Astana, Kazakhstan, September 2, 2025: IOC President Kirsty Coventry urged athletes across Asia to make their voices heard so as to ensure a stronger future for sport and for the Olympic Movement.
In a video message to delegates on the opening day of the 6th OCA/OS Athletes Forum in Astana on Tuesday, September 2, IOC President Coventry said athletes are “the beating heart” of the Olympic community.
“This forum is your space, your chance to speak up, share your ideas, and collaborate with each other to make sure your voices are heard on the issues that matter the most to you and your fellow athletes,” Coventry noted.
“As athletes, you are not only a part of the Olympic community, you are the beating heart of it. Being a part of an Athletes Commission is not just a title, it’s a responsibility. You are sitting at the table where decisions are made. You have a voice and a vote. That is powerful.
“This is how real change happens, and this is how together we can shape a stronger future for sport and for the Olympic Movement,” Coventry added.
Around 120 delegates from 42 Asian National Olympic Committees, the IOC and other sporting organisations, are participating in the two-day Athletes Forum in the Kazakh capital.
Joining the Forum virtually, Coventry began by acknowledging OCA President Raja Randhir Singh and Chair of the OCA Athletes Committee Ding Ning.
She then told her audience: “At the beginning of my presidency, one of my top priorities is to listen, to learn what is on your minds, and to hear how together we can make the Olympic community stronger.
“One of my first visits after being elected IOC President was to the OCA General Assembly in Kuwait, and already there I felt your strong commitment to putting athletes first.
Coventry added: “I was also glad to meet many of you at the International Athletes Forum in June. There we spoke about how we can better support athletes on their journey to becoming Olympians, not just at the Games, but all along the way.
“I wish you a very successful Forum, and I’m really looking forward to hering the outcomes of your ideas.”
