Bangkok, Thailand, March 18, 2023:The OCA Athletes Forum commenced today in Bangkok 18th of March with the participation of 88 (46 male and 42 female) athletes from 43 Member NOCs of OCA.
The forum was attended by the Chair of the IOC Athletes Commission Ms. Emma Terho and the Chair of the OCA Athletes Committee Ms. Mikako Kotani and IOC Athletes Commission Vice Chair and members.
On the first day of the Forum received presentation on Olympic Solidarity, Safeguarding, IOC and OCA Athlete Commissions activities. They also had breakout sessions on how to be more effective as athletes representatives.
In his opening address Mr. Husain Al Musallam, Director General OCA stated that athletes are pillars of the Olympic Movement and the 5th edition of the Asian Olympic Forum will focus on the welfare and development of athletes.
The athletes fully supported the autonomy of the Olympic Movement based on the basic principles of Olympism without any discrimination based on nationality, religion ethnicity.
In this respect, the forum participants concluded that athletes should not be punished for the actions of their governments. Athletes should have access to international competitions (including the Asian Games) without any form of discrimination. With regards to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, they should return to international competitions with clear conditions including;
- No Russian or Belarusian Government officials present.
- Athletes competing as strictly neutral athletes - no flag or national symbols.
- Complying fully with all applicable anti-doping rules and regulations.
- Fairness to Asian athletes in any qualification pathway.
The second day of the forum will cover additional important topics related to athletes such as Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, Fight against doping and Career transition, before concluding with the outcome and recommendations.
