Bangkok, Thailand, December 5, 2024: The Deputy Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia, Mr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari, welcomed international dignitaries and National Olympic Committees to the OCA Safeguarding Workshop in Bangkok on Thursday morning.
Mr. Tiwari said the Olympic Movement was changing all the time, presenting new challenges and new talking points almost on a daily basis. “It is vital that we work together in tackling these issues,” he said.
“Regarding safeguarding, it is our responsibility to look after, care and nurture our athletes. They must be free of abuse – be this verbal, physical or sexual – and they must be able to thrive and enjoy their sport in a happy and positive environment.
“Athletes face many obstacles to achieve their goals and reach the top, and they will not be able to do so if there are negative forces at play behind the scenes which can affect their mental health and well-being.”
The OCA Deputy Director General said the key to tackling safeguarding was awareness and having a reporting mechanism in place.
“This is where you – the representative of your National Olympic Committee – play such an important and influential role. You are a vital cog in the machine,” he added.
Mr. Tiwari announced that every NOC must have a designated Safeguarding Officer as part of their delegation at OCA games, starting at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China next February.
The OCA’s Director of Development Programmes and NOC Relations, Mr. Wissam Trkmani, told the opening ceremony that 43 out of 45 Asian NOCs had sent delegates to the safeguarding workshop, highlighting the strong interest in the topic.
He also introduced the OCA’s “Guarding the Asian Games” initiative aimed at educating athletes and their entourages about different key topics like safeguarding, the prevention of manipulation in competition (PMC), anti-doping, Olympic values and more.
“The goal is to empower and provide them with access to expert guidance and engaging educational opportunities,” said Mr. Trkmani.
“During the Asian Games, a special ‘Guarding the Asian Games’ hub will be established in the Athletes’ Village. It will offer interactive activities to promote learning and awareness.”
On behalf of Thailand NOC, Vice President and OCA Executive Board member Dr. Supitr Samahito said she hoped the workshop would provide the information and knowledge for all participants to further the safeguarding movement and lead to a safe environment for all athletes.
