DOHA: In a scene that reflects Qatar’s sporting leadership, eyes across the Asian continent will turn tomorrow (Monday) to the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, where the State of Qatar will take part in the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Historic Moment for Asian Sport
Qatar’s participation comes at a historic and highly anticipated moment, coinciding with the announcement of the election of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. The election marks the beginning of a new phase of development and progress for the world’s largest regional sporting organization.
Broad Asian and International Representation
More than 350 sports officials representing 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, alongside delegates from dozens of international organizations, will take part in the General Assembly. The agenda includes a review of key developments related to major upcoming events, notably the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games.
Updates on Major Asian Sporting Events
Participants will examine reports from the organizing committees of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, and the Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, set to be held from April 22 to 30.
In addition, the organizing committee of the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games “Riyadh 2026,” to be staged in Saudi Arabia from February 8 to 10, will present an update on the latest preparations for hosting the event.
Opening Addresses and Official Proceedings
The proceedings of the 46th OCA General Assembly will open with a welcome address by Mr. Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, First Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Hong Kong Olympic Committee. This will be followed by a speech from His Excellency President Dr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev of the Republic of Uzbekistan and President of the Uzbek National Olympic Committee.
The Assembly will also seek approval of the minutes of the 45th OCA General Assembly, held in Kuwait on May 11 and 12 last year, and review reports submitted by the vice presidents of the regional zones.
Uzbekistan’s Preparations and Vision
In preparation for hosting the General Assembly, Uzbekistan has undertaken extensive arrangements to ensure the event’s success. The authorities aim to use the occasion to highlight recent developments in the country’s sports infrastructure and its capacity to host major international events, under the slogan: “We are not just hosting a meeting; we are presenting the features of the future.”
Uzbekistan’s Sporting Rise
Uzbekistan is experiencing a historic turning point in its efforts to establish itself as a regional and global sporting power, following a series of unprecedented achievements and comprehensive infrastructure development.
The country has made significant strides at both regional and international levels in terms of participation, competitive results, and investment in sports facilities, as part of a long-term strategy aligned with national sports policy.
Among its most notable achievements is the qualification of the Uzbekistan national football team for the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in its history. Uzbekistan also finished 13th at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and secured medals in youth and Paralympic competitions during 2025.
Infrastructure Development and Future Events
One of the major infrastructure projects completed last year is the Olympic City, a multi-venue sports complex inaugurated in August 2025. The complex has been selected as the main hub for the 4th Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place in 2029.
Tashkent is also set to host several international championships in 2026, including the World Triathlon Championship in Samarkand (April 25–26), the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand (September 15–28), and the Swimming World Cup in Tashkent (October 8–10).
Strengthening Asian Sporting Cooperation
On the sidelines of the General Assembly, the Olympic Council of Asia, in cooperation with the Uzbek Olympic Committee, hosted a dinner for the delegations participating in the Assembly in Tashkent.
The event was attended by presidents of national Olympic committees from OCA member states, further strengthening cooperation and ties among sports leaders across the Asian continent.
