Phuket's silver sensation - Aaliyah, 11, wins Beach Games medal for Malaysia OCA Athletes' Forum in Kuwait OCA on the Road to Indonesia 2018 ...
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Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia Edition 28 - March 2015 Phuket’s silver sensation Aaliyah, 11, wins Beach Games medal for Malaysia OCA Athletes’ Forum in Kuwait OCA on the Road to Indonesia 2018 OCA-ONOC join forces for AIMAG 2017
Contents
Inside your 32-page Sporting Asia
3 President’s Message, ACOLOP meeting
4 News Digest: Women in Sport Sporting Asia is the official
newsletter of the Olympic
5 News Digest: IOC Extraordinary Session in Council of Asia, published
04
quarterly.
Monaco
6 Inside the OCA: OCA-ONOC sign historic
Executive Editor / Director General
Husain Al Musallam
MoU husain@ocasia.org
7 Inside the OCA: OCA Youth Camp 2015
Art Director / IT Director
Amer Elalami
amer@ocasia.org
8-9 2nd Asian Athletes’ Forum, Kuwait
Director, Int’l & NOC Relations
Vinod Tiwari
10
05
ANOC General Assembly and Gala Awards vinod@ocasia.org
Night in Bangkok
Director, Asian Games Department
11–22
Haider A. Farman
4th Asian Beach Games haider@ocasia.org
Phuket 2014
Editor
12-13
Jeremy Walker
Overview, Facts and Figures jeremy@ocasia.org
14 Thailand – the Land of Gold Executive Secretary
Nayaf Sraj
nayaf@ocasia.org
11-22 15 The Pride of Turkmenistan
Olympic Council of Asia
16-17
PO Box 6706, Hawalli
Celebrating the success of Phuket 2014 Zip Code 32042
Kuwait
18 Team Welcome Ceremony delights Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88
Fax: +965 22274280 - 90
Email: info@ocasia.org
19 Phuket Photo Scrapbook
Website: www.ocasia.org
20-21 Spotlight on Malaysia’s 11-year-old silver
15
lady, Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah
22 Vietnam 2016 is next for Asian Beach Games
23-24 Games Update: 18th Asian Games Jakarta Front cover:
2018 Front Cover: Malaysia’s Aaliyah
Yoong Hanifah executes a difficult
and advanced trick - the SLB (ski line
25-30 Six pages of NOC news and sport
back) - at the European U21 Champi-
onships in 2014. Aaliyah, 11, won a
silver medal in women’s tricks at the
31 Obituary: China’s “Mr Olympics” He
4th Asian Beach Games in Phuket,
Thailand, in November. Read all
19
about this rising star of Asian sport on
Zhenliang Pages 20-21.
32 OCA Sports Diary and Sponsors’ Club
Photo: Andrea Gilardi
Page 02
President’s Message
2015 – a year for consolidation
W elcome to the first Sporting Asia of 2015! This is the seventh year of publication
following the launch of the OCA newsletter in 2009, and I would like to thank all the
NOCs, organising committees and other stakeholders for their valuable contributions over
the years.
As you know, we have a blank year ahead of us in terms of multi-sport games, as the next
event will be the 5th Asian Beach Games in Vietnam in 2016.
This gives us all the chance to take stock, to look back on our achievements and operations
in 2014 and to build on this solid platform for a brighter future.
Although there are no OCA games in the coming year, there is still much to do from an
administrative point of view regarding the preparation of our athletes and delegations for the
Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
Olympic Solidarity has a wide range of scholarships and funds available for athletes and administrators alike, and we urge all
NOCs to make the most of what is available to hold courses and seminars and to continue developing the Olympic Movement
throughout the continent.
Thank you all for your loyal and enthusiastic support in a hectic 2014, and I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and
prosperous new year!
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah
President, Olympic Council of Asia
President, Association of National Olympic Committees
Chairman, IOC Olympic Solidarity Commission
Sheikh Ahmad meets ACOLOP delegation
T he OCA and ANOC President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad
Al Sabah, greeted a delegation from the Association of
Portuguese-Speaking Olympic Committees (ACOLOP) on
ACOLOP, whose 12 members include Macau-China, Sri Lanka,
Timor-Leste and Goa (India), was formed in 2004. They held
their first multi-sport games in Macau in 2006 and subsequent
the sidelines of the ANOC General Assembly in Bangkok in editions took place in Portugal in 2009 and Goa in 2014. The
November. fourth ACOLOP Games are scheduled for Mozambique in
2017.
The ACOLOP delegation was led by the President, Mr Alex Vong,
Vice President of Macau NOC, and included Vice President Mr
Bernard Rajzman, IOC member for Brazil, Mr Jose Tavares,
President of Macau Sport Development Board, and Mr Charles
Lo, President of Macau NOC and Chairman of the OCA Media
Committee.
The ACOLOP delegation introduced the Portuguese-speaking
sports organisation to Sheikh Ahmad and invited the ANOC and
OCA President to attend one of their events.
Sheikh Ahmad said financial support could be secured through
various Olympic Solidarity programmes and wished the
organisation all success in developing sport and international
The OCA President greets the ACOLOP delegation. relations among Portuguese-speaking countries and regions.
Page 03
News Digest:
Women and Sport
IOC honours Sheikha Naima of Kuwait
T he IOC Women and Sport Awards for 2014 were
announced on the grand stage of the 127th IOC Session
at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on Tuesday, December 9.
such as the GCC volleyball championship for women. She has
also developed initiatives aimed at promoting women’s football
in the region.”
The Asian award went Sheikha Naima has held numerous leadership positions in sport,
to Sheikha Naima Al- including President of the Kuwait Women’s Sports Association
Sabah of Kuwait for her and Chair of the Kuwait Olympic Committee’s Women and
work at local, regional Sport Committee.
and international level.
The OCA congratulates Sheikha Naima for her outstanding
In a statement, the IOC achievement.
said: “Sheikha Naima
has greatly contributed
to the development of IOC Women and Sport
women in sport and
inspired many women Awards for 2014
and girls both in Kuwait
World Trophy : Meriem Cherni Mizouni (Tunisia)
Sheikha Naima is interviewed after and throughout the
receiving her award. region.
Africa : Aya Mahmoud Medany (Egypt)
“She has hosted and organised a wide range of women and Americas : Nancy Hogshead-Makar (USA)
sport events, such as the country’s first women’s basketball
Asia : Sheikha Naïma Al-Sabah (Kuwait)
tournament.
Europe : Anastasia Davydova (Russia)
“Sheikha Naima organised the first Gulf Cooperation Council Oceania : Siân Mulholland (Australia)
tournament for women in sport as well as other sporting events
IOC President Thomas Bach at the Women and Sport Awards in Monaco.
Page 04
News Digest:
127th IOC Session
Full steam ahead for Olympic Agenda 2020
T he full membership of the IOC unanimously approved the
40 recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020 at the
127th IOC Session in Monaco on Monday, December 8.
“As for the recommendations, they show the flexibility of the IOC
to work with all stakeholders of the Olympic Games.”
For more details on Olympic Agenda 2020, see: www.olympic.org
The presentations, debates and voting
were expected to take two days, but
wrapped up on the first day due to the
determination of the membership to push
forward with the strategic roadmap for the
future of the Olympic Movement.
Each recommendation, voted on
individually, received the full backing of
the 96 IOC members in attendance. There
were no votes against and no abstentions.
OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad
Al Sabah described it as an excellent
meeting and an historic day for the
Olympic Movement.
“The fact that all 40 recommendations
were approved in one day showed
the unity and the solidarity of the IOC
The Grimaldi Forum at Monaco welcomes the IOC.
membership,” he said.
Raja Randhir, Prince Nawaf become IOC hon. members
T he second day of the Extraordinary IOC Session on
December 9 saw honorary membership bestowed on two
Asian sports leaders – Raja Randhir Singh of India and HRH
Prince Nawaf Faisal Fahd bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia. They
both received the Olympic Order.
Raja Randhir, a six-time Olympic Games shooter and OCA
Secretary General since 1991, joined the IOC in 2001.
Prince Nawaf was elected to the IOC as a representative of the
NOC from 2002.
In other news:
The IOC granted full recognition to Kosovo NOC,
which was established in 1992 and has more than 30 affiliated
National Federations.
Following final presentations by Helsinki (Finland) and
Lima (Peru), the Session voted 54 to 30 for Lima to host the
130th IOC Session in 2017, when the host city of the 2024
Olympic Games will be elected.
HRH Princess Haya Al Hussein, who decided not
to stand again for election as President of the International
Equestrian Federation, received a Trophy of the IOC for her
OCA Secretary General Raja Randhir Singh with the exemplary commitment to sport, its values and the Olympic
Olympic Order. Movement.
Page 05
Inside the OCA
OCA, ONOC join forces for AIMAG 2017
The signing ceremony for Ashgabat 2017.
T he OCA and Oceania National Olympic Committees
(ONOC) signed a Memorandum on Friday, November 28,
for joint participation in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts
Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, American
Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Games (AIMAG) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in 2017. Seven associate members of ONOC will also take part: New
Caledonia, Tokelau, Niue, Norfolk Island, Tahiti, Wallis and
The Memorandum was signed by the President of Turkmenistan, Futuna, Northern Marianas.
HE Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who is also President of the
5th AIMAG Organising Committee; the OCA President, HE The following sports will be included for the 5th AIMAG:
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al-Sabah; and by Dr Robin Mitchell, Chess, Futsal, Tennis, Muay Thai, Sambo, Kurash, Ju-
President of ONOC. Jitsu, Bowling, Cycling (track), Swimming, Indoor Athletics,
Weightlifting (Powerlifting), Basketball, Taekwondo (WTF),
In addition to the 45 NOCs of the OCA, the following 17 NOCs Dance Sport, Kickboxing, Belt Wrestling, Wrestling (FS/Greco-
from Oceania will participate: Roman), Cue Sport (Billiards and Snooker).
Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, The OCA President said other sports would be considered in
Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, order to promote the Olympic sports movement in Turkmenistan.
ASIAN GAMES LEGACY: The Incheon Asian Games Organising
Committee held a Memorandum of Understanding signing
INCHEON HONOUR: OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam ceremony with the OCA and Gachon University Gil Medical
has received honorary citizenship of Incheon Metropolitan City Centre on December 18. Gil Hospital provided medical services
for his contribution to the success of the 17th Asian Games during the 17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 and has now become
from September 19-October 4, 2014. an official hospital for the OCA family and NOC members.
Page 06
Inside the OCA
OCA announces sports for 2015 youth camp
T he OCA is delighted to announce that it will be running
three Asian Youth Camp projects in 2015 for aspiring
young athletes and coaches from around the continent.
Table Tennis: OCA will invite one athlete and one
coach from each NOC, in cooperation with Aspire. The camp is
scheduled for November.
The three camps are: NOTE: For all camps the NOC can decide whether to send
male or female athletes.
3x3 Basketball: OCA will invite three players and one
coach from each NOC in a project held in cooperation with Following a meeting between the OCA and Aspire
Qatar NOC. This camp will take place after Ramadan. Academy in Kuwait in December, the Director of the
OCA’s Asian Games department, Haider Farman,
Athletics - Long Jump: OCA will invite one athlete said: “The OCA Youth Camp is one of the best
and one coach from each NOC, in cooperation with Aspire youth development programmes within our Asian
Academy in Doha. The camp is scheduled for November. Olympic family.
“The camp offers a great opportunity for Asia’s young athletes
and coaches from different sports to learn and improve their
performance and technique.
“Many of these young athletes have gone on to qualify for our
Asian Youth Games and Youth Olympic Games and have won
medals.”
Mr Farman praised the close working relationship with Aspire
Academy in 2014, and said education and coaching would be
3x3 basketball at the Asian Beach Games in Phuket.
high on the list of priorities for the camps in 2015.
OCA Advisory Committee OCA Sports Committee
T he OCA’s Advisory Committee held a meeting at
the Intercontinental Hotel in Bangkok on Thursday,
November 6, under the chairmanship of IOC member Ng
T he meeting, chaired by Zhang Jilong of China, heard
presentations from three sports keen to join the OCA
programme. They included lawn bowls – a very popular
Ser Miang of Singapore. sport in the Commonwealth countries of Asia.
Mr Ng welcomed the committee members and thanked Following the presentations, the Director of the OCA’s
Thailand’s IOC member, Nat Indrapana, for his hospitality Asian Games department, Haider Farman, updated the
in hosting the meeting. committee members on the sports programmes for the next
cycle of events.
Topics discussed included Olympic Agenda 2020,
preparations for the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta 2018 and
a review of the 17th Asian Games in Incheon.
The OCA Advisory Committee in Bangkok. The OCA Sports Committee gathers in Phuket.
Page 07
2nd Asian Athletes’ Forum
OCA Athletes’ C
Hails Forum a ‘fa
T heorganised
OCA Athletes’ Committee
the second Asian Athletes’
Forum in Kuwait from January 22-24 and
invited each NOC to send two delegates.
With the support of the IOC and ANOC,
the three-day gathering was aimed
Barbara Kendall gets things moving. at increasing the number of athletes’
committees within Asia’s NOCs and
establishing a communications and
information network.
“Overall I think it was fantastic,” said
Yuko Arakida, Chair of the OCA Athletes’
Committee and a member of Japan’s gold
medal-winning women’s volleyball team
at the Montreal Olympics in 1976.
“The total number of participants was
125 and these included 10 Chairs of
Athletes’ Committees in Asia, 18 people
who had competed in the Olympic Games
The Forum attracted 125 participants. and almost 30 members of Athletes’
Committees in Asia.”
The IOC was represented by Claudia Bokel,
Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission,
and ANOC by Barbara Kendall, Chair of
the ANOC Athletes’ Commission. Asian
IOC members Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski
of the Philippines and Yang Yang of China
also took part, along with other members
of the OCA Athletes’ Committee.
The forum began with an informal ice-
breaking session on January 22, and
Photo Call outside OCA HQ.
Page 08
2nd Asian Athletes’ Forum
Committee Chair
antastic’ success
the bulk of the presentations and panel
discussions took place the following day.
The forum came to a close on Saturday
lunchtime.
“We tried to give the NOCs as much
information as possible about the setting up
OCA Athletes’ Committee member Tayyab Ikram makes a presentation.
and the work of an Athletes’ Committee,”
added Mrs Arakida.
“We stressed the importance of an NOC
having an Athletes’ Committee because
the views, experience and input of athletes
is becoming more and more influential in
the Olympic movement.
“We covered a lot of modern-day trends
and topics, such as the fight for clean sport
and the dangers of doping, career transition
from elite athlete to the work place, the
athlete’s entourage and the importance of
networking and communication.”
Hungry for knowledge.
The OCA Director General and Technical
Director, Husain Al-Musallam, welcomed
the participants and said that the OCA was
keen to support the work of the Athletes’
Committee.
“We always strive to create the best
environment and facilities for our Asian
athletes,” he said. “I hope this forum will
prove beneficial for everyone and you
can take back a lot of knowledge and
information to use in your own NOC.”
(iSR) Foundation signed a MoA with ANOC for the iSR Academy in Korea.
Page 09
ANOC General Assembly
Sheikh Ahmad re-elected ANOC President
Sheikh Ahmad thanked the delegates
from 203 NOCs for their trust. “I hope
I can continue to work with you with
very close cooperation. I will continue
to work hard so we can achieve all
your goals,” he said.
Around 1,000 delegates attended the
two-day General Assembly, during
which other items included:
The General Assembly
approved the establishment of the
ANOC World Beach Games, which
will build on the success of the OCA’s
Asian Beach Games. 2017 is a likely
starting point.
ANOC Ex-Co for Asia:
Vice President, Yu Zaiqing (China);
Sheikh Ahmad with Senior Vice President Patrick Hickey. members - Maj. Gen. Charouck
Arirachakaran (Thailand), Raja Ran-
H is Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah of Kuwait dhir Singh (India), Tsunekazu Takeda
was re-elected unopposed as President of ANOC for (Japan), HRH Prince Tunku Imran (Mal-
the term 2014-2018 at the XIX ANOC General Assembly in aysia) and Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski
Bangkok on Friday, November 7. (Philippines).
The OCA President, who took over as ANOC President in 2012, The 2015 ANOC General Assembly
was standing for his first full four-year term of office and was the will be in Washington DC, USA, in October,
only nomination. and in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2016.
China’s Li scoops ANOC award for London 2012
T he first ANOC Gala Awards Dinner was rich in sporting
success and cultural diversity from the five continents in
Bangkok on Friday, November 7.
The awards have been established under the presidency of
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah to honour leading athletes
and NOCs at the Olympic Games. The awards covered the
Summer and Winter Olympics of London 2012 and Sochi 2014.
China’s Li Xiaoxia was named Best Female Athlete of London
2012 for winning table tennis gold, and Bahrain was among
the Breakthrough NOCs at London 2012.
Sheikh Ahmad said: “Our first ever ANOC Gala Awards Dinner
was a spectacular celebration of sport and world culture. There
is no other event in the world which recognises the hard work
of National Olympic Committees.
“Congratulations to all of the deserving winners and thank you
to everyone involved for making the first ever ANOC Gala
Awards such a special night.” China’s Li Xiaoxia with her trophy.
Page 10PHUKET 2014
Sporting Asia’s 12-page special on the 4th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
V for Victory
Thailand - the Land of Gold4th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Phuket points the way forward for worl
W ith its sparkling sea, golden
beaches
atmosphere, Phuket
and holiday
staged a
games for the 205 NOCs around
the globe, possibly in 2017.
memorable 4th Asian Beach Games Natalya Sipovich, OCA Executive
from November 14-23, 2014. Board member and Chair of
the OCA Women and Sport
PHUKET The 26 sports attracted over 2,000 Committee, believes a world
THAILAND2014
athletes and were contested at one of beach games would be a very
six venue clusters around the island welcome new addition to the
that showcased the natural beauty and diversity of Thailand’s Olympic family.
“Pearl of the Andaman Sea”.
“You just have to look around here in Phuket to see the potential
If the goal of the Beach Games is to combine sport and for a world beach games,” said Mrs Sipovich, after presenting
tourism in a spectator-friendly the medals at a packed 3x3 basketball venue.
environment and without breaking
the bank, then Phuket 2014 was “Everyone’s having a great time…the athletes, the officials, the
a complete triumph for the OCA spectators. There is a friendly, holiday atmosphere around the
and for Thailand. venues but the sports are competitive and serious. It is an ideal
combination.
Furthermore, it pointed the way
forward for the Association of “You also have to look at the costs of hosting a beach
National Olympic Committees to games, because there is no need for big new stadiums and
organise their own world beach infrastructure. Most of the venues are temporary and will be
Tropical setting for petanque. Chariots of Fire comes to life at the Asian Beach Games.
Page 124th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Phuket 2014: Facts
ld beach games
and Figures
taken down immediately after the games, while the natural
resources of sea and sand are already here in abundance. Opening Ceremony : November 14
“Add to this the sunshine and the blue skies and you can see Closing Ceremony : November 23
why the games are attracting so many spectators, both locals
and tourists on their holidays in Phuket.” Venue : Saphan Hin Sports Centre
NOCs : 43
The exotic venues were a treat, especially at Nai-Yang Beach
for the beach athletics, modern pentathlon and triathlon. Athletes : 2,335
The forest of the national park provided tranquility and
shade from a burning sun, while Sports : 26
the sea and the beach offered
a picturesque backdrop but Events : 165
energy-sapping conditions for the
athletes. OCA Family : 13,000
Having now held four Asian Beach Media : 524
Games, starting in 2008, the OCA
Press/Photo : 237
is in an ideal position to guide
ANOC on the path towards a TV : 287
vibrant and successful world beach
games to add value to the Olympic Motto : Celebrate Charming
Movement. Sunshine
Star performers at the Opening Ceremony. Natalya Sipovich at the women’s 3x3 basketball medal presentation.
Page 134th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Final Medal Rankings - Phuket 2014
R Country G S B T R Country G S B T
1 Thailand 56 37 33 126 21 Singapore 2 0 2 4
2 China 16 11 21 48 22 Kuwait 1 4 6 11
3 Republic of Korea 9 14 14 37 23 Turkmenistan 1 3 7 11
4 Islamic Republic of Iran 9 14 8 31 24 Syrian Arab Republic 1 1 6 8
5 Vietnam 8 12 20 40 25 Tajikistan 1 0 2 3
6 Kazakhstan 8 9 10 27 26 Brunei Darussalam 1 0 0 1
7 Indonesia 7 7 14 28 27 Malaysia 0 8 8 16
8 Japan 7 5 7 19
28 Kyrgyzstan 0 3 3 6
9 Mongolia 6 0 4 10
29 Iraq 0 2 3 5
10 Bahrain 5 2 0 7
30 Afghanistan 0 2 2 4
11 United Arab Emirates 4 3 5 12
31 Myanmar 0 1 2 3
12 Uzbekistan 4 0 6 10
32 Macau, China 0 1 0 1
13 Chinese Taipei 3 8 6 17
33 Oman 0 1 0 1
14 Hong Kong, China 3 2 7 12
34 Yemen 0 1 0 1
15 Philippines 3 2 7 12
35 Sri Lanka 0 0 2 2
16 Pakistan 2 4 4 10
36 Cambodia 0 0 1 1
17 Lebanon 2 3 3 8
37 Jordan 0 0 1 1
18 Laos 2 2 8 12
38 Nepal 0 0 1 1
19 Qatar 2 2 8 12
20 India 2 1 7 10 Total 165 165 238 568
Thailand’s golden games
T he host nation dominated the 4th Asian Beach
Games, extending their regional supremacy to the
continental level and leaving their rivals way behind in the
medal rankings.
Of the 165 gold medals on offer across 26 sports,
Thailand won 56 of them to open up a huge gap over
second-placed China with 16.
No other team could reach double figures in the gold medal
category, although 26 NOCs went home with at least one
gold medal and 38 NOCs joined the final medal table. Thailand flying high at woodball.
Overall, Thailand won 56 gold, 37 silver and 33 bronze
for a total of 126. China was second with 16-11-21-48
and Korea third with 9-14-14-37.
Iran (9-14-8-31) and Vietnam (8-12-20-40) rounded out
the top five.
The National Sports Development Fund rewarded the
successful Thai athletes with prize money of Bt200,000
(around 6,000 USD) for a gold medal, Bt100,000 for silver
and Bt50,000 for bronze.
With coaches and national sports associations also
receiving prize money, the total pay-out was Bt57.73
million (1.74 million USD).
Thai gold at petanque attracts the mass media.
Page 144th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Gold-badam! The Pride of Turkmenistan
T urkmenistan won only one gold medal at Phuket 2014, but
it was a big one – the first gold medal of the 4th Asian
Beach Games.
There is always a special buzz surrounding the first gold medal
of any Games, and Phuket 2014 was no exception as the local
media swooped on sambo wrestling to witness the first champion
and the first medal presentation.
The honour fell to Turkmenistan’s Gulbadam Babamuratova,
who beat opponents from Mongolia, Nepal and Kazakhstan to
claim gold in the women’s under-52 kg category.
The competition was held under
a baking-hot sun on the sand of
Karon Central Beach and took
place on Wednesday, November Gulbadam Babamuratova is interviewed after her
12 – two days before the opening gold medal success.
ceremony – as sambo was a late
addition to the sports programme. Gulbadam was joined on the podium by Kazakhstan’s Leila
Konuspayeva (silver) and the two bronze medal-winners,
“I am very proud to win this gold medal for my team and for Bhagawati Majhi of Nepal and Shahlo Yuldasheva of Uzbekistan.
Turkmenistan,” said the 23-year-old champion.
Turkmenistan added a silver the next day in the mixed team
“I think it is more important that this is the first gold medal for sambo wrestling, giving Gulbadam a second medal of Phuket
Turkmenistan rather than the first gold medal of the Games. It 2014 and further media attention for her country in the
was very hard to win because the conditions were tough and the countdown to the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in
opponents were difficult.” Ashgabat in 2017.
Turkmenistan hit the heights of the medal podium.
Page 154th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Azlan of Malaysia waits for her turn in the mixed triathlon team relay. Kazakhstan’s Vitaliy Khudyakov celebrates his victory in the men’s
5km marathon swim.
Girl on a Swing...a relaxing moment at the beach woodball. The opening ceremony lights up the sky.
Hong Kong, China at the CDM meeting. Team Philippines meets Modern Pentathlon IF President
Dr Klaus Schormann.
Page 164th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Thailand’s Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, was everywhere Mobile security in Phuket.
to be seen promoting and supporting the Games.
The Korean team is introduced for the mixed team triathlon relay. The OCA President at the ju-jitsu medal presentation.
Victory ceremony attendants brought a touch of glamour Victory for Japan in the mixed triathlon team relay.
to the proceedings.
Page 174th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Typical Thai welcome for visiting NOCs
Located next to the
shimmering blue Andaman
Sea, and with the sun
streaming through the dark
green canopy of palm trees,
the ceremony venue offered
visitors and guests a true
glimpse of the natural beauty
of Phuket.
The flags of the countries and
regions were attached and
raised by a team of naval
cadets in sparkling white
uniform, while the former Singapore Chef de Mission Aik
Vice Governor of Phuket, Teng Ho and Sommai Prijasilpa
Dr Sommai Prijasilpa, of POCOG protocol
The Singapore flag is ready to be raised. exchange gifts.
welcomed the teams.
O ne of the highlights for all delegations at a multi-sport
event is the official team welcome ceremony.
The team leaders were full of praise for the organisers,
highlighting the convenience of the athletes being
accommodated in a hotel near the relevant competition venue.
Although the procedure is quite formal, with a short welcome With six venue clusters scattered around the island for the 26
speech, the playing of the national anthem and the raising of the sports and over 40 hotels in operation, this was an impressive
flag, followed by an exchange of souvenir gifts, the ceremony, logistical achievement and contributed significantly to the
nevertheless, plays a vital part in building up the atmosphere of smooth running of the games.
the games before the opening ceremony.
In keeping with the concept of a small-scale, low-cost but high-
Phuket organisers chose the tropical setting of Saphan Hin for energy games, the team welcome ceremony was short and sweet
the team welcome ceremony for the 4th Asian Beach Games, while incorporating all the required formalities and protocol,
near the stadium that would be used for the opening and closing rounded off with a photo call and refreshments in the shade.
ceremony. Welcome to Phuket!
Welcome Laos!
Page 184th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Asian Beach Games Scrapbook
Ac
r
in t uise lin
he e
off Anda r anch
Pato ma ors
ng n
venu
e Bea Sea
o d ball Beach ch
wo th
The on Sou
t Kar
a
Place of worship ne
ar
Patong Beach
The picturesque clock
tower in Phuket city.
A large crow
d gathers ou
the Chinese tside
pagoda befo
the opening re
ceremony.
Phuket Graceland - exotic
home for the NOCs
g of
settin ng
e tr o pical P a to
Th y Inn Q.
olida H
the H -O C A
Beach
Page 194th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
All about Aaliyah – Making history fo
I t is unusual to describe an athlete as a veteran at 11 years
old.
“I feel good,” she said, after clinching the silver medal at Phuket
behind China’s 22-year-old Asian champion, Jiang Hui.
But that’s exactly what Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah was in Phuket “I feel really proud because I won this silver medal. It is really
last November – a veteran of three Asian Beach Games! fun to have a medal.”
What’s more, the Malaysian waterski sensation went home with
a silver medal in the women’s tricks competition, becoming the
youngest athlete to win a medal in the history of the OCA’s
multi-sport games.
History is nothing new to Aaliyah, however, as it has followed
her around ever since she took up the sport aged just five.
In 2010 she became the youngest athlete to compete in an
OCA event when she represented Malaysia in the 2nd Asian
Beach Games at Muscat, Oman, aged seven years and four
months.
The following year, at eight years old, she became the youngest
gold medal-winner in the 50-year history of the South East
Asian (SEA) Games when she finished first in the women’s tricks
at Palembang, Indonesia.
So this latest achievement is just another step on the road to
her ultimate goal, to be world champion before she is 21. Her father and coach, Hanifah Yoong, added: “She is still full
of fire. We do not have to push her to train, we have to push
She has also become experienced in dealing with the media at her to rest. Aaliyah is very tough mentally.”
home and abroad, and is clearly enjoying herself on and off
the water. Here are a few more achievements in her fledgling career:
Proud Aaliyah with Team Malaysia. Aaliyah is aiming for the top.
Page 204th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Profile
or Malaysia
Youngest Asian champion at 10 when she won the
2013 International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation
(IWWF) Asian Waterski Championships gold medal for open
women tricks in Jakarta.
Youngest athlete to perform a flip successfully in the
history of waterski aged 10 at a pro waterski event in the
2014 Moomba Masters in Melbourne, Australia.
From 2015 she has become an IWWF Elite Skier and
is eligible for the IWWF Waterski World Cups.
She continues to climb the IWWF world rankings
Name : Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah
and is ranked 38th in the world for open women tricks and
seventh in the world for under-17 girls’ tricks. Date of Birth : July 16, 2003
Age : 11
Asian under-17 girls’ tricks champion.
Place of Birth : Kuala Lumpur
Her record of being the youngest athlete at an OCA event, NOC : Malaysia
however, has been passed on to another member of the
Sport : Waterski
talented water ski family, as her youngest brother, Adam,
competed in the men’s tricks at Phuket 2014 aged seven ABG appearances (3) : Muscat 2010, Haiyang
years and one month. 2012, Phuket 2014
Another brother, Aiden, aged nine, also took part in the men’s ABG medals (1) : Silver, women’s tricks,
tricks. Phuket 2014
Clearly there is a lot more tricks to come from the Hanifah Education : Nexus International School
Yoong family, at the Asian Beach Games and beyond. Club : Putrajaya
Aaliyah with China’s Jiang Hui (centre) and Japan’s Saaya Hirosawa. Acrobatic Aaliyah.
Page 214th Asian Beach Games, Phuket 2014
Vietnam is next stop for Beach Games festival
T he Asian Beach Games is not only introducing vibrant
and modern new sports to the OCA programme, it is also
introducing tourist hot spots and exotic locations to Asia and the
Asian Beach Games History
ABG Year Host City
world.
1st ABG 2008 Bali, Indonesia
Next on the list, for the 5th Asian Beach
Games in 2016, is Vietnam – and in particular 2nd ABG 2010 Muscat, Oman
Nha Trang and Danang in the central coastal 3rd ABG 2012 Haiyang, China
province of Khanh Hoa.
4th ABG 2014 Phuket, Thailand
Proposed dates are September 24 to October
3, 2016, and some 4,000 athletes and officials from 45 5th ABG 2016 Nha Trang, Vietnam
NOCs are expected to take part.
A high-level delegation was in attendance, too,
Athletes, officials and guests alike received a glimpse of led by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sport and
the culture and hospitality awaiting them in 2016 when a Tourism, Le Khanh Hai, who is President of the
46-strong team of dancers, singers and performers captivated Vietnam Olympic Committee.
the crowd at the closing ceremony of Phuket 2014.
Khanh Hoa’s Department of Tourism has
developed a number of new tourism services
in the run-up to the 5th Asian Beach Games
in order to attract more holidaymakers. These
include eco-tourism along the Cai River and surrounding
countryside, a dolphin park and a handicraft and fine arts
village.
During the first nine months of 2014, Khanh Hoa welcomed
more than 2.7 million tourists, up 21 per cent compared to
the previous year. They included more than 608,000 foreign
tourists, an increase of 26 per cent.
The province earned more than VND4.5 billion (US$214
million) from tourism activities, and the 5th Asian Beach
Vietnam officials attend the closing ceremony.
Games will certainly add to that in 2016.
The flag of Vietnam at the closing ceremony in Phuket.
Page 22Games Update
18th Asian Games 2018
18-8-18 start planned for 18th Asian Games
Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama hosts a welcome
dinner at City Hall. OCA Hon. Life Vice President Wei Jizhong at the CC meeting.
T he first OCA Coordination Committee meeting for the 18th
Asian Games in 2018 took place in Jakarta on January 26-27.
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled for September 2.
The sports programme will include 28 Olympic sports
Led by the Chairman of the Coordination Committee, Tsunekazu and six non-Olympic sports, making a maximum of 34. The
Takeda, the OCA visitors were taken on a venue tour on Monday final programme has yet to be confirmed.
before sitting down for business at the newly-opened Fairmont
Jakarta the following day. Only two new venues will be constructed: an
aquatics centre in the Senayan sports complex and a cycling
The CC meeting included presentations from Jakarta and co- velodrome.
host city Palembang, capital of South Sumatera, an update from
the Ministry of Youth and Sport and a debriefing from the 2014 There will be four venue clusters: North Jakarta, South
Incheon Asian Games Organising Committee. Jakarta, Jakarta Suburb Cluster and Palembang.
The President of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, IOC Organisers are expecting 15,000 athletes and officials from
member Rita Subowo, assured the OCA delegation that everyone 45 NOCs, 7,000 media and 25,000 volunteers and workforce.
involved, from President Joko Widodo down, was working hard
to make the 18th Asian Games the best the SEA region had ever The Athletes’ Village will be in North Jakarta, and the
staged. Media Village in South Jakarta.
Here are a few key points from the meeting: Promotional events will include a 1,000-day countdown
in October this year; 365-day celebration on August 18, 2017;
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled Asian Dance Festival in 2017; cultural roadshow to around six
for August 18, giving the lucky number of 18-8- countries in 2017; Asian Food Festival, Art Exhibition and Athletes’
18, at the Gelora Bung Karno national stadium. Village Cultural Programme during the 18th Asian Games.
OCA CC Chairman Tsunekazu Takeda enjoys the venue tour. Indonesia NOC President Rita Subowo briefs the media.
Page 23Games Update
18th Asian Games 2018
Golden memories for OCA’s Flying Doctor Jega
W hen the OCA Coordination Committee visited the
Gelora Bung Karno national stadium in Jakarta on
Monday, January 26, it was a particularly poignant moment for
Tan Sri Dr Mani Jegathesan.
For it was here, at this very stadium, that Dr Jega won his first Asian
Games gold medal – in the 200 metres at the 1962 Asiad.
“It was my first Asian Games gold medal in 1962 and I was 18
years old,” said Dr Jega, who was known as the “Flying Doctor”
in his heyday as Asia’s fastest man.
“It came in the 200 metres and it was also the first gold medal
for Malaysia in the Asian Games. I had won the silver medal in
the 100 metres – the gold went to Indonesian hero and fellow
medical student Mohammad Sarengat – and this was a morale- The Gelora Bung Karno national stadium - built for the 1962 Asian
booster for me because I was not a favourite in the 100. Games and set to host the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asiad.
“I came into the 200 with a heavy load
on my shoulders because here was a
chance but it was not going to be easy
because of all the expectations. But you
had to face up to it and deliver.”
The Flying Doctor would bring even more
glory for Malaysia at the 1966 Asian
Games in Bangkok, winning a golden
hat-trick of 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m
relay.
Dr Jega competed in three Olympics
Games, from 1960 to 1968, after
which he retired to concentrate on his
medical studies and career. He is now
one of the most respected figures in
the Olympic movement and is looking
forward to heading the OCA’s medical
and anti-doping services at the 18th
Asian Games in Jatarta in 2018 – 56
Dr Jega calls in at the stadium where he won gold for Malaysia in 1962.
years after his golden triumph!
ICE – a nice, cool venue for 18th Asiad
O ne of the big success stories of London 2012 was the
use of the vast ExCel Arena to stage several indoor
sports and create a crackling atmosphere for the duration of
JIEXPO will stage nine sports, mainly martial arts, while ICE
will focus more on team sports due to the high ceilings (26
metres) of the halls.
the Olympic Games.
ICE was completed as recently as December 2014 and
Indonesian organisers are following this example by is a modern, high-tech convention and exhibition centre
selecting the Jakarta International Expo (JIEXPO) and the offering all the support services needed to host big sports
Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) to host at least 13 events.
indoor sports in the various halls. According to the OCA’s
Hon. Life Vice President, Wei Jizhong, this will avoid the There’s no doubt about it – ICE is nice and will provide a
need to construct six new stadiums. really cool environment for the 18th Asian Games.
Page 24News and Sport from 45 NOCs
mittee, inaugurated the newly built Multi Sport Hall in Trashigang
Afghanistan on December 19, 2014.
The Ministry of Information and Culture has issued letters of It was funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan with contribu-
appreciation to a number of athletes for winning medals in tions from the Olympic Council of Asia under its Olympasia Project.
international competitions, reports the Bakhtar News Agency in Construction began in November 2012. (www.bhutanolympiccom-
Kabul. mittee.org)
NOC President Mohammad Fahim Hashimi thanked the ministry Brunei Darussalam
for recognising the athletes and said Afghan athletes had earned
the pride of the nation in recent Asian tournaments. A total of 87 athletes have been named in the Athletes Under
Consideration category for the 28th South East Asian (SEA) Games
Bahrain in Singapore this June from a list of 427 athletes - 309 male and
118 female - nominated by the national sports associations.
Speaking at a symposium on the 2015 WADA Code attended by
360 participants at the Gulf Hotel, Bahrain Olympic Committee The President of the Brunei Darussalam NOC, HRH Prince Hj Sufri
General Secretary Abdulrahman Askar stressed the importance Bolkiah, said the sports associations should be notified as quickly
of fighting doping and providing the best possible conditions for as possible to make further preparations. (www.bruneiolympic.org)
national athletes.
Cambodia
The IOC has expressed its deep appreciation to NOC Cambodia
for the successful hosting of the “Women and Sport Leadership”
seminar for Asia held on January 8-11 in Siem Reap and jointly
organised by the NOC and IOC.
Guest speaker Dr Mohammed Saleh Konbaz of Saudi Arabia is
pictured (right) receiving a memento from Abdulrahman Askar.
(www.boc.bh)
Bangladesh
In a letter dated January 16, the Director of the IOC International
Cooperation and Development Department, Lindsay Glassco,
Commonwealth Games silver medallist Abdullah Hel Baki finished
commended the great efforts of the NOC and thanked the Secretary
seventh among eight finalists in the 10m Air Rifle event of the Amir
General, HE Vath Chamroeun, and NOCC Expert/Adviser and
of Kuwait International Shooting Grand Prix in Kuwait City. Baki
scored 99.7 points in the final after qualifying in fifth position with Events Coordinator for the hospitality provided to the participants
an aggregate score of 622 points, reports The Daily Star. from 26 countries in Asia. (www.noccambodia.org)
Bhutan China
His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Representative Sports Minister and COC President Liu Peng met with a delegation
of His Majesty the King and President of the Bhutan Olympic Com- led by Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, OCA and ANOC
President, in Beijing on January 14. Liu thanked Sheikh Ahmad for
his significant role in supporting China’s sports development over
the years.
The two sides also exchanged views on issues such as the COC’s
cooperation with ANOC and OCA. Present were Yang Shu’an,
Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport in China
and COC Vice President, and Yu Zaiqing, ANOC Vice President
and COC Vice President. (www.olympic.cn)
Page 25News and Sport from 45 NOCs
The Indonesian Olympic Committee held a Welcome Dinner at the
Mulia Hotel in Jakarta for OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad
DPR Korea
Al Sabah, who led a high-level delegation from OCA to visit Jakarta
in the lead up to the 18th Asian Games.
DPRK marathon runner Kim Hye Gyong returned home on January27
after winning the women’s 15th Asian Marathon Championship
The OCA delegation was welcomed by NOC President Mrs Rita
and the 2015 Hong Kong Marathon. Kim and her teammates were
Subowo and the Minister of Youth and Sport, Mr Imam Nahrawi.
greeted by officials and athletes at Pyongyang Railway Station.
The NOC and OCA Presidents gave awards to the Indonesian
athletes who won gold medals at the Incheon Asian Games 2014.
The coach and athletes laid bouquets before the statues of President
Kim Il Sung and leader Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill and paid tribute
to them, reports the Korean Central News Agency. N.O.C.I.R.IRAN
Iran
Iran NOC reports on January 24 that the Supreme Leader of the
Hong Kong, China
Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, received a
number of Iranian athletes who took part in the 2014 Asian Games
The Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China
and Asian Para Games in Incheon, Korea.
organised the Samsung 2014 Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards Media
Luncheon on January 26, inviting members of the sports media to
vote for their favourite athletes and teams in various categories.
Iran ranked fourth in the 2014 Para Games, having collected a
total of 120 medals - 37 gold, 52 silver and 31 bronze.
Iran finished fifth in the 17th Asian Games with 57 medals - 21
gold, 18 silver and 18 bronze. (www.olympic.ir)
Public voting was open from January 10 to February 9 and the
winners will be announced at the gala dinner onMarch 16. (www. Iraq
hkolympic.org)
The President of the Iraqi Olympic Committee, Raad Hamoudi,
India congratulated the football team on reaching the knockout stages
of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 in Australia. “Qualification came as a
Five-time world boxing champion Mary Kom said she was honoured result of the excellent work of all members of the coaching staff and
to be mentioned as one of India’s great achievers in a speech by players, who succeeded in bringing happiness to the Iraqi people,”
visiting US President Barack Obama. The mother-of-three from he told All Iraq News (AIN).
Manipur has also been named as a boxing ambassador to promote
the Tourism Authority of Thailand, reports The Times of India. Iraq, champions in 2007, reached the semi-finals in Australia
before losing to Korea.
Indonesia
Japan
Japan’s Tatsuhiro Yonemitsu, who won a gold medal at the London
Olympics in the men’s 66-kg freestyle wrestling, will retire from
competition, Kyodo News reports.
Yonemitsu had been aiming to compete at next year’s Olympics
in Rio de Janeiro, but he has not returned to fitness after an injury.
In 2012, Yonemitsu defeated Beijing Olympic champion Sushil
Kumarin in the final to earn the first Olympic wrestling gold for
Japan since the 1988 Seoul Games. (www.joc.or.jp)
Page 26News and Sport from 45 NOCs
A member of the martial arts committee at the Kuwaiti Olympic
Jordan Committee, Khaled Al-Saleh, told KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) that
the medal tally consisted of two gold, three silver and four bronze
The Jordan Olympic Committee has launched a series of workshops medals. The official lauded the performance of the team, promising
to spread the Olympic Values throughout the Kingdom. In more achievements in future tournaments.
coordination with the Greater Amman Municipality, the workshops
are being held for children across different areas of the city to teach Kyrgyzstan
them the value of sport and the role it can play in society.
The 38th international tournament dedicated to the memory of
the Hero of the Soviet Union, Duishonkul Shopokov, was held in
Bishkek on January 28, reports the Kabar National News Agency.
“This year it is special, as this is the 100th anniversary of Dushonkul
Shopokov and the 70th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic
War. Therefore we decided to hold a tournament on a larger scale
and invited guests and athletes from 10 countries,” said the Director
of the State Agency of Physical Culture and Sports, Kadirbek
Ergeshov.
Laos
The Chef de Mission of the Lao NOC at the 4th Asian Beach Games
The first of five workshops was held in Wadi Al Haddadeh for four
in Phuket, Singkham Naline, oversaw the team winning 12 medals,
days, with the participation of 32 boys and girls aged between 11
including two gold.
and 17. (www.joc.jo)
Lebanon
Kazakhstan
Antoine Chartier, the former Lebanese Olympic Committee
The Almaty 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Bid
President, was laid to rest in Ain Saade, Lebanon, on December
Committee delivered its Candidature File to the IOC in Lausanne,
18. Family, loved ones and prominent politicians bid farewell in
Switzerland, on January 6.
the enchanting setting of the Mont La Salle Sports Club that Mr
Chartier founded during the country’s worst times, over 30 years
Almaty was represented by the Vice Mayor of Almaty City, Mrs.
ago, reports Ya Libnan.
Zauresh Amanzholova; NOC Secretary General Mr. Timur
Dossymbetov; Almaty 2022 Bid Board member Mr. Andrey Kryukov;
After the religious ceremony, the coffin was taken to the Sports Club
Mr. Ilya Urazakov, Director General of the State Foundation to loud applause of teachers and students, some of whom could
“Organizing committee of the International sports events”, and by barely contain their emotions.
Ms. Oksana Rizanenko, IOC & IF Bid Relations Director. (www.
almaty-2022.org)
Macau, China
Korea Macau’s seven medal-winners from the Incheon Asian Games were
among the athletes and coaches rewarded for their efforts in 2014
President Park Geun-hye has called for thorough preparations for
the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea amid concerns
of construction delays, reports Yonhap News Agency.
The alpine city of Pyeongchang won the bid to host the 2018 Winter
Olympics, beating Munich, Germany, and Annecy, France, in a vote
by the IOC in 2011.
Kuwait
The Kuwaiti Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) team won nine medals at the
Abu Dhabi tournament held with the participation of 251 BJJ
practitioners from 30 countries.
Page 27News and Sport from 45 NOCs
by the Macau government’s Sports Development Board at a lavish Secretary-General Mrs E. Ochirsuren welcomed the Mongolian
ceremony on January 16. representatives at Olympic House and wished them fruitful training
in the 2018 Winter Olympics city.
There were three silver medals, all in wushu, for Jia Rui, Li Yi and
Huang Junhua, and four bronze medals, for Cheung Pui Si (karate),
Myanmar
Paula Carion (karate), Liu Qing (taekwondo) and Wang Junnan
(taekwondo).
After a 17-year hiatus, the Myanmar National Sports Tournament
was held in the capital Naypyitaw fromDecember 8-24 with
The silver medal-winners each received 120,000 MOP (15,000
hundreds of amateur athletes competing in 27 sports, with an
USD) and the bronze medal-winners were given 80,000 MOP
additional seven para-sport events, reports the Myanmar Times.
(10,000 USD). Their coaches received half this amount, resulting
in a total government pay-out for the Asian Games of 1,020,000
According to U Thaung Htike, vice minister at the Ministry of Sport,
MOP (127,500 USD).
previous national sports tournaments were held in 1992, 1994 and
1997. The 2014 edition would be ideal preparation for the SEA
Malaysia Games in Singapore in June, he added.
The National Sports Council of Malaysia organised the “Athletes
Nepal
Concerns for Flood Victims Programme” on New Year’s Day at the
Gimnasium 1 & 2, National Sports Council, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. The NOC has been awarded six athlete scholarships from Olympic
Solidarity for Rio 2016. They are Ms. Sangita Khadka (Athletics),
The programme was strongly supported by the Olympic Council Ms. Saraswati Rana (Boxing), Ms. Phupu Lamu Khatri (Judo), Ms.
of Malaysia and its affiliates, the National Sports Associations, Sofia Shah (Swimming), Mr. Sirish Gurung (Swimming) and Ms.
as well as by retired, present and future national athletes, sports Nisha Rawal (Taekwondo).
officials and sponsors who turned up in large numbers, bringing
with them boxes and cartons of food items, as well donating money In accordance with the agreement, each scholarship holder will
to Malaysian flood victims. (www.olympic.org.my) receive USD 670 per month for their training programme from
January 1, 2015 to May 2016. (www.nocnepal.org)
Maldives
Oman
The Maldives Olympic Committee selected Moosa Munsif Ahmed
(Table tennis Association) and Fadhuwa Zahir (Football Association) Oman Olympic Committee celebrated Olympic Day 2014 on
to participate in the 2nd Asian Athletes’ Forum in Kuwait from Monday, December 22 in five governorates of the Sultanate:
January 22-24. (www.nocmaldives.org) Muscat, Nizwa, Sohar, Salalah and Buraimi.
In Muscat, Olympic activities were staged in Al Qurum Park from
Mongolia 3pm-6pm under the auspices of Sheikh Talal bin Said Al Maamari,
CEO of Omantel, and in the presence of Sheikh Khalid bin
Mongolia NOC, in cooperation with the Mongolian Ski Federation, Mohammed Al Zubair, OCC Board Chairman, and members of
will send three athletes aged 16 and one coach to the Dream the organising committee.
2015 Winter Sports Programme conducted by Gangwon Province
and the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games Organising The Olympic Day included several activities such as bowling, karate,
Committee. The cross-country skiers are B. Gombodorj, B. Batshur traditional games, weightlifting, athletics, handball, basketball,
and Ts. Munkhchimeg, supported by the coach, Ya. Munkhdulam. volleyball, tennis, ball games, group run and walk, table tennis,
hockey, pentathlon and squash as well as the accompanying
Mongolia NOC President Dr D. Zagdsuren and Ski Federation exhibitions.
Page 28News and Sport from 45 NOCs
Pakistan Singapore
Pakistan NOC celebrated five medals in ju-jitsu at the 4th Asian The Singapore National Olympic Council inked an agreement
Beach Games in Phuket – two gold and three silver. The two gold with Sunrise & Company, extending its 42-year partnership with the
medals were won by Muhammad Ammar and Abu Hurrara in men’s Yonex distributor. The six-year deal will see Sunrise continue to kit
duo and by Ahmad Butt in the men’s individual fight of +90 kg. Team Singapore athletes and officials heading to major Games with
Yonex-branded apparel from the 2015 Southeast Asian Games to
Pakistan won 10 medals in total at Phuket – two gold, four silver the 2020 Olympic Games. (www.snoc.org.sg)
and four bronze. (www.nocpakistan.org)
Palestine
Palestine competed in the 2015 Arab Club Judo Championships in
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in the last week of January. The teams also
included Qatar, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Yemen, Iraq, Libya, UEA,
Kuwait, Jordan, Morocco and Saudi Arabia. (www.olympic.qa)
Philippines
Sri Lanka
The Philippine Olympic Committee website (www.olympic.ph)
Upon the request of NOC Sri Lanka, Olympic Solidarity has awarded
reported on the excellent performances of long distance runners
an Olympic Scholarship for Rio 2016 to the following five athletes:
Mary Grace de los Santos and Christabel Martes, who came in
E. Niluka Rushan Perera Karunaratne (Badminton), K. Anton Sudesh
second and third respectively in the show case 21.1km Elite event
Peiris (Weightlifting), W. Chamara Milinda Perera (Wrestling), R.M.
of the ninth Great Eastern Women’s Run in Singapore.
Chandrika Subashini Rasnayaka (Athletics) and R. Chamara Nuwan
Dharmawardhana (Judo). (www.srilankaolympic.org)
They were edged out by Hsieh Chien Ho, who came in at 1:22:17.
De los Santos clocked 1:24:21 and Martes 1:25:32. This result
augurs well for Philippine women’s long distance running. (www. Syria
olympic.ph)
The Sports Journalists Committee, in cooperation with the Quneitra
Branch of the General Sports Federation, honored a number of
Qatar Syrian athletes and media establishments for their role in covering
the crisis and conveying the reality of the events in Syria, reports the
HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary General Syrian Arab News Agency.
of the Qatar Olympic Committee, received a letter of thanks
from HE Abdullah bin Musaed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, General
President of KSA’s Youth Welfare and President of the Saudi
Arabian Olympic Committee.
The letter states: “HE Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the
Secretary General of Qatar Olympic Committee, with great thanks
I received your condolences message following the passing of the
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and King of Saudi Arabia, His
Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud”. (www.olympic.qa)
Saudi Arabia
The honored athletes were: Mohammad Khaled al-Mohammad
(para games shot put/javelin), Majd Ghazal (high jump) and Saleh
Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh
Mohammad (marathon swimming).
region, received the Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian
Olympic Committee, Mohammed bin Hassan Al Mishal, and
the President of the Arab Air Sports Federation, Dr. Mubarak Al- Chinese Taipei
Suwailem. During the meeting, they discussed a number of topics
relating to sports activities and events in the Riyadh region, reports At the invitation of the Chinese Taipei Triathlon Association, the Vice
the Saudi Press Agency. President of the Asian Triathlon Confederation, Mr Tom T. Carrasco,
Page 29News and Sport from 45 NOCs
United Arab Emirates
The Executive Office of the NOC reviewed - in its sixth meeting for
the Olympic quadrennial 2013-2016 - the new sports developments
in addition to all reports and technical proposals for future games
participation. It also reviewed the decisions of the Higher Committee
for School Olympics.
who is also Chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee, and Mr Attendees started by expressing thanks and appreciation to HH
Datuk Balwant Singh Kler, Secretary General of the Confederation, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, President of the UAE
visited Taiwan from January 16-22. NOC, for the unlimited support accorded to all sports and Olympic
events in the UAE.
The delegation was on a venue inspection tour to New Taipei City The meeting, which was chaired by HE Abdul Rahman Al Owais,
for the 2015 Asian Triathlon Championships to be held from June Minister of Health, Vice President of the UAE NOC and Chairman
13-14 as one of the qualification tournaments of Rio 2016. of the Executive Office, was attended by HE Advisor Mohammed Al
Kamali, Secretary General of the NOC; Engineer Dawood Al Hajri,
They also called on the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee on Assistant Secretary General of the NOC as well as other members
January 20. Mr Kevin Chen, CTOC Secretary General, received and sports figures. (www.uaenoc.net)
them on behalf of President Hong-Dow Lin.
Uzbekistan
Tajikistan
The NOC hopes that the exceptional performances of their athletes
Tajik athletes won 43 medals, including 10 gold, at the CIS Open at the Nanjing YOG last August can inspire more Olympic medals
Cup - part of the ITF Taekwondo World Cup - in Minsk, reports in Rio 2016.
Asia-Plus. The three-day tournament, held at the Minsk Arena
Velodrome, involved 1,200 athletes aged 7 to 39 from 13 countries. An official cer-
emony took
place in the city
Thailand of Chirchik to
honour the YOG
Thailand’s Sports and Tourism Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, participants. It
praised the concept of the OCA’s Asian Beach Games during the was highlighted
fourth edition of the ABG at Phuket. While waiting to greet the OCA during the event
President on his arrival at Karon Beach for a medal presentation, that constant at-
she said the ABG was an ideal vehicle to promote both sport and tention is being paid under the leadership of President Islam Kari-
tourism, giving the host city the opportunity to showcase its resorts mov to the development of sports as one of the most critical means
and natural beauty while offering additional entertainment value to in nurturing a physically and spiritually advanced younger genera-
locals and tourists alike.(www.olympicthai.or.th) tion, and thus extensive opportunities are being created to boost
physical cultural and sports.
Timor-Leste
Vietnam
Under the topic “12 months, 12 good news stories for Timor-Leste”,
the Government of Timor-Leste celebrated the country’s participation Vietnam finished a creditable fifth in the medal rankings at the 4th
- on February 7 - for the first time in the Winter Olympic Games, Asian Beach Games in Phuket with eight gold medals, 12 silver and
proudly represented by Yohan Gonçalves Goutt. 20 bronze, but will be planning to close the gap on Thailand when
the 5th ABG is held at Nha Trang and Danang in 2016. Thailand
claimed 56 gold medals in Phuket. (www.voc.org.vn)
Turkmenistan
The State Committee for Sports of Turkmenistan announced the top Yemen
10 athletes of 2014, reports the State News Agency of Turkmenistan.
Asian Football Confederation President Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim
They were: Gulbadam Babamuratov (belt wrestling), Serdar Al Khalifa has expressed his deep sadness over the passing away of
Hudayberdiyev (boxing), Aziz Bebitov (boxing), Shermet Permanov former Yemen Football Association President Mohammed Al Qadi.
(Greco-Roman wrestling), Salahetdin Bayramov (wushu), Jennet
Aynazarova (wushu), Tirkeshgeldi Ayazov (belt wrestling), Saparmurat The AFC President stated that he appreciates the great contributions
Atabayev (chess), Valentina Simakova (para powerlifting) and of Al Qadi and stressed that his dedication to Yemeni football and
Sergey Meladze (para powerlifting). the game in general will always be remembered. (www.the-afc.com)
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