Bangkok, Thailand, March 5, 2024: Thailand’s close ties with the Olympic Council of Asia were highlighted by OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam as he paid a glowing tribute to the "Land of Smiles" on Tuesday, March 5.
Addressing Thai media at the 260 Days Countdown to the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and Chonburi Province in November, Al-Musallam warmly praised Thailand for its ever-ready stance to give a helping hand to Asian sports.
“It is Thailand which saved the Asian Games four times,” pointed out Al-Musallam, in reference to Bangkok hosting the Asiad in 1966, 1970, 1978 and 1998 - the most by any nation.
“Thailand also hosted the first Asian Indoor Games, in 2005, and the first Asian Martial Arts Games, in 2009,” said Al-Musallam. “We are deeply appreciative of what Thailand has done for Asia.”
The Asian Indoor Games and the Asian Martial Arts Games were amalgamated into one to become the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, in 2013. Thailand continues in its involvement, by hosting the November 21-30 event in Bangkok and Chonburi Province.
“It is our duty, hand-in-hand with the Thai government, the Thai people, the Thai NOC, to make the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games a success. We are ever grateful to this country and we want to make sure this event is organised in the best possible fashion,” Al-Musallam added.
The OCA Director General also commended the Thai organisers for their patience. These Games were originally scheduled for 2021, but were delayed mainly due to the Covid pandemic.
“Covid impacted everything. But I know that the Thai organising committee is doing its very best to host these Games in the best manner they can,” Al-Musallam noted.
He pointed out that hosting the Asian Games four times previously had helped play a role in Thailand developing its tourism industry and other sectors, and hoped AIMAG 6 could also be similarly seen as a jump-start for the Thai economy.
Al-Musallam added: “The benefits of sports are many and by hosting this event, let’s hope everyone sees that. There is nothing more important in life than health and a healthy society. And the best way to achieve these goals is through sport.”
