Sheikh Joaan Meets IOC President Elect Kirsty Coventry as Olympic Leadership Transitions Toward a New Era

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May 12, 2025
QOC
12-May-2025

Sheikh Joaan Meets IOC President Elect Kirsty Coventry as Olympic Leadership Transitions Toward a New Era

Kuwait City: His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), met today with Kirsty Coventry, President Elect of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), during the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in Kuwait.

The meeting came at a significant moment for the Olympic Movement, as Coventry prepares to assume the IOC presidency on June 23, 2025, coinciding with Olympic Day. She will succeed Dr. Thomas Bach and become the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC in its 131-year history.

During the meeting, His Excellency congratulated President Elect Coventry on her election and reiterated QOC’s support for her vision and leadership. Discussions addressed the future of Olympic governance, the evolving role of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and the importance of ensuring the Olympic Movement continues to respond to global challenges with transparency, inclusion, and athlete focused leadership.

Sheikh Joaan emphasized the value of continued collaboration between the IOC, ANOC, and NOCs, particularly in areas such as institutional development, athlete support, and the broader role of sport in advancing social and regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to this shared mission through strong partnerships and continued engagement.

As host of the 21st Asian Games in 2030 and a consistent organizer of global sporting events, Qatar remains committed to advancing the Olympic values through inclusive and sustainable models that reflect the needs of future generations.

President Elect Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and current Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in Zimbabwe, brings to the role a strong background in athlete representation and sports leadership. Her meeting with Sheikh Joaan reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the foundations of international sport and supporting the continued evolution of the Olympic Movement.