OCA Director-General Praises Sheikh Joaan’s Role in Sustaining Sports Cooperation

Sanya/China/,April 23 (QNA) - Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Husain Al Musallam commended the efforts of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of both the OCA and the Qatar Olympic Committee, whose vision has contributed to strengthening the unity of Asian countries and ensuring the continuity of sports cooperation among all members.In his remarks Thursday on the sidelines of the Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games, Al Musallam said the event represents a significant milestone in the Olympic movement within Asia. He noted the importance of the role played by the current leadership of the council in unifying efforts and overcoming challenges. He stressed that the insistence on the participation of all member states reflects a true commitment to the spirit of the Asian Olympic Movement.He pointed out that 2026 will witness several sporting events, as the OCA, after the conclusion of the Beach Games in Sanya, China, will oversee the organization of the Asian Summer Games in Japan, as well as the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Saudi Arabia.The OCA Director General indicated that Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, in less than four months so far, has confirmed his ability to lead the OCA and the Asian Olympic Movement, in light of a busy program and great challenges, especially the challenges in the Middle East and the Gulf, which have affected all areas, particularly the sports field.Al Musallam pointed out that the meeting of the OCA witnessed a number of countries submitting requests to host the Games, whether they are beach, winter or Asian Games, such as the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Malaysia, Vietnam, India and Mongolia.Regarding whether the time has come for one of the Gulf countries to host the Olympic Games, the OCA Director General said that the time has been right for some time, but the decision ultimately rests with the countries themselves. The Gulf countries have the capabilities and infrastructure, especially Qatar, which has hosted major sporting events, in addition to its international presence and influence, which qualifies it to host a global event the size of the Olympic Games. (QNA) 

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Attends Opening Ceremony of Asian Beach Games

Sanya: HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony of the Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026, which was held this evening at Yasha Park, in a vibrant celebratory atmosphere reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Asia.The opening ceremony was attended by a number of senior official and sporting figures, led by H.E. Shen Yiqin, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Thomas Bach, Honorary President for Life of the International Olympic Committee and Mr. Husain Al Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, along with members of the Executive Board and a number of Vice Presidents.In attendance also were HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Hajri, Consul of the State of Qatar in Guangzhou.This edition marks the first Asian sporting event to be held under the leadership of HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani at the Olympic Council of Asia, signaling the beginning of a new phase for sport across the continent—one that focuses on empowering youth and strengthening the role of sport as a platform for cooperation and connection among Asian nations.The Asian Beach Games form part of the Olympic Council of Asia’s multi-sport events calendar for 2026. They will be followed by the Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, as well as the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from December 13 to 21, 2026, as part of a comprehensive sporting agenda that reflects the diversity and continued development of sport across the continent.The Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026 will continue until April 30, featuring the participation of 1,790 male and female athletes representing 45 Asian countries, with expectations for a distinguished edition both in terms of organization and technical standards. 

OCA President Sheikh Joaan meets with HE Excellency Madam Shen Yiqin, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China

Sanya - His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia, met with Her Excellency Madam Shen Yiqin, State Councilor of the People’s Republic of China, accompained by Mr. Gao Zhidan, Director of General Administration of Sport and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee as part of efforts to strengthen mutual cooperation between the two sides.During the meeting, they discussed ways to develop strategic partnerships to support the progress of the Asian Olympic movement and enhance its presence on the international stage. They also explored prospects for cooperation in hosting and organizing major sporting events across the continent.HE Sheikh Joaan expressed his deep appreciation for China’s efforts in hosting the sixth Asian Beach Games in Sanya, praising the excellent organization and high level of readiness, which reflect China’s growing status on the global sports map.The meeting also addressed China’s increasing focus on the sports development at all levels, further strengthening its role as an active partner in advancing the Asian Olympic movement.The meeting was also attended by: Mr. Timothy Tsun Ting Fok, OCA First Vice-President, Otabek Umarov,  OCA Vice-President, Dr Norza Zakaria OCA Vice-President, Mr. Husain Al-Musallam, OCA Director General, and Sheikh Faisal bin Ahmed Al Thani, Head of the Office of the OCA President and Director of International Relations.This meeting comes as part of the OCA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its relations with member states and support initiatives that contribute to the development of Asian sports, reinforcing its role as a bridge for communication between nations.

Qatar Olympic Committee Officials Inspect Team Qatar Delegation at the 2026 Asian Beach Games

Sanya, China – Senior officials from the Qatar Olympic Committee conducted an inspection visit to Team Qatar’s delegation participating in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, currently taking place in Sanya.The visit was led by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, Second Vice President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, accompanied by H.E. Mr. Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC). The delegation toured the team headquarters to assess preparations and ensure the readiness of athletes, as well as administrative and technical staff, ahead of the sixth edition of the Games.During the visit, the officials met with Qatar’s male and female athletes, emphasizing the importance of sustained dedication and delivering top-level performances that reflect the remarkable progress of Qatari sport and its growing presence on the continental stage. They underscored the need for focus and professionalism both on and off the field of play, noting that participation in such a prestigious event represents a valuable opportunity to gain experience and further elevate Qatar’s standing in beach sports.The officials also reviewed operational aspects within the delegation’s headquarters, including administrative and organizational arrangements. They commended the management team for their efforts in providing comprehensive support and ensuring optimal conditions for the athletes, thereby fostering an environment conducive to achieving outstanding results.Team Qatar is set to compete in seven sports at the Games: beach volleyball, 3x3 basketball, handball, sailing, aquathlon, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling, with both men’s and women’s teams represented in selected disciplines.Qatar’s participation in the Asian Beach Games reflects its consistent presence since the inaugural edition in Bali in 2008, followed by the 2010 Asian Beach Games in Muscat. The nation achieved its first gold medal at the 2012 Asian Beach Games in Haiyang through its national beach handball team, marking a significant milestone in its beach sports journey. 

Sixth Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Opens with Qatari Participation

Sanya – China  - The sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 opened on Wednesday in Sanya, China.The parade of athletes featured a notable appearance by the Qatari delegation, with the national flag carried by Shaheen Al Kaabi, an aquathlon player, and Haya Abu Issa, a women's beach volleyball player, in a gesture reflecting the Qatar Olympic Committee's recognition of their efforts and achievements.The opening ceremony, held at the Arena Theater in Yasha Park, included a performance titled "A Date With the Sea and the Sky," a vibrant artistic display reflecting Asian and Chinese identity while highlighting tourist landmarks of Hainan Island and its tropical nature, as well as the coastal character of Sanya.The show depicted the diversity of Asian cultures and their convergence in a celebratory scene reflecting shared values and communication among the peoples of the continent.The 75-minute ceremony featured a series of performances blending artistic creativity with advanced visual technologies, using lighting effects and digital displays to enhance the audience's experience.Following the cultural segment, six athletes, including retired table tennis star Ding Ning, lit the cauldron, marking the official start of the Games.Mohammed Al Misned, head of the administrative delegation of the Qatari team, praised the opening ceremony, saying it left a positive impression on participating delegations from the outset.He said the ceremony presented a comprehensive image of Chinese culture and Asian identity through a diverse artistic show combining creativity and modern technology, highlighting the host nation's ability to organize major events.Al Misned concluded by thanking the organizing committee for its significant efforts and wishing it success in staging the remainder of the competitions at the same high standard.With the opening ceremony concluded, attention now turns to the start of official competitions, featuring elite athletes from across the continent.Qatar's beach handball team is set to play two matches on Wednesday against Bangladesh and Mongolia in the preliminary round.The team had opened its campaign with two victories, defeating Pakistan and Oman by identical 2-0 scores.Qatar will aim to continue its winning run to maintain its chances of reaching the semifinals and successfully defend its continental title.The Qatari men's and women's beach volleyball teams are also preparing to begin their campaigns. The men's team is represented by two pairs, with the first duo of Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan opening against the Maldives on Wednesday, then facing Uzbekistan on Friday and concluding group play against Iran on Saturday.The second men's pair, Mohamed Ihab and Mousa Al Khair, will begin against Saudi Arabia, then face Macau and China.In the women's competition, Qatar is represented by two teams. The first pair, Haya Abu Issa and Leila Mohammed, will begin on Friday against Sri Lanka before facing China on Saturday.The second pair, Malak Hashem and Nelly Shelbi, will open against Japan, then meet South Korea on Friday.Qatar's sailing team will also begin competition on Wednesday, with Tamim Shams competing in the Optimist boys' race, Thani Shams in the ILCA 4 event, and Shaheen Al Kaabi in aquathlon.Qatar is represented at the Games by a delegation of 34 male and female athletes competing in seven sports: beach volleyball, 3x3 basketball, handball, sailing, aquathlon, jiu-jitsu and wrestling.

Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani Chairs the 109th OCA Executive Board Meeting in Sanya

Sanya, China – His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), chaired the 109th meeting of the OCA Executive Board, held in the city of Sanya, People’s Republic of China, on the sidelines of the 6th Asian Beach Games – Sanya 2026.At the outset, His Excellency welcomed the esteemed members of the Executive Board, expressing his appreciation for their continuous efforts in advancing the Asian Olympic movement.The meeting reviewed a number of key agenda items, most notably the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held in Kuwait, alongside updates from various committees. Foremost among these was the report of the Organising Committee for the upcoming Asian Games – Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.The Organising Committee delivered a comprehensive presentation on the latest preparations, highlighting that the Games’ sports programme will feature 43 sports, 70 disciplines, and 468 events. The update also pointed to encouraging indicators, including strong public interest and rising ticket sales.Financial matters were also discussed, including the audited interim financial statements for the first quarter of 2026, in addition to reports from the Audit and Risk Committee—reflecting the OCA’s firm commitment to the highest standards of governance and transparency.The Board further addressed developments concerning the Asian Games across their various stages, and reviewed a letter of intent submitted by the National Olympic Committee of Mongolia to host the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG 2030). In this context, His Excellency reaffirmed the OCA’s continued efforts to evaluate host city bids amid growing continental interest in staging its events.Looking ahead, 27 April will witness the signing of a host agreement with the Government of the Philippines and the Philippine Olympic Committee for the 7th Asian Beach Games 2028 in Cebu. In addition, the Executive Board approved a special exception granting the Malaysian state of Johor the right to host the 8th Asian Beach Games in 2029.The OCA also announced that Doha will host the next OCA General Assembly on 27 January 2027, during which the Council’s President for the new term (2027–2035) will be elected.Furthermore, the Executive Board approved the nomination of Mr. Kudrat Shamyov as OCA Vice President for the 10th Asian Winter Games – Almaty 2029. He currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan and President of the Kazakhstan Taekwondo Federation.This meeting underscores the Olympic Council of Asia’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the Olympic movement across the continent, enhancing coordination among National Olympic Committees and sports federations, and fostering greater institutional integration to drive Asian sport toward continued excellence and leadership.