Sports Diplomacy and International Recognition: The 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia Held in Tashkent

Sports Diplomacy and International Recognition: The 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia Held in Tashkent

On January 26, the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia was held in Tashkent. Speaking at the event, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that amid growing global tensions, sport serves as an important tool for dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation among nations and peoples.

The President noted that the Olympic Council of Asia unites more than 4.8 billion people across the continent and actively promotes the noble ideals of the Olympic Movement such as friendship, fairness, and equality, demonstrating a model of a “United Asia” through sports diplomacy.

The Assembly highlighted that cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Olympic Council of Asia is developing consistently. Uzbekistan’s representative was elected Vice President for Central Asia, and the country will host the 2029 Asian Youth Games. Tashkent hosted the Assembly for the first time.

Within the framework of the event, OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani was awarded the “Shon-sharaf” (Glory and Honor) Order of the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan. The award was presented by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in recognition of his contribution to the development of the Olympic Movement and the promotion of key sports initiatives.

In addition, during the Assembly elections, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani was unanimously re-elected as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. President Mirziyoyev congratulated him and особо highlighted his significant contribution to the development of international sport.