Sanya, China, April 23, 2026: The OCA President, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, passed his first test as the leader of the Olympic Movement in Asia with flying colours.
The opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya on the evening of Wednesday, April 22 was the first time for Sheikh Joaan to address an international games since his election as OCA President in January.
As he took centre stage following the parade of athletes, Sheikh Joaan was calm, authoritative, respectful, dignified and humble as he delivered his speech in English, with a Chinese translation on the big screens.
The two main points of his speech were acknowledging China’s expertise in hosting Olympic-related events and appealing to the athletes to serve as ambassadors of peace in troubled times, especially in the Middle East.
He spoke to the athletes as an equal and as a friend, inspiring them with his comments and his values.
And he addressed the Chinese leaders with gratitude and sincerity, paving the way for further collaboration with the Chinese Government and Chinese Olympic Committee in Beijing.
In short, Sheikh Joaan came across as a leader and a respected figure head to steer the OCA and the Olympic Movement in Asia into a new era.
Please click here to download OCA President HE Sheikh Joaan speech.
