I’m very grateful for the encouragement of the audience and the Vietnamese delegation members. That helped me finish two difficult races in a very short time.”

“But in my mind, I knew I could win the gold medal because I believe in myself.”

Sorn Seavmey picks up her baby daughter after winning taekwondo gold. (Cambodia 2023)

Nguyen Thi Oanh won four gold medals in Cambodia. (nld.com.vn)

SINGAPORE’S ‘TING DYNASTY’ CONTINUES TO RULE THE POOL

Call it the “Ting Dynasty”.

Singapore’s Quah Ting Wen, oldest of three swimming siblings, produced more heroics at the Morodok Techo Aquatics Centre, winning six gold medals and two silvers to be named one of the two Best Athletes of the 32nd SEA Games.

She also played a part in helping Team Singapore win its 1,000th gold medal in SEA Games history – on the first day of the swimming competition – and took her overall medal tally to 60, including 34 gold, in nine SEA Games appearances.

Ting, who received her award from Deputy Prime Minister Tea Banh at the closing ceremony on May 17, commented: “I am extremely honoured and proud to receive this award. I am thankful for the opportunity to have done well for Singapore and my sport.

"My brother received the award in 2019 and my sister was the most bemedalled athlete at the Hanoi SEA Games last year, so it feels like a nice way to close the circle.”

Ting’s brother, Quah Zheng Wen, has won 50 medals, including 32 gold, at the SEA Games, and her younger sister Quah Jing Wen has 24 medals, including 20 gold.

CAMBODIA’S RAKSMY WINS SIX MEDALS IN VOVINAM

Veteran athlete Pal Chhor Raksmy won six medals in the Vietnamese martial art of vovinam – an achievement that earned her one of the two Best Athlete awards. Raksmy’s collection was comprised of four gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

“With this victory, I feel very proud for Cambodia,” she told Kiripost after completing her competition.

“I have been training for the SEA Games ever since the last SEA Games finished in Hanoi one year ago. We were determined as the host of the Games to try our best. The results are beyond my expectations,” she added.

Raksmy, 37, competed in six events of vovinam, which brought a total of 27 medals for Cambodia. The medals were comprised of 10 gold, eight silver and nine bronze, ranking first above Vietnam and Thailand.

“This victory is huge for me. It is not just a victory for me, it's a victory for all the Cambodian people because I am representing the whole population of the country,” she said.

Raksmy is from Phnom Penh’s Prampi Makara district and she graduated from banking and finance at Build Bright University. She began her sports career in judo and then switched to taekwondo before taking up vovinam in 2011.

Turning 31 in August, Ting faces a busy year with the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka in July and the Hangzhou

Quah Ting Wen wins the 50m freestyle at the 32nd SEA Games. (SNOC/Andy Chua)

Pal Chhor Raksmy in action. (Cambodia Vovinam Federation)

HRH PRINCE SUFRI BOLKIAH SAYS ‘FULL DISCIPLINE’ IS KEY TO BRUNEI’S GOLDEN DOUBLE

His Royal Highness Prince Sufri Bolkiah, President of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, believes “full discipline” was behind Brunei’s two gold medals at the 32nd SEA Games.

Both gold medals came in wushu, from Mohamad Adi Salihin bin Roslan and Hosea Wong Zheng Yu. It was Salihin’s third gold medal in consecutive SEA Games dating back to Philippines 2019 – an unprecedented achievement in Brunei sport.

“I am very happy because we only sent about 65 athletes and we won two gold medals, so by proportion it is a very good result for the number of athletes,” HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah told OCA.

“I like and support all sports, but wushu shows full dedication in terms of their training, in terms of the discipline – and then that produces results.

“I believe in sports if you have no discipline, you won’t get the result. Discipline is inculcated in you. You have to be there as an athlete and, with full discipline, you get the result.”

HRH Prince left Cambodia with a very favourable impression, not just of the 32nd SEA Games but also the local people.

“I am so happy. We have not had a single complaint from our athletes regarding the organisation of the Games here. Everything was perfect for Brunei, no problem.

“The people are friendly and receptable to us as a foreigner, as a guest of this country. Everywhere we go they greet us with respect and with big smiles and this is something that is a good welcoming environment for us as a foreigner,” His Royal Highness commented.

Rank

SEA SPIRIT HELPS CAMBODIA TO SUCCEED IN DEBUT HOSTING

It was extra special for the Timor Leste delegation, as national hero Xanana Gusmao – the first president of the independent republic from 2002 to 2007 and later prime minister - attended the opening ceremony for the first time and sat in the VVIP box to greet the parade of athletes.

“It is very inspiring for Timor Leste,” added Lauentino. Although Laurentino acknowledges that every host country faces challenges and difficulties, especially with a first-time host such as Cambodia, he feels that the spirit of the southeast Asian nations made the 32nd SEA Games a big success.

“Our athletes have enjoyed it. I think Cambodia and Timor Leste we have some similar situations but we are trying to show to the public that they have been trying their best to serve us.

“We are here to support our host country, to succeed in their mission to serve us, because in southeast Asia we are one family to support each other.”

He added that Cambodia’s “Free Games” policy had proved a huge boost to such a small NOC. “It’s been great for Timor Leste.”

HRH Prince Sufri Bolkiah stands in front of wushu champion Hosea Wong Zheng Yu. (Brunei Darussalam NOC)

When Laurentino Guterres, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Timor Leste, is asked for his

“This is the first time for Cambodia to host the SEA Games but

Xanana Gusmao (second from left) and Laurentino Guterres (right) at the opening ceremony.

Asian Games Fun Run

OCA’S ASIAN GAMES FOR ALL CAMPAIGN IN FULL SWING

As the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China draws ever closer, the OCA’s National Olympic Committees are really getting into the swing of things through the OCA’s Asian Games for All promotional campaign.

The campaign has three elements – the Asian Games Children’s Art Competition, the Asian Games Youth Reporter Project and, the most popular event of the programme, the Asian Games Fun Run.

The overseas series of the Asian Games Fun Run kicked off in Cambodia last October on the sidelines of the OCA General Assembly and plans are in hand for a total of 33 NOCs to host their own unique fun run celebration by the end of the campaign.

The OCA’s Director of Media and Broadcasting, Mr Jeans Zhou Jian, said the NOCs had really shown their enthusiasm to host the Asian Games for All campaign and build up the excitement and expectations in their own country ahead of the Asian Games.

“The OCA would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to our NOCs for being a part of the Asian Games for All campaign and making it such a big success,” Jeans said.

“We were very restricted with what we could do around the continent because of the global pandemic, right up until the last few months of last year.

“But, since then, we have been able to put together a really comprehensive programme and share the joy of the Asian Games with the NOCs, the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee and, most importantly, with the local people.

“They have embraced it and created their own festive atmosphere with carnivals and parades and other cultural activities running alongside the fun run.

“We look forward to meeting all our NOCs in Hangzhou and we are sure

that the performance of their athletes will be followed very closely back home thanks to the Asian Games for All campaign.”

Luang Prabang in Laos was a charming setting for the Asian Games Fun Run.

HAGOC invited two students from China to Singapore to present this distinctive local embroidery.

Asian Games Fun Run

Date: Place:

February 14, 2023

Buddha Dordenma Statue, Thimphu

Bhutan

Asian Games Fun Run

Qatar

Date: Place: Participants: Page 39

Asian Games Fun Run

Nepal

Date: Place:

February 17, 2023

Patan Durbar Square

Asian Games Fun Run

Pakistan

Date:

Place:

Participants:

Fun Run Facts:

February 20, 2023

Lahore 350

The Pakistan Olympic Association put on an exciting show which involved swirling dancers and other cultural activities against the exotic landscape of

Asian Games Fun Run

Singapore

Date:

Place:

Participants: Fun Run Facts:

February 25, 2023

National Stadium

1,000

The President of Singapore National Olympic Council, Parliament Speaker

Asian Games Fun Run

Laos

Date:

Place:

Participants:

Fun Run Facts:

March 4, 2023

Luang Prabang

500

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phout Simmalavong, President of NOC Laos, and Mrs. Khanthaly Siriphongphanh, Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, joined the run in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. Participants were split into three age groups: the youth (under 17 years) ran 2 km, the seniors (over 50 years) ran 2 km and the young age group (over 17 years) ran 5 km.

Asian Games Fun Run

Vietnam

Date:

Place:

Participants: Fun Run Facts:

March 8, 2023

Bac Ninh Sports University, Hanoi

1,300

The event coincided with International Women’s Day and National Sports

Asian Games Fun Run

Myanmar

Date:

Place:

Participants:

Fun Run Facts:

March 10, 2023

Institute of Sports and Physical Education, Tarmwe Township, Yangon.

300

Myanmar joined the Asian Games Fun Run series for the first time. The event, which was divided into three categories for the students over distances of 1.4km and 400m, was opened by U Myo Hlaing, Secretary General of Myanmar Olympic Committee and Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Asian Games Fun Run

Brunei Darussalam

Date:

Place:

Participants: Fun Run Facts:

March 12, 2023

Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque

1,300

The President of Brunei Darussalam NOC, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, attended the fun run, which included five categories: 3.4 km male open, 3.4 km female open, 2 km for boys aged 12 and below, 2 km for girls aged 12 and below and 2 km for individuals with special abilities.

Asian Games Fun Run

Tajikistan

Date: Place:

Participants:

Fun Run Facts:

April 19, 2023

Dushanbe

300

Tajikistan NOC held the Asian Games Children’s Art Competition for 60 students on April 14, Asian Games Youth Reporter Project for 50 students on April 18 and the Fun Run on April 19. NOC Vice President and Rio 2016 Olympic men’s hammer throw champion Dilshod Nazarov was the special guest at the press conference section of the youth reporter workshop. Umedjon Unusaliev, 22, won the essay competition.

Asian Games Fun Run

Iran

Date:

Place:

Participants: Fun Run Facts:

May 11, 2023

Enghelab Sports Complex, Tehran

250

Famed children's TV show host Amoo Pourang (Uncle Pourang) delighted the participants with a personal appearance, while popular presenter Dariush Farziayi served as Master of Ceremonies for the 750m race and other activities. The Secretary General of the NOC of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Seyed Manaf Hashemi, welcomed the visitors from OCA and HAGOC and China’s Ambassador to Iran, Chang Hua.

NOC I.R. IRAN

Asian Games Fun Run

Palestine

May 12, 2023

Majid Assad Sports Complex

800

The fun run activities were organised in cooperation with the national athletics federation, and a cycling team also joined in the fun. The Palestine Olympic Committee held the Asian Games Children’s Art Competition the day before the run, in association with the School Sports Federation.

Asian Games Fun Run

Bangladesh

Date: Place: Participants: Page 50

May 15, 2023

Asian Games Fun Run

Kazakhstan

Date:

Place:

Participants: Fun Run Facts:

May 20, 2023

Dynamo Stadium, Almaty

500

Almaty, co-host city of the 2011 Asian Winter Games, and Hangzhou, host city of the 19th Asian Games, joined forces for a fun run held over four distances: 500 metres, 1km, 2km and 5km. Among the distinguished guests were Mr.

Asian Games for All Youth Reporter Project

TAJIKISTAN, PALESTINE CONDUCT SPORTS REPORTER WORKSHOP

Tajikistan and Palestine became the second and third NOCs to host the Asian Games Youth Reporter Project, following Kuwait Olympic Committee last November.

The Tajikistan YRP was held at the state university of sport and physical education in Dushanbe on April 18 and was attended by 50 students. The special guest at the press conference section of the workshop was Dilshod Nazarov, NOC Vice President and Rio 2016 men’s hammer throw champion.

The best essay was produced by Umedjon Unusaliev, 22, who has been invited to attend the Hangzhou Asian Games as part

There will be two more stops for the media workshop, in Hong Kong and Mongolia in June.

The YRP in Palestine was attended by 20 students from An-Najah National University majoring in media and PR.

Getting down to business in Palestine.

The workshop in progress in Dushanbe.

International Women’s Day is celebrated around the world on March 8. Over the next two pages, Sporting Asia highlights some of the empowering messages from Asia’s leading female athletes and also looks at other activities held throughout the continent.

OLYMPIC CHAMPION DIAZ ON TOP FORM – AGAIN

The Philippines’ first Olympic Games gold medal-winner in history, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, was on top form again in posting a motivational message to mark International Women’s Day. She said on Facebook:

Women can dress up

Women can lift weights

Women can glam up Women can be a winner Women can lead Women can be a public servant

Women can be a champion

Women can be a HERO

You can’t spell a HERO, without HER! Women can, We can! We can be who we want to be.

SOUND ADVICE FROM OLYMPIC DIVER PANDELELA

Malaysia’s four-time Olympic diver Pandelela Rinong has been shining for her country for many years on the international diving circuit.

Her efforts have earned her a bronze and a silver medal at the Olympic Games, at London 2012 and Rio 2016 respectively, and she continues to put in the hard training for Paris 2024.

Pandelela posted this message for her 263,000 Facebook followers: “Find yourself a purpose, and you'll shine like a diamond. Cheers to strong, compassionate, beautiful, unique, powerful and ambitious women out there.”

Pandelela Rinong takes a break from her tough training and competition schedule.

(Pandelela Rinong Facebook)

“Let’s continue to make a difference and celebrate the strength, resilience and achievements of women everywhere,” she wrote.

“Happy International Women’s Day to all the amazing and courageous women in the world.”

Earlier in the week, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion had been awarded Athlete of the Year for the second year in a row and fourth in all by the Philippine Sportswriters Association, reflecting her place in the heart of the nation as she hits the road to Paris 2024.

She was also featured on the Philippine Sports Commission’s poster to celebrate International Women’s Month of March. (Hidilyn Diaz Facebook)

OLYMPIC FENCER GETS STRAIGHT TO THE POINT

India’s C A Bhavani Devi made history when she became the first fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games, at Tokyo 2020.

As a role model in her home country and beyond, the 29-year-old sabre specialist from Chennai takes every opportunity to empower women in all walks of society.

To mark International Women’s Day, she posted: “Today, let's celebrate all of the incredible achievements & contributions that women have made to our society. Happy Women's Day to all the strong, resilient & inspiring women out there!”

India’s inspiring Olympic fencer CA Bhavani Devi.

(CA Bhavani Devi Facebook)

KHUNYING PATAMA HONOURED IN THAILAND

OCA Executive Board member Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul has been named among the Women of the Year 2023 in Thailand by the Bangkok Post.

To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, the Bangkok Post listed 12 “extraordinary personalities” who have brought honour and international recognition to the Kingdom.

Khunying Patama is co-founder of G Steel Group. She became a member of the International Olympic Committee in 2017 and Chair of the IOC Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission in 2020.

With the OCA, Khunying Patama is Chair of the OCA Culture Committee and a member of the OCA Advisory Committee comprised of Asia’s IOC members.

The Bangkok Post introduces her as “Thailand’s inspirational heroine” and says: “Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul’s exceptional record of helping keep the Thai flag flying high internationally, coupled with her remarkable business prowess, arguably make her the most deserving of the title Woman of the Year 2023.”

Earlier this year, on February 9, Khunying Patama received the “Person of the Decade” award from the Sports Reporters and Photographers Association of Thailand on the occasion of the association’s 30th anniversary.

QOC HAILS WOMEN’S LEADING ROLE IN SOCIETY, SPORT

The Qatar Olympic Committee celebrated International Women’s Day at the Longines Arena (Al Shaqab) on Tuesday, March 7, in recognition of Qatari women’s leading role in all aspects of society, especially sport.

A discussion panel kicked off the women’s day event with the participation of leading Qatari sporting personalities, including Al Adaam fencing star Lina Al-Buainain, Al Adaam 400m hurdler Mariam Fareed and Haya Burshaid, the founder of Wyld Gym. The panel session targeted several key topics such as success storytelling, breaking boundaries, unlocking human potential and

SRI Lanka NOC wished all their female athletes, administrators and officials a Happy International Women's Day with a colourful poster and message: “Enhance and ensure women’s rights & aspirations to all Lankan Sports women through Olympic Values & Vision.”

OCA Culture Committee Chair Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul

The QOC panel discussion. (Olympic.qa)

NICOL APPOINTED MALAYSIA DEPUTY CDM FOR PARIS 2024

The Olympic Council of Malaysia has appointed squash legend Nicol David as Deputy Chef de Mission of the delegation

Nicol shared the news with an emotional Facebook post on March 13 referring to the invitation from Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports: “It was always a dream of mine to compete in the Olympics and play for Malaysia. I even went to three campaigns around the world to pitch for squash to get into the Olympic Games but, unfortunately, we didn’t succeed.

“Two weeks ago, I got a message from YB @hannahyeoh asking me if I would be keen to be the Deputy Chef de Mission. To be honest, I started crying. I was in shock because I never thought this would ever happen to me in my lifetime.

“I wrote back to her saying “YB, you’re making me cry right now. I would be truly honoured to represent my country at the Olympics” for which she said, ‘Well, that’s done then’.”

This is a wonderful gesture by the OCM, and a fitting reward for the eight-time world squash champion.

MIRABAI CHANU LIFTS BBC AWARD FOR SECOND TIME

Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu has won the 2022 BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award after a public vote.

Chanu becomes the first athlete to win the award twice in a row after winning for the year 2021. Born in Manipur state, in the north-east of India, Chanu learned to weightlift by carrying firewood.

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics she became the first Indian to win a silver medal in weightlifting and in 2022 secured gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England. She won a silver medal at the World Weightlifting Championships 2022.

Joining the award ceremony through a live link, Chanu thanked everyone who supported her. She said: “I am really excited and want to say that I will be working even harder for the forthcoming games and win more medals for India.”

IRAN’s women’s ice hockey team made an impressive debut in an International Ice Hockey Federation-sanctioned event when they finished runners-up to Thailand in the 2023 IIHF Ice Hockey Women's Asia and Oceania Championship in Bangkok. Iran defeated India 17-1, Kuwait 20-0, Kyrgyzstan 26-0, the UAE 14-0 and Singapore 3-0 before going down 3-1 to Thailand, the Tehran Times reports. (Tehran Times)

Nicol is pictured alongside the CDM for Paris 2024, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin. (OCM)

The other shortlisted contenders for BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year were wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik, boxer Nikhat Zareen, and badminton player PV Sindhu.

Mirabai Chanu has won the BBC award for the second straight year. (BBC)

WANG NAMED FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR IN CHINA

Veteran Wang Shanshan has been named the 2022 Chinese Women's Footballer of the Year with her masterclass performances for the Steel Roses at last year's AFC Women's Asian Cup, Xinhua reports.

"This award belongs to all the people who support me, and I want to thank my coaches, teammates and every staff member," Wang said during the awarding ceremony on April 14.

Wang, 33, helped China win the Asian Cup in India last year after a 16-year wait. She played both as a forward and a defender, putting on decisive performances in the semifinals against Japan and the final against Korea.

"I'm better at playing as a forward, but I can try any position if the team and coach need me to do," Wang explained.

Looking ahead to the Olympic qualifiers for Paris, the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Hangzhou Asian Games, Wang said: "Every tournament is important to us, and we want to approach it step by step. On the

TALKING ABOUT ‘LEAD-HER-SHIP’ IN SINGAPORE

More than 40 athletes and representatives from National Sports Associations joined the Singapore National Olympic Council Women in Sports Committee’s “Let’s Talk About Lead-HER-ship!” workshop on Saturday, March 18.

Organised by the SNOC Women in Sport Committee, and supported by the SNOC Athletes’ Commission, its objectives were to act as a launching pad for new initiatives to develop women leaders in sport and create opportunities for greater involvement of women in sports management and leadership roles at every level.

The event was attended by the SNOC President, Parliament Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin, and involved presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions.

international stage like the World Cup and the Olympics, we want to show the spirit and the best side of Chinese women's football."

SEA NATIONS PROVIDE ACTIVITY UPDATES

The South East Asian Games Federation Women and Sport Committee held a meeting at the Garden City Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on May 4 – the eve of the 32nd SEA Games. Under the guidance of the committee chair, Her Excellency Dr. Koy Pisey, representatives of the National Olympic Committees in attendance provided updates on the activities and initiatives of the women and sport movement in their country.

HE Dr. Koy Pisey, Secretary of State, Ministry of Tourism in Cambodia, noted the enthusiasm pf the women and sport leaders in driving the movement forward and making big progress in terms of gender equity, opportunity and leadership around the region.

Wang Shanshan. (AFC)

The workshop attracted more than 40 athletes. (SNOC)

The SEA Games Federation Women and Sport Committee meets in Phnom Penh on May 4. (OCA)

KAUR SINGH – INDIA’S ASIAN GAMES BOXING CHAMPION

Indian boxer Kaur Singh, who won the gold medal at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, died in Kurukshetra, Haryana on Thursday, April 27. He was undergoing treatment in a hospital for multiple health-related issues. He was 74.

Kaur Singh came from a humble background and spent his early days working as a farmer in Punjab's Malwa region. He joined the Indian Army in 1971 and was introduced to boxing in 1977.

Singh won India’s national championships in the heavyweight division two years later and remained India’s national champion in the category till 1983.

Apart from his success at the national level, Kaur Singh also dominated the continental stage during his prime. A gold medal at the 1980 Asian championships held in Mumbai (then Bombay) and gold at the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi were his top international achievements. He also represented India at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

SHAYA AL-NAFISA SAUDI FOOTBALLER

The Saudi sports community was shocked by the passing of a former star of the Saudi national team and Al-Kawkab Football Club, Shaya Al-Nafisa, due to an illness at the age of 60.

Kaur Singh had the distinction of being the only Indian boxer to have fought the legendary Muhammad Ali. The two engaged in a four-round exhibition match at Delhi's National Stadium which was won by Ali. (www.olympics.com)

AHMED KHAN HOCKEY ADMINISTRATOR

The Asian Hockey Federation mourned the passing of hockey administrator Ahmed Khan on May 10. He was 65.

Al-Nafisa, a forward, played all his career with Al-Kawkab and helped Saudi Arabia win the AFC Asian Cup in 1984.

He resisted offers from the likes of Riyadh giants Al Hilal and Al Nassr to remain with Al-Kawkab, whom he joined as a youth player in 1977. He scored 10 goals in 32 appearances for the national team between 1980 and 1986.

On December 12, 2020, Al-Nafisa was part of the delegation from the Saudi Arabia Football Federation that went to Bahrain to hand in the official bid file to host the AFC Asian Cup in 2027.

“Mr Ahmed Khan was an active member of the Asian Hockey family. He played a key leadership role in the development of hockey in Hong Kong. He was Chairman and President of Shaheen Hockey Club in Hong Kong, which has been playing a vital role in the development of hockey in Hong Kong,” the AHF said in a statement.

The President of the Asian Hockey Federation, Dato’ Fumio Ogura, commented: “We are deeply aggrieved hearing of the demise of Mr Khan. It is indeed an immense loss.

“I sympathise with his family and friends in such difficult times. The Asian Hockey family will always remember Mr Khan for his extraordinary contribution to hockey.”

(asiahockey.org)

Kaur Singh. (Twitter)

Shaya Al-Nafisa.

(National News Agency, Lebanon)

Ahmed Khan. (hockey.org.hk)

NAIM MOHAMAD, MALAYSIAN CYCLING FEDERATION

The Olympic Council of Malaysia paid tribute to Datuk Naim Mohamad, who passed away on May 12. He was 68.

"It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my father, Naim Mohamad, this morning,” his daughter Athirah posted on Facebook.

Naim was deputy president of the Malaysian National Cycling Federation for 10 years before stepping down in August 2016 due to health reasons. MNCF vice president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill described Naim’s death as a huge loss to the Malaysian cycling fraternity.

"He was a dedicated worker and gave his time and energy to the development of cycling during his tenure in the MNCF since the

SHOVON JAMALY BANGLADESH TENNIS

Shovon Jamaly, one of the finest tennis players in Bangladesh history, passed away in Canberra, Australia on Tuesday, April 25 after a lengthy illness. He was 55.

Jamaly, a three-time national singles champion and two-time national doubles champion, represented Bangladesh in the Davis Cup, Junior US Open and Junior Wimbledon.

Shovon, who was the son of a former general secretary of the Bangladesh Tennis Federation, Masud Hasan Jamaly, represented Bangladesh in Davis Cup 10 times from 1986 to 1999, winning 25 out of 53 matches.

1980s. He was a good advisor and always willing to help wherever possible. He will be missed by all,” he said.

Datuk Naim was Malaysia’s cycling team manager at the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010 and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and Malaysia’s Chef de Mission at the 26th SEA Games in Jakarta/Palembang in 2011.

“On behalf of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, we record the highest appreciation for Datuk Naim Mohamad's contribution to the Olympic Movement in Malaysia for almost 30 years,” said Tan Sri Dato’ Sri (Dr.) Mohamad Norza Zakaria, OCM President.

ED PICSON PHILIPPINES BOXING

Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) President and longtime sports personality Edgar “Ed” Picson passed away on Wednesday, April 19 after an illness.

Picson, who was 69, had been a household name in the sports industry. He was elected boxing president in 2021 after having served as executive director and secretary general for the national sports association.

Picson was also known for being a former play-by-play anchor for the Philippine Basketball Association.

SHAHIDA RAZA, PAKISTANI ATHLETE IN HOCKEY AND FOOTBALL

Shahida Raza, a member of the Pakistan women’s national hockey team, died in tragic circumstances when the boat she was on sank off the coast of Italy on February 26. She was 29.

Shahida, who also played football for Pakistan, had been trying to reach Italy to get medical treatment for her three-year-old son, who was not travelling with her.

International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram was in contact with Shahida’s family and said: “It’s our duty to support and protect our athletes’ and their families’ welfare.

“We are currently looking at how we can best help to support Shahida Raza’s family, in particular for the provision of medical treatment to her son. In such tragic circumstances, we have to stand next to our athletes.”

CNN reported that at least 64 people died when a wooden boat carrying migrants from Turkey broke apart on rocks off the coast of Calabria on Sunday, February 26. (fih.hockey)

IOC gives USD 10.4 million to COC

The IOC will contribute its share of the surplus of USD 10.4 million from the organisational budget of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 to support the legacy of these Games, IOC President Thomas Bach announced in Beijing on May 6. The IOC’s share of the surplus will be given to the Chinese Olympic Committee and is intended to support the development of sport in China, in particular the continued engagement of 346 million Chinese people in winter sports, with a special focus on young people.

Aquatics hat trick for Asia

The World Aquatics Championships 2025 have been awarded to Singapore. These Championships bring together the six aquatic sports of swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, open-water swimming and high diving. Over 2,500 athletes are expected to take part, representing World Aquatics’ 209 national member federations. Fukuoka will host the 2023 world championships and Doha the 2024 event, meaning a hosting hat trick for Asia.

(worldaquatics.com)

World Athletics steps up gender equality

World Athletics will take a significant number of new steps towards gender equality in its sport in 2023, including having 40 per cent female representation on the World Athletics Council.

They will also implement individual safeguarding policies in each of its 214 member federations.

FIBA, Singapore sign hosting deal

Singapore Sports Hub will become the first-ever venue in Asia to host the FIBA Intercontinental Cup following the signing of a three-year partnership between basketball’s governing body and Sport Singapore. The 33rd edition of the FIBA Intercontinental Cup is set for September 21-24, 2023.

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Two Asian countries qualify for Paris 2024 show jumping

The FEI has announced that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have qualified teams for the equestrian jumping competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Qualification was achieved at the FEI Designated Olympic Qualification Event for Africa and the Middle East held in Doha on February 27 and takes the number of qualified teams to nine.

World Triathlon announces ITOs for Paris 2024

World Triathlon has announced the International Technical Officials that will officiate at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be 43 National Federations represented and, for the first time, 50 per cent are female. All five continents are represented. (triathlon.org)

Olympic Esports Week

The IOC, together with the Singapore National Olympic Council, has released the event details and ticketing information for the inaugural Olympic Esports Week, taking place in Singapore’s Suntec Centre from June 22-25, 2023: Friday, June 23: archery, cycling, dancing, sailing; Saturday, June 24: baseball, taekwondo, sport shooting, tennis; Sunday, June 25: motorsport, chess.

Asia’s new IOC Young Leaders

The IOC has selected 25 new IOC Young Leaders for a four-year programme that will support them in the creation of grassroots sport-based initiatives aimed at addressing issues in their communities.

The five from Asia are: Li Daixuan (China), Pragnya Mohan (India), Ryosuke Itomi (Japan), Yazan Al Bawwab (Olympian - Palestine) and Alfonso Galvez (Philippines). More than 360 people applied for the 25 posts.

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May 30 – 31

2023

IOC Chef de Mission Meeting for Gangwon 2024

Korea/Virtual

May 31 – June 2

WADA Therapeutic Use Exemption Symposium

Incheon, Korea

May/June (dates to be confirmed)

OCA Chef de Mission Seminar for 6th AIMAG

Bangkok, Thailand

June 3 – 9

12th ASEAN Para Games

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

June 21 – 22

IOC Executive Board meeting

Lausanne, Switzerland

June 22 – 25

IOC Olympic Esports Week

Singapore

July 7

OCA Executive Board

Bangkok, Thailand

July 8

OCA 42nd Elective General Assembly

Bangkok, Thailand

July 14 – 30

20th World Aquatics Championships

Fukuoka, Japan

July 15 – 16

IOC Chef de Mission Meeting for Paris 2024

Paris, France

July 28 – August 8

FISU World University Games

Chengdu, China

August 1 – 7

OCA/IIHF U16 Asian Youth Ice Hockey Camp

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

August 2 – 11

World Aquatics Masters Championships

Kyushu, Japan

August 5 – 12

ANOC 2nd World Beach Games

Bali, Indonesia

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August 11

ANOC Executive Council meeting

Bali, Indonesia

August 13 – 15

ANOC XXVII General Assembly

Bali, Indonesia

August 19 – 27

World Athletics Championships

Budapest, Hungary

September 23 – October 8

19th Asian Games

Hangzhou, China

September 24

OCA 110-year AG Anniversary

Hangzhou, China

October 12 – 14

IOC Executive Board meeting

Mumbai, India

October 15 – 17

140th IOC Session

Mumbai, India

October 21 – 28

World Combat Games

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

November 17 – 26

6th AIMAG

Bangkok & Chonburi province, Thailand

November 30 – December 1

IOC Executive Board meeting

Paris, France

December 5

IOC Olympic Summit

Lausanne, Switzerland

January 19 – February 1

2024

4th Winter Youth Olympic Games

Gangwon, Korea

February 2 – 18

21st World Aquatics Championships

Doha, Qatar

July 26 – August 11

XXXII Olympic Games

Paris, France

August 28 – September 8

Paralympic Games

Paris, France

December 9 – 20

2025

33rd Southeast Asian Games

Bangkok, Chonburi and Songkhla

(Dates to be decided)

3rd Asian Youth Games

Tashkent, Uzbekistanbia

(Fourth quarter)

7th AIMAG

Riyadh, Saudi Ara

15th National Games of China

Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong Province

February 6 – 22

Olympic Winter Games

Milan-Cortina, Italy

March 6 – 15

Paralympic Winter Games

Milan-Cortina, Italy

September 19 – October 4

20th Asian Games

Aichi-Nagoya, Japan

2026

October 31 – November 13

IOC 4th Youth Olympic Games

Dakar, Senegal

July 21 – August 6

Olympic Games

Los Angeles, United States

(Dates to be decided)

9th Asian Winter Games

Trojena, Saudi Arabia

(Dates to be decided)

4th Asian Youth Games

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

(Dates to be decided)

21st Asian Games

Doha, Qatar

July 23 – August 8

XXXV Olympic Games

Brisbane, Australia

(Dates to be decided)

22nd Asian Games

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2028

2029

2030

2032

2034

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