Bangkok, Thailand, March 18, 2023: The Chair of the Olympic Council of Asia Athletes’ Committee, Mikako Kotani, said she was delighted to see a strong representation of NOCs, and particularly women, at the OCA Athletes Forum which got underway on Saturday, March 18.
A total of 42 women are among the 88 delegates at the two-day meeting in the Thai capital.
The Japanese Olympian said: “In recent years, we have been promoting the establishment of an athlete committee and the active participation of women in Asia, and I’m very happy to see 43 NOCs joining. I think you should be proud of the progress of Asia.”
The two-time Olympic bronze medallist in synchronised swimming at Seoul 1988 called on all delegates to build bridges and communication lines with each other, as well as with the International Olympic Committee.
“I hope this wonderful opportunity will be used to deepen exchanges between the participants, deepen friendships with the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and use this for future activities,” Kotani noted in her opening address.
“Also, among the NOCs is the NOC of Syria. This country was severely damaged by the earthquake last month. I would like to express my condolences as well as my gratitude for their participation.
“The OCA launched the Athlete Centred Project Fund last year to support sports promotion, education and athletes' activities. In its first year 13 NOCs and their Athletes’ Committees applied and held great events.
“Over the next two days, several more NOCs will be showcasing events they have held with this grant. I'm really looking forward to listening to their presentations.
“This forum is co-hosted with the IOC, who will make presentations in an easy-to-understand manner. The most important thing is not to just listen to the presentation, learn and be moved, but to go back home and put all this knowledge into use,” she added.