“We are in a period of transition in the Olympic Movement,” ASOIF President Ingmar de Vos said in his speech welcoming IOC President-Elect Kirsty Coventry and paying tribute to IOC President Thomas Bach, at the ASOIF General Assembly.
Also addressing President-Elect Kirsty Coventry, World Athletics President Lord Coe said: “There is a huge opportunity with the new leadership to create the reset around the relationship between the IOC and the IFs, and particularly the review of the revenue generation model.
“We all want the pinnacle of Olympic sport being the pinnacle of the four year summer sporting cycle and we look forward to working with you. You will have the support all the IFs; we stand ready to support you.
IOC President-Elect Kirsty Coventry said: “We would all love to say we hope the next few years are going to be smooth but I’m not sure that’s quite going to be the case.”
Listing the challenges ahead, she referred to “all the geopolitics we are going to need to navigate, the more and more conflicts that our world is facing, revenue models.”
“We won’t always agree. We hope we can be respectful enough to disagree… but that’s what a family is about. It’s how we are going to come together to make sure we have the best Olympic Games and the best platform for generations to come.”
Bravely challenge models
With reference to recent “tough discussions” with ASOIF about “event delivery”, she said “International federations need to play a greater role.”
“It’s important to take some time to engage with all of you to fully understand not just want your expectations are, but how we are going to deliver extraordinary Games in LA and Brisbane, and into the future.
“We have to be brave enough to challenge some of the models that we’ve been doing.
“It’s very clear there are two priorities, two pillars: the Olympic Games, and ensuring the Olympic Games is the biggest success for our athletes; and the second one is then building a better world through sport. The first one has to be extremely successful in order to have the second one.
“So we really need to focus on how we are going to ensure together we are going to have incredible Games that will inspire generations and more people across the world.”
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IOC President-Elect calls on Olympic Family to challenge existing models
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Mongolia to host FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2027
[Source: FIBA] FIBA today announced that Mongolia will host the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2027, from March 31 to April 4, in the heart of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, where the rise of 3×3 basketball shows no signs of slowing down.
Mongolia’s hosting of Asia’s biggest 3×3 event follows a recent landmark moment for Mongolian basketball, with more than 50,000 passionate fans turning up in Sukhbaatar Square for an unforgettable FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2025. The Mongolian women’s team thrilled local supporters with a remarkable run to the final, earning nationwide praise and recognition. Days after the event, the team was received by the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, and awarded an honorary athlete distinction in honour of their achievement.
“Mongolia continues to prove itself as a true world-class hub for 3×3 basketball,” said FIBA 3×3 Managing Director Alex Sanchez. “The fans, the atmosphere, and the quality on the half-court make Mongolia the ideal host for the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2027. We are excited to return to Ulaanbaatar, ten years after Mongolia made history by staging the first-ever FIBA Asia Cup in 2017.”
This latest announcement marks another milestone in Mongolia’s impressive journey as a leader in 3×3 basketball development in Asia. Mongolia has continued to strengthen its reputation as a trusted and passionate host of major international 3×3 events such as the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2019, the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup 2024, annual FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series stop and FIBA 3×3 World Tour. The recent FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2025 showcased once again Mongolia’s incredible passion for 3×3 basketball and its ability to deliver world-class urban sporting events.
About FIBA 3×3
Exciting, urban and innovative, 3×3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court.
It was played successfully for the first time in international competition at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and since then has benefited from the launch of a yearly professional circuit for men and women (World Tour and Women’s Series respectively) and national-team competitions. 3×3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
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Orlando hosts world’s largest volleyball tournament
[Source: Greater Orlando Sports Commission] – Orlando has reaffirmed why it’s one of the world’s premier international sports destinations, hosting the 2025 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National Volleyball Championships, the world’s largest volleyball tournament. The event, which ran from June 13 to July 7, attracted over 6,500 teams and 325,500 estimated athletes, coaches, and spectators from all 50 states and multiple countries to Orlando, setting new participation and attendance records.
Hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, one of more than 40 elite venues in the Greater Orlando region, the event will drive significant economic impact. Simultaneously, Orlando hosted matches for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, demonstrating the region’s unmatched ability to accommodate an influx of visitors for overlapping events and reinforcing its status as a leader in sports tourism.
The conclusion of this year’s tournament coincided with the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) World Volleyball Day, a global celebration of the sport’s unifying power and cultural impact on July 7. The alignment underscores Orlando’s commitment to volleyball at all levels and highlights the city’s role on the international stage in promoting the growth of the game.
“We are so thankful for our community partners when it comes to arranging the AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships,” said Jo Mirza, President of AAU. “Without the Orange County Convention Center, Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Visit Orlando, we wouldn’t be able to host this premier event for AAU’s largest sport.”
“The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships have become a cornerstone event in our region’s sports tourism portfolio,” said Greater Orlando Sports Commission President and CEO Jason Siegel. “This year’s record-setting tournament underscores the power of strategic, long-term collaboration with partners like Visit Orlando, Orange County, and the Orange County Convention Center. As the trusted host destination for nearly three decades, Orlando takes great pride in consistently delivering elevated experiences that set a national benchmark for youth sports.”
The successful execution of the 2025 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships adds to Orlando’s growing portfolio of major sports events and showcases the region’s ability to host competitions at the highest level. With a growing calendar of athletic events, Orlando has built a strong track record in delivering major competitions across a wide range of sports. The region’s continued investment in premier venues, visitor experience, and a collaborative hosting approach has helped attract and sustain both amateur and professional events. -
Should London bid for the 2040 Olympics?
By 2040, a generation will have passed since London last staged the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For many, the summer of 2012 is etched in their minds as a moment of national pride and global admiration. But when you pause to consider how much the world will have changed by the time the Games could return to the capital, it becomes clear this wouldn’t just be a nostalgic repeat. It would be a reinvention.
In 15 years’ time, today’s children will be the athletes, creators and consumers that brands are trying to reach. They will not even remember the last home Games, and their interests, viewing habits and social values will be shaped by forces that might not currently exist. AI-driven media, decentralised content platforms, and shifting definitions of sport and fandom will redraw the entire engagement model.
Any city that can help the IOC adapt to that future stands to gain, and London is well placed to lead.
The rise of lifestyle sports and new medal moments
The data already shows the shift in motion. According to the 2025 EY Sports Engagement Index, 72% of UK respondents consider themselves “core sports engagers.” But what they mean by “sport” is changing.
It’s no longer just about elite competitions or season tickets. The fastest-growing areas of participation are lifestyle-led: basketball, hiking, running, swimming.
Sports that are as much about community and wellness as they are about medals. The generation growing up on Strava, YouTube Shorts and shared step counts is more likely to be inspired to watch and play by local participation over paywalled content.
This isn’t bad news for the Olympics, quite the opposite. It’s a chance to meet young people where they already are. A future London Olympics could shine a light on sports that resonate with younger audiences in new ways.
Disciplines like skateboarding, climbing and 3×3 basketball have already made their debut, and more could follow. For National Olympic Committees, these newer sports represent fresh medal potential. For sponsors, they offer storytelling opportunities rooted in identity and culture, over competition.
A host city for the digital age
Equally, the shift towards more gender-balanced and inclusive formats continues to reshape what fans expect from the Games. Events like mixed relays and doubles in newer sports make sense not just in the name of fairness, but in engagement too. They reflect a world where audiences care as much about representation as results. Combined with the growing popularity of wellness culture, there’s a much broader canvas to paint on, one that spans physical spaces and digital touchpoints.
That’s where the media landscape becomes central.
By 2040, AI will have transformed content creation. The way fans discover, watch and interact with Olympic moments won’t be through linear TV alone. It will happen through smart filters, reactive content and decentralised social ecosystems we haven’t even named yet. Signs of the shift are already clear: the unified Olympics social channels generated 1.1 billion engagements in June 2024 alone, triple the levels recorded before Tokyo 2020. Nearly 40 per cent of that digital audience is under 34, showing how the Games already live inside youth culture.
This is where London’s strength as a global media and tech hub comes into play. Any host city needs to offer more than venues; it needs to offer vision. And London is well placed to act as a bridge between tradition and transformation.
At the same time, competition among host cities is intensifying. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are spending heavily to secure global sports rights as part of their long-term plans to transition from oil dependency to destination economies. Rights holders and emerging sports are looking at cities not only as locations, but as revenue sources. And in return, cities are betting on footfall, tourism and cultural relevance.
This is a hearts and minds business. If global sports rightsholders know that London is open for business, they are far more likely to bring high-value events to the UK.
Craving for shared context
Of course, every Olympic bid comes with questions about cost, legacy and impact. And it’s fair to say that, even with much of the 2012 infrastructure still in place, the economics are complicated. But what often gets overlooked in those conversations is the value of cultural momentum.
Events like the Olympics have the power to influence generational health habits, drive community participation, and put cities on the global stage in a way that shapes their future far beyond the closing ceremony. They offer a reason to rally around shared purpose, something that feels increasingly scarce.
That collective energy matters, especially for marketers. Because whatever form the Olympic content experience takes in 2040, attention will be more fragmented than ever. Having a single event that cuts through, where people gather physically and digitally to experience something together, is rare and valuable. It’s the kind of shared context brands crave, particularly when trying to connect with younger, more purpose-led audiences.
That’s why the smart money is already thinking ahead. London 2040 wouldn’t just be a sporting event. It would be a moment to reset what fan engagement looks like. It would be a platform for health and inclusivity, powered by technology but rooted in emotion. For brands and rights holders alike, it could offer the chance to rebuild trust, relevance and reach with an audience that’s rewriting the rules.
London has done it before, but the real opportunity lies in doing it differently. If that happens in 2040, we won’t just be looking back at 2012 with pride. We’ll be looking forward with purpose.
Casey Harwood is Chief Business Officer at Engage
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Ahmedabad, India’s Olympic candidate, eyes SportAccord
India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games has taken a significant step forward, as a senior delegation travelled to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on a three-day official visit. The mission, which confirmed Ahmedabad 2036 as the aim, underscores India’s growing commitment to securing the Summer Games and elevating its profile as a global sporting destination.
This visit marks the first formal presentation by Indian officials since the country expressed interest in staging one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
The group included prominent figures from India’s sports and administrative leadership: Gujarat Sports Minister Harsh Sanghvi, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha, Sports Association Secretary Hariranjan Rao, Gujarat Chief Sports Secretary Ashwini Kumar, and Urban Development Secretary M Thennarasan.
“The discussions provided a vital platform for the Indian delegation to articulate their vision for hosting a future Olympic Games in Amdavad (Ahmedabad). Concurrently, they gained invaluable insights from the IOC regarding the requirements for the Olympic Games and its ambitions for the future of the Olympic Movement,” a press release issued by the delegation stated.
“The Olympic Games in India would not just be a spectacular event—they would create a generational impact for all Indians,” PT Usha was reported by ETV Bharat as saying.
During the visit, the IOC briefed the Indian team on the requirements and evaluation criteria necessary for a successful bid.
Minister Sanghvi highlighted productive discussions around hosting other sports and business events. “Yesterday, I had a fruitful meeting with the President of SportAccord, a Lausanne-based global sports event organisation. Gujarat was invited to host the SportAccord conference, which will showcase the state’s potential as a premier international sports destination,” he was quoted by ETV Bharat. “We also explored collaborative opportunities for hosting large-scale tournaments.”
The President of SportAccord, IOC Honorary Member Ugur Erdener, is speaking at Host City 2025 conference in Glasgow on 1-3 December.
While several other nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Games, India’s bid is considered to be a frontrunner. A Letter of Intent was submitted to the IOC in October 2023, with the proposal led by IOC member Nita Ambani and publicly endorsed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The visit came shortly after the newly inaugurated IOC President Kirst Coventry announced a “pause and reflect” on the process of selecting Olympic host cities, with a view to restoring greater involvement of IOC Members in decision making. -
ESA elects first-ever majority female Board
[Source: ESA] Four female Directors were newly elected to the Board of the European Sponsorship Association (ESA) at the AGM in London.
Amy Mansell (Global Partnerships Director at ELEMIS), Ceri Powell (Head of Sponsorships & Partnerships at Orchard Media and Events Group), Grace O’Grady (Vice President, Account Management at Live Nation) and Tanya Townsend (Head of Sponsorship & Brand Activation at Three) were elected by their fellow ESA Members, while existing Board Director Risto Oksanen (CEO at Red Carpet Brand Alliances Oy) was re-elected.
The election of four women to fill the five vacant positions means ESA now has nine female and seven male Board Directors – a female majority for the first time.
A new high of five representatives based outside of the UK is also evidence of the increasingly diverse European sponsorship community, while Amy Mansell’s and Tanya Townsend’s success in the election increases the brand representation on the Board to five companies.
Filip Waegemans (Owner and Sponsorship Expert at Skaut) and Michael Hope-Milne (Enterprise Director at Pearl & Dean) were also appointed Board Advisors.
Besides the elections, ESA also presented information to members from all existing workstreams and the new Arts & Culture and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Workstreams, as well as information about the continuing growth of the membership community.
ESA Chair Sophie Morris said: “I’m extremely proud of how our community continues to elevate sponsorship standards across the continent, making the industry more dynamic, more sustainable and more representative, and today’s AGM gave us the chance to reflect on this progress.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Amy, Ceri, Grace and Tanya to the Board of Directors and it’s wonderful to see Risto continue his tenure. We look forward to working with all five of them and it’s wonderful that we have such a diverse Board as we continue to focus on our role as the essential and inclusive community for all professionals working in sponsorship.
“As we continue to bring new members into our international community we will remain focused on giving all sponsorship professionals the best possible value and a rewarding experience in all aspects of their engagement with ESA.
“It is great news for ESA that Filip Waegemans and Michael Hope-Milne will support the Board in an advisory capacity. And I am hugely grateful to Antony Douglass, James Goode, Jenny Seymour and Misha Sher for the outstanding contribution they have made in their time as ESA Board Directors, and hope they will all remain a part of our thriving community.” -
Glasgow 2026 appoints Trivandi to deliver new format Commonwealth Games
[Source: Glasgow 2026] In a move set to redefine the delivery of world-class sporting events, Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has appointed Trivandi, a global leader in the planning, design and operational delivery of major events, as the Official Event Delivery Partner.
The appointment brings together Glasgow’s celebrated reputation as a world-leading host city with Trivandi’s proven track record in advisory, design and venue delivery services for major international events, including every Summer Olympic Games since London 2012, the last three Commonwealth Games, FIFA World Cups and World Expos.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from 23 July to 2 August next summer, will mark a new era for Commonwealth Sport, with a more sustainable and inclusive delivery model. As the Official Event Delivery Partner, Trivandi will be responsible for the overlay and venue operations at Glasgow’s iconic, world-class sports venues, transforming them into Commonwealth Games ready facilities.
At the heart of the model is a ‘One Team’ approach which will embed international specialists into key operational roles in the Glasgow 2026 Organising Company, and a commitment to recruiting 250 workforce roles to deliver the Games, with the majority from within Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
Glasgow 2026 will set a new benchmark for future Games, providing a replicable framework for future hosts across the Commonwealth, demonstrating how cities can stage world-class sporting competitions while maximising local employment benefits and minimising environmental impact. This will ensure the Games remain accessible to nations and territories of all sizes and economic circumstances while delivering meaningful legacy benefits.
Phil Batty OBE, CEO, Glasgow 2026: “There is no better city than Glasgow to host this forward-thinking delivery model and change the future of how major multi-sport events are delivered. Our partnership with Trivandi signals our absolute confidence in delivering an exceptional Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next summer.
“Trivandi’s world-class expertise and shared values of innovation, inclusion and impact will ensure Glasgow 2026 is remembered not only for outstanding sport but for the positive impacts it delivers for communities and businesses as well as future host nations and the next generation of world-class Athletes.”
The Trivandi Academy, using Chartered Management Institute-accredited programmes, will equip local talent with internationally recognised qualifications and further build Scotland’s capacity to deliver major events.
Trivandi’s award-winning sustainability arm, The Bulb, will ensure every element of venue transformation is designed for reuse, monitored for energy efficiency, and minimises environmental impact.
James Bulley OBE, CEO and Co-founder, Trivandi: “Glasgow 2026 represents a pivotal moment for the Commonwealth Sport Movement. Together, we’re proving that world-class events can be delivered sustainably, cost-effectively, and with profound social impact. Our commitment extends beyond the Games and that is why we are investing in Glasgow’s people, communities and sporting future.”
With the largest Para sport programme in Commonwealth Games history and a concentrated venue footprint bringing fans closer to the action than ever before, Glasgow 2026 is already set to be one of the most inclusive and accessible major multi-sport events ever staged. Trivandi will conduct comprehensive accessibility audits and implement venue enhancements to ensure exceptional experiences for all.
Commonwealth Sport CEO, Katie Sadleir said: “Glasgow 2026 will be a bridge to the Commonwealth Games of tomorrow – a bold, reimagined model that prioritises flexibility, sustainability and inclusivity. By drawing on Trivandi’s world-class expertise, it’s set to maximise local employment benefits and minimise environmental impact. It will be a truly transformative Games.”
Since its founding in 2013 out of the success of London 2012, Trivandi has delivered more than 300 projects in 29 countries from offices in UK, the Middle East and Australia. Its work has spanned the world’s most complex venue transformations and the most celebrated sporting spectacles, making it uniquely qualified to match the scale, prestige and vision of the reimagined Commonwealth Games. -
The World Police and Fire Games: evolving through hosting
Host City: For readers who may not be familiar with the World Police & Fire Games, can you summarize the size and scope of the event – how many sports, venues, participating countries and spectators?
James King: The World Police and Fire Games is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event held specifically for the World’s first responders and public safety. The Games are biennial and began in 1985 in San Jose, California. Birmingham, Alabama was our 21st edition of the Games. The public safety participants hail from over 70 countries, and numbered 8500, to 10,000 plus athletes. The typical offering of sports is 65, with events ranging from the typical Olympic sports such as track and field and swimming to industry specific events such as the Ultimate Firefighter, the full gear stair race, police motorcycle rodeo, and the police service dogs. All events are free to the public and are available during the entire 9-10 days of the Games.
Host City: How was your experience of Birmingham AL as a host? Were there any learnings or legacies of their recent hosting of the World Games that were helpful to your event?
James King: We always learn a great deal from our various hosts and their respective experiences. The World Police and Fire Games have been in a “post covid” period, but our international participant numbers were actually very strong this edition, especially from Brazil and India.
We also learned that you don’t have to be close to the beach to create a great experience, with many competitors stating that the Beach Volleyball competition was one of the best ever. We heard similar remarks about cycling, which was held at Barber motorsports park. We also reinforced our standards by confirming that strategies such as venue clustering always work.
The 21st edition of the WPFG provided many great results in the touch points with our athletes; the “athlete experience” was generally well received.
Host City: What benefits has the Games brought to Birmingham?
James King: Obviously, a key marker is economic impact. I heard personally how happy many restaurant owners and operators were with the number of athlete visitors who dined at the local restaurants. Hotels were also happy with the number of athletes, friends and family members who stayed at their hotels. Typically, US$65,000.00 is a good starting point for the return on investment in hosting the Games. I am sure Birmingham experienced this type of return.
Host City: The next two Games are going to very different destinations. How might hosting the World Police & Fire Games support Ahmedabad’s bid for the Olympics?
James King: Our 2027 WPFG will be held in Perth, Western Australia. The 2029 Games will be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. It is fair to say that both destinations are quite different from the United States, let alone the deep south of Alabama. However, they share a common thing in that they all have very hospitable and friendly people. I am excited for our athletes and the experiences that lay ahead.
As for Ahmedabad and how hosting the WPFG may support their bid for hosting the Olympics, the World Police and Fire Games offer the opportunity to rehearse operations and evaluate venues on a very large scale, at a greatly reduced price. The 65 sports offered by the WPFG are held to the highest international governing body standards. This includes the venues, officiating, and other critical components of conducting a major international multi-sport event.
Host City: How important is it for you as a rightsholder to learn from and engage with other types of major events around the world?
James King: We offer our athletes an incredible experience, one which I am very proud of. With that said, we are not perfect. We take lessons from all our experiences, both good and bad. One of the best attributes of our Games is that our athletes can network with like individuals from around the globe. The commonalities are uncanny between public safety, be it law enforcement or firefighting. The same is true for event organizers in the sports world. If you are not learning, you are not growing, which means you won’t be around for long.
Why should cities want to bid to host an event like the World Police & Fire Games?
James King: Easy. The World Police and Fire Games showcases the “human element” of public safety and first responders by honoring them on a global stage. We thank those people who serve people. These folks risk their lives daily in the communities that they serve. We provide an outlet for improving both physical and mental health of first responders. The local public safety personnel will experience long-term benefits from the notoriety received from hosting the Games. It is a shot in the arm for essential services.
Additionally, the economic benefits are huge considering the ROI could be many times the initial investment. Our customer athletes pay their own way, eat at local restaurants, stay in hotels, and support the local economy in many ways. It is an equation that has been paying off for the past 40 years. -
World Police & Fire Games to make India debut in Ahmedabad, 2029
[Source: CPAF] Ahmedabad, one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas and a cultural hub in Gujarat, was chosen after a competitive bidding process that included the finalist Hanoi, Vietnam. This is the first time India will host the WPFG, continuing the Games’ tradition of global inclusion and international camaraderie among first responders.
“It is indeed a great honour and responsibility for Ahmedabad to be announced as the host city for 2029 WPFG,” said Vivek Srivastava, Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defense & Home Guards. “As highlighted in our bid document and presentation, we are committed to hosting an athlete-friendly, digitally enabled, and environmentally sustainable Games for the brave first responders of the world. In addition to world-class venues and infrastructure, we are confident of delivering competitive yet welcoming Games where athletes from around the world will experience our wonderful culture, heritage, growth, and hospitality.”
Ahmedabad joins a prestigious roster of global host cities and will follow Perth, Australia, which is set to host the 2027 World Police & Fire Games. This announcement follows the culmination of the Birmingham Games, which ran from June 27 to July 6, welcoming over 8,500 attendees from more than 70 countries. Competitors participated in 65 events across 35 venues, ranging from traditional sports like basketball and cycling to specialized first responder competitions, including the Toughest Competitor Alive, Police Action Pistol, Ultimate Firefighter, and Firefighter Challenge.
Founded in 1985, the World Police and Fire Games are a biennial event that strives to promote physical fitness and camaraderie among first responders globally. The event is organized by the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF) and has grown to become one of the largest athletic events in the world.
The CPAF is also the governing body for the United States Police & Fire Championships and the First Responders Relay. The mission of CPAF is to promote sport and physical fitness among personnel representing law enforcement, fire, corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs.
“With Ahmedabad selected for 2029 and Perth already in place for 2027, we’re excited to see the spirit of these Games continue to thrive on a global scale,” said James King, President of CPAF. “Ahmedabad impressed us with its vision, commitment to sustainability, and passion for delivering an exceptional athlete experience. We’re excited to see the Games head to India for the first time and confident the city will deliver a world-class experience for first responders from across the globe.”
As the newest member of the WPFG legacy, Ahmedabad’s hosting will continue the mission of celebrating the strength, skill, and service of first responders from around the world.
Founded in 1985, the World Police & Fire Games are held biennially and are open to active and retired law enforcement officers, firefighters, and first responder personnel from around the globe. More information on future Games, athlete eligibility, and participation can be found at www.cpaf.org. -
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad announces candidacy for President of the Olympic Council of Asia
[Source: QOC] His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), has officially announced his candidacy for the Presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), reaffirming his commitment to contributing to the development and unity of Asian sport in the years ahead.
The announcement follows the Olympic Council of Asia’s official call for nominations for the presidential elections, issued on 15 July 2025, in preparation for the upcoming General Assembly, which will be held in January 2026 in the city of Tashkent.
On this occasion, H.E. Sheikh Joaan expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to H.E. Raja Randhir Singh, the current OCA President, for his significant contributions and dedicated leadership in advancing Asian sport, as well as his unwavering commitment to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among National Olympic Committees across the continent. His Excellency also fully supported the OCA Executive Board’s decision to appoint H.E. Raja Randhir Singh as Honorary Life President of the Olympic Council of Asia, in recognition of his longstanding service and enduring legacy within the Olympic Movement in Asia.
H.E. Sheikh Joaan affirmed that his candidacy is rooted in a strong belief in the power of sport to foster development and unity among nations. He emphasized the potential of Asian sport to achieve transformational progress in areas such as governance, sustainability, digital transformation, and athlete empowerment.
He also highlighted the importance of promoting fairness in opportunity distribution, strengthening collaboration among NOCs, enhancing sports infrastructure, and creating greater platforms for youth and women to take part in shaping the future of sport in Asia.
His Excellency’s candidature is built on an ambitious strategic vision for Asian sport, grounded in five core pillars: solidarity, digital transformation, sustainable development, credibility, and economic and financial resilience. It is underpinned by His Excellency’s extensive experience in sports, his proven track record at the helm of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and his active role within the international Olympic Movement, particularly as Senior Vice President of ANOC.
The upcoming OCA election is expected to draw significant interest from the international sporting community, amid growing global challenges and the need for dynamic leadership that promotes transparency, cooperation, and innovation across the Asian sports landscape.
Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Kuwait City, the Olympic Council of Asia is one of the most prominent continental sports organizations. It brings together 45 National Olympic Committees and plays a pivotal role in coordinating regional sports activities, supporting development initiatives, and enhancing cooperation in governance, infrastructure, and institutional capacity building.
The OCA also oversees the organization of major multi-sport events including the Asian Games, Asian Winter Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Asian Beach Games, and the Asian Youth Games – competitions that continue to elevate Asia’s sporting profile on the world stage.