Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 10, 2024: On the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, the OCA paid tribute to a series of ground-breaking and inspiring women in sport.
Women who have reached the top in the sports movement, both on and off the field of play, were featured on the OCA Facebook page, highlighting their achievements.
In a video to mark the occasion, the Chair of the OCA Gender Equity Committee, Sheikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz of Bahrain, sent a motivational message to all girls and women in Asia, encouraging them to reach for their dreams.
“Women, with their determination, confidence, capabilities and potential, are a force to be reckoned with within their communities,” Sheikha Hayat said.
“Arming themselves with knowledge, keeping up with developments in various fields, especially in sports, with passion and enthusiasm will ensure sustainability and continued development for future generations.
“As former national team players, our role is also to encourage young girls to practice sports whether for competition or for the health of society as it cares for normal human values.”
Sheikha Hayat concluded: “On this occasion I call on every woman to set her goal and draw a path for her ambition no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem - but with her determination and perseverance she will achieve it one day and say to herself ‘I deserve it.”
*The sports leaders featured were Mikako Kotani of Japan, Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul of Thailand, Rita Subowo (Indonesia), Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (Philippines), Sheikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz (Bahrain), Zhang Hong (China), Samira Asghari (Afghanistan) and Venera Abdulla (Kazakhstan).
*The athletes featured were Momiji Nishiya (Japan, skateboarding), Lubna Al Omair (Saudi Arabia, fencing), Yara Al Hogbani (Saudi Arabia, tennis), Hidilyn Diaz (Philippines, weightlifting), Susi Susanti (Indonesia, badminton) and Ghada Shouaa (Syria, heptathlon).
