Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 11, 2025: Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim has thanked the Olympic Council of Asia for pushing forward the dream of a stronger, united sporting continent on the opening night of the 45th OCA General Assembly.
The Qatari track and field athlete who famously shared the high jump gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and China's basketball legend Yao Ming were two high-profile Asian athletes to address delegates at the opening ceremony on Sunday, May 11.
Barshim lauded the OCA for choosing ‘One Asia’ as a theme for the 45th General Assembly, and believed sport was more than just winning medals – it’s about connections.
“I love the theme of this Assembly: One Asia. It says everything we need to hear right now. Yes, we come from 45 countries and territories. We speak many languages and have different cultures and traditions. But we are one. One team. One continent. One Asia,” Barshim stated.
Barshim, who won Qatar’s first gold medal at the Olympics and shared the Tokyo Games prize with Italian Gianmarco Tamberi after they both cleared 2.37 metres and subsequently failed to clear 2.39m, stressed that sport was about moments that brings people together, no matter where they come from.
“I experienced that at the Tokyo Olympics, when I shared gold with my friend Gianmarco Tamberi. It wasn’t planned but at that moment, it felt right. Because the values we carry in sport – respect, friendship, unity – are bigger than any podium,” Barshim said.
“I want to thank the Olympic Council of Asia for always pushing forward the dream of a stronger, united sporting continent. And as a Qatari, I’m especially proud of how my country has supported sport, not just in athletics, but across so many fields.
“From the 2006 Asian Games to the FIFA World Cup 2022 to the upcoming 2030 Asian Games in Doha, Qatar is doing its part to raise the flag of Asian sport high. We believe in sharing opportunities and that every athlete deserves the chance to dream big,” Barshim pointed out.
Barshim, a world champion and who has won a full set of Olympic medals – gold, silver and bronze – also touched on youth in sport, a subject close to his heart.
“There’s a kid out there, somewhere in Asia, jumping over a stick or kicking a ball in the street, just like I used to. They may not know it yet, but they have something special. They just need someone to believe in them,” he added.
Barshim concluded his address by thanking IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, both Olympic champions, and all delegates for attending the event.
“Your presence is a reminder of how far Asia has come in the Olympic world, and how much further we can go. Let’s always stand together, share knowledge, support one another, and most of all, keep the spirit of One Asia alive. Thank You. Shukran.”
