Online Reporter
HELD at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre in Kuwait, the Olympic Council of Asia brought together representatives from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, senior officials and global sports leaders.
The event opened in grand style with a vibrant showcase of music, dance and cultural performances symbolising the unity and diversity of the Asian continent.
The opening ceremony began with a video depicting the history of the Asian Games, setting the stage for an evening that celebrated not only athletic excellence, but also Asia’s rich cultural heritage and collective spirit.
Under the theme “One Asia, One Stage”, the evening unfolded as a dynamic tribute to Asia’s shared spirit.
Performers from China, India, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Lebanon and Kuwait delivered a colourful 45-minute spectacle that resonated with the rhythms and traditions of East, West, South, Southeast and Central Asia.
Outgoing International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who presided over the assembly, paid tribute to Asia’s vital role in the Olympic Movement.
Recalling milestones such as PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022, he praised the continent’s resilience in turning challenges into triumphs.
“Asia has a special place in my heart,” Bach said, highlighting its influence as a “global benchmark” in sport.
As he nears the end of his presidency, Bach assured the gathering, “Today, I do not say farewell. Today, I say see you soon.”
Bach, who was awarded the Olympic Council of Asia Order of Merit, applauded the flagship Asian Games for being a “model of success” and a benchmark for all other continental bodies.
“Asia’s influence within the Olympic Movement today has grown stronger,” he acknowledged. “Thank you, dear Asian Olympic friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe joined Bach at the Assembly, marking her first major appearance in the role before officially succeeding him on June 23, 2025.
Coventry’s presence signalled a seamless transition in Olympic leadership, and her engagement throughout the evening underlined her commitment to building on Asia’s pivotal role in global sport.
The evening’s performances brought Bach’s words to life, with traditional dances such as Lebanon’s energetic “Dabka” and China’s Wushu martial arts display captivating the audience. An Indian troupe, Heartbeatz, received particular acclaim for their innovative fusion of Bharatanatyam and Punjabi Bhangra, which brought the crowd to spontaneous applause. The significance of the occasion was echoed by Timothy Fok, first vice president of the OCA, who welcomed the delegates with a message of pride and solidarity. “It is a special moment to be gathered here in Kuwait — the heartbeat of Asia,” he said, adding the assembly would continue to build on the OCA’s legacy to shape a better future.
Local host Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, president of the Kuwait Olympic Committee, underlined the nation’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and acknowledged the unwavering support of the country’s leadership. He praised the visionary approach of the OCA, which he described as a cornerstone for the development of sport in Asia.
“Today’s general assembly is a clear demonstration of our solidarity and shared aspirations,” Sheikh Fahad affirmed.
One of the most poignant moments of the evening was the address by Qatar’s Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim. Drawing on his own experience, Barshim celebrated the unifying power of sport. “We come from 45 countries and territories, speak many languages and have different cultures. But we are one. One team. One continent. One Asia,” he said.
Reflecting on his iconic shared gold medal moment at Tokyo 2020, Barshim reminded attendees that “the values we carry in sport — respect, friendship, unity — are bigger than any podium”.
Barshim concluded his speech by thanking IOC President Thomas Bach and Coventry, both Olympic champions, and all the delegates for attending the event.
“Your presence is a reminder of how far Asia has come in the Olympic world and how much further we can go. Let’s always stand together, share knowledge, support each other and above all keep the spirit of One Asia alive. Thank you. Shukran.”
Adding his voice to the message of unity was Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming, who spoke about the role of sport in breaking down barriers. Reflecting on his Olympic journey, Yao shared a personal anecdote from Sydney 2000. “In Sydney, in the Games Village, I came across a photograph taken from the roof of the opening ceremony of the athletes all looking up. I tried to find myself in the crowd — I’m tall — but I couldn’t. That’s when I realised that I’m not that big and that we’re not alone, that we can all dream together,” he said. “Sport can break down barriers and open doors for young people all over the world.”
As the OCA’s flagship event, the 45th summit in Kuwait reaffirmed the continent’s commitment to unity, cooperation and sporting excellence, while also symbolising the future leadership transition from Bach to Coventry — ensuring continuity in the global vision of the Olympic Movement. — insidethegames.com
