Bangkok, Thailand, September 29, 2021: The Olympic Council of Asia Culture Committee met online on Wednesday under the leadership of Mrs Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, International Olympic Committee Member from Thailand.
In welcoming the participants, the OCA Culture Committee Chair said that culture played a big part in the global Olympic movement and that it was important to promote the rich and diverse Asian culture through the Asian Games to younger generations, especially athletes.
The meeting heard updates from OCA HQ on the three multi-sports events in 2022 - the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand next March, the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China next September and the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Shantou, China in December 2022 - as well as the postponed 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China which are now due to be held in 2023.
Members were also informed that the 40th OCA General Assembly will take place in Dubai on November 21, 2021, preceded by the 76th OCA Executive Board meeting the previous day.
The main agenda item concerned the development of digital platforms and strategies to promote cultural activities and initiatives during and post-pandemic.
Committee member Eric Fok from the Hong Kong, China Olympic Committee explained how an esports version of football had expanded the fans base of not only the online game but also the traditional form of football while attracting new sponsors. He added that this interest would only continue to grow throughout the continent in the buildup to the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, where esports will make its debut as an official medal sport at the Asian Games with eight medal events and two demonstration games.
Other agenda items included a proposal, from the Chair, to establish an Asian Games Virtual Museum to pass on the culture, heritage and history of the Games.
Mrs Khunying Patama, who is also Chair of the IOC Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission, thanked the members for their input and said there were several ideas to discuss further with the OCA.