Hangzhou, China, September 23, 2023: IOC President Thomas Bach met with athletes from more than 40 countries and regions on Saturday morning in the Athletes Village at the Asian Games to take questions and hear their concerns about matters relating to the Olympic Movement.
Speaking in an informal setting with the athletes seated in a circle, Bach said he was there to have an open dialogue and let them ask any questions they would like during the 45-minute session. The athletes were receptive to his overture and brought up topics that covered both political and logistical issues.
“This is an opportunity for many of you to prepare for the qualification for Paris,” Bach stated. “These Asian Games will be great, but hopefully many of you will qualify for the Olympic Games.”
Sprinter Kimia Yousofi from Afghanistan made an emotional plea to Bach for help for female athletes in her native country. Yousofi, who is entered in the 100 and 200 meters, is currently based in Australia.
“I am here to say that I so appreciate the IOC for help me to be able to arrive here,” Yousofi stated. “I am here with 16 other girls to represent Afghanistan. I have a request, please don’t leave us alone. Afghans need your help. We don’t want to go back to before.”
Bach pledged to give the IOC’s support to Afghan athletes going forward.
“Your comments have gone straight to my heart, and as you can see, straight to the hearts of all your fellow competitors,” Bach replied. “You are raising a very difficult issue and your advice would be very helpful. We fully agree that we want to have full access to sport and to life by all the women and girls in Afghanistan.”
A swimmer from Mongolia asked Bach how the IOC could help with infrastructure for the sport in his country, including improving training facilities.
“We are helping a lot with all 206 National Olympic Committees,” Bach commented. “To give you an idea how the IOC is helping with revenues, there is not a single cent of taxpayers’ money. Our revenues are coming from the TV and broadcasting rights and sponsorship. Ninety percent of all these revenues are going directly back into the sport. So we need only 10 percent for the administration and organization of the Games.
“This is how we are supporting the Olympic committees. We are supporting your NOCs. They get regular subsidies and also for each participant in the Games, a certain amount of money. We also have Olympic scholarships. This is where your NOC can get money to ensure that you can train and you can also study and make your living. The money we give to the NOCs is for you.”
Bach also fielded questions about boxing and tennis during the session. After the meeting ended, he spent several minutes taking photos with the athletes before departing.
