Tashkent, Uzbekistan, January 26, 2026: IOC President Kirsty Coventry has called for sport to be kept free of politics in her address to the 46th OCA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on Monday, January 26.
In a video message at the opening of the OCA General Assembly, Coventry had two key messages to the Asian delegates – saying it was the duty of everyone in the global Olympic movement to keep sport free from political interference, and paying a glowing tribute to outgoing OCA President Raja Randhir Singh.
“It’s a real pleasure to address you, if only virtually, at your General Assembly which is just days before the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. These Games will build on the success of the last two Olympic Winter Games in Asia – PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022,” Coventry began.
“I wish every Asian athlete taking part the very best as they inspire the world with their achievements. Beyond the competitions, the Olympic Games are a symbol of peace and unity in a world too often divided. The Olympics offer a rare space for athletes, meet not as adversaries, but as fellow human-beings where they compete fiercely, but then respect and embrace as friends.
“United by shared dreams this is the Olympic spirit, and this is why it is our duty to keep sport free from political interference so that every athlete can compete on sporting merit and not politics,” the IOC President noted.
Coventry praised Asia for its proud record of hosting major international sporting events, highlighting the essential role of the Olympic Council of Asia in the Olympic movement.
“With the Asian Games 2026 already on the horizon, Asia with your athletes will once again take centre stage on the sporting world. The strong standing of the Asian NOCs is thanks in large part to all of you, and of course, the leadership of your president Randhir Singh,” Coventry pointed out.
“Today I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for his years of dedicated service. As you prepare to elect new leadership you have every reason to look to the future with confidence, keeping the Olympic community in Asia fit for the challenges ahead.”
Coventry continued: “I fondly remember my visit to Kuwait last year as one of my first official engagements after my election, and I look forward to continuing our close collaboration.”
She recalled that from the outset of her presidency, one of her top priorities was to listen and to learn “from all of you, how together, we can make the Olympic movement even stronger”.
She explained that this was the bedrock of the IOC’s Fit for Future consultative process launched last year, so as to shape and strengthen the future of the Olympic movement.
“In this spirit I wish you a successful General Assembly, and I look forward to learning from your discussions because having input from all Olympic stakeholders, including of course, the unique perspective from Asia, is essential as we look forward to building an Olympic movement that is Fit for the Future,” Coventry added.
