Kuwait City: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) held its 45th General Assembly with an opening ceremony in Kuwait, attended by representatives from 45 states of the National and International Olympic Committees. The event marked a significant gathering for the continent's Olympic sports community. According to Kuwait News Agency, a statement by the Minister of Information, Culture, and State Youth Affairs, Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, conveyed pride and honor in representing His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah at the opening ceremony. The minister expressed hopes for the assembly's success in advancing Asian sports across various disciplines. International Olympic Committee President Dr. Thomas Bach highlighted the importance of Asia in the global sports arena, acknowledging its historical and influential presence. He praised the OCA's contributions to the IOC's efforts, notably in organizing events like the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games and the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. Timothy Fok, F irst Vice President of the OCA, expressed appreciation for hosting the meeting in Kuwait, the Council's home country. He extended gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince, and the Kuwaiti government for their support of the Asian Olympic Movement. The OCA awarded the Order of Merit to IOC President Dr. Bach, recognizing his significant contributions to the Olympic movement during his presidency spanning over 12 years. The assembly also congratulated IOC President-elect Christy Coventry on her election. Kuwait Olympic Committee Chairman Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah emphasized the meeting's value in fostering dialogue and collaboration to advance sports in Asia. He reiterated the Kuwait Olympic Committee's commitment to supporting the OCA's goals and cooperating with national committees to realize the aspirations of young athletes. Chinese basketball star Yao Ming spoke on the transformative impact of professional sports on educ ation and culture, highlighting its role in personal growth and communication. He appreciated the supportive environment provided by the meeting in Kuwait for athletes. The ceremony featured performances showcasing the cultural heritage of China, India, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Lebanon, and Kuwait, reflecting the rich Asian heritage. A video presentation highlighted significant sporting championships held on the continent since 1913.
