Hangzhou, China, June 9, 2023: The Secretary General of the Asia Swimming Federation, Taha Sulaiman Al-Kishry, believes the Hangzhou Asian Games will enhance the reputation of Asia as a world swimming power.
"The popularity of aquatic sports, especially swimming, has grown significantly over the past few years, which is inseparable from the excellent performances of the sport,” Taha said in an interview with the Hangzhou Asian Games magazine.
“We at the Asia Swimming Federation, with support from World Aquatics and our member federations, are continuously hard at work to organise high-level competitions in our continent and engaging in various development programmes for coaches and officials. Our main priority is always to provide what is best for our athletes.”
Taha added: “All 45 member countries are doing their best to excel and improve but, as records show, we still have Japan, China, South Korea and Hong Kong making waves in the international competitions. Aquatics, like other sports, continues to innovate with new technology. Progress in technology will surely cause inevitable influence in swimming and other disciplines."
As the preparations for the September 23-October 8 Hangzhou Asian Games advance, more and more people have experienced the Asian Games venues, among which the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre natatorium has attracted special attention with its unique shape and advanced intelligent facilities.
Taha said: "The venue is an architectural wonder - I am confident that it will host one of the best swimming events in Asian Games history. I do expect that we will have high numbers of swimmers participating and that we, our Technical Officials and, of course, the Organising Committee will provide the best experience to our swimmers."
The natatorium can accommodate 6,000 spectators, second only to the "Water Cube" in Beijing. It is the largest swimming and diving natatorium in Zhejiang Province.
There are five pools, namely the competition pool, diving pool, warm-up pool, children's pool and family pool, and the complex will host swimming, diving and synchronised swimming. Water polo will be staged at the Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) sports complex.
Swimming is the glory of Hangzhou and Zhejiang province, and Taha is looking forward to a memorable Asian Games. "Events such as the Asian Games attract millions of spectators in the continent and the world. It shows the hard work and dedication of the athletes which inspires a new generation. It is also a venue to promote sports and increase its popularity."
Taha congratulated HAGOC and wished the Hangzhou Asian Games a complete success. “I am sure that all sports will be organised at the highest level which all athletes, officials, and spectators will enjoy."
