Tashkent, Uzbekistan, January 26, 2026: Delegates at the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia were reminded by OCA Acting President Timothy Fok that the world’s most populous continent continues to be a driving force in the global Olympic movement.
The 46h OCA General Assembly got underway on Monday, January 26, in the Uzbek capital Tashkent, with a full house at the Hilton Hotel ballroom comprising Princes and Presidents of the 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, as well as International and Asian sports federations.
In his welcome address, Fok stated: “Asia is a driving force in the global Olympic movement. Our athletes and NOCs and our Asian Games organisers set new benchmarks in hosting major multi-sport events. These achievements are the result of close cooperation, mutual trust and a shared vision for our Asian future.
“This General Assembly is not only a gathering of member NOCs, but a powerful reflection of the Asian unity and solidarity maintaining our diversity that defines the Olympic movement in Asia,” Fok noted.
Among the audience were officials from the International Olympic Committee as well as organising committees of three major multi-sport Games to be held in Asia this year – the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan; the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China; and the Riyadh Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games.
Fok reiterated the OCA’s primary role - tirelessly strengthening governance, promoting athlete welfare, advancing gender equality, and embracing sustainability and digital transformation.
“The Asian multi-sport events, whether youth, indoor, beach or continental games have grown not only in scale, but in quality and credibility. This progress belongs to all of you,” Fok told the assembly.
Last year, the OCA successfully staged the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China and the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
“As we look ahead, our responsibility is clear. We must continue to invest in youth, empower our athletes, and ensure that sport remains a unifying force across all cultures and borders,” Fok reminded his audience.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our member NOC’s, our partners, and the IOC for their unwavering support and cooperation,” Fok said. “Let us move forward with confidence, unity and determination, ensuring that the Olympic Council of Asia continues to serve its members and athletes with integrity, transparency and excellence.”
