Nagoya, Japan, September 19, 2026: The Olympic Council of Asia and Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa will hold a joint cultural event next January.
The Director General of the OCA, Mr. Husain Al Musallam, gave details of the event during the OCA-NOCs-ANOCA Gathering at the Hilton Hotel in Nagoya on Saturday, September 19.
The joint activity is designed to strengthen the relationship between the two continents and lead to mutual development, not only in sport but also in culture, education and other aspects of the Olympic ideals.
Captain Husain said the Afro-Asia Cultural Programme would be held in Doha, Qatar on January 26, 2027 – the day before the OCA General Assembly.
He explained that the relationship between the two continents went back as far as 1982, and that they were both committed to advancing the Olympic Movement through their joint efforts.
“We will hold this event between the two continents every year. In 2027 it will be about culture and music; in 2028 it will be a different theme,” said Captain Husain.
“It will be different every year in the programme and the event.”
The 2027 cultural programme will feature four segments from Asia and four from Africa, all from different zones in the two continents.
Arrival in Doha will be on January 24-25, and departure on January 28.
The OCA President, His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, welcomed all the delegates from Asia and Africa to the gathering and wished the athletes of the 45 National Olympic Committees the best of luck for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026, which open on Saturday evening and will run until October 4.
He also welcomed the President of ANOCA, Mr. Mustapha Berraf, and representatives of National Olympic Committees from Africa.
“This gathering will strengthen and reinforce relations between Asia and Africa,” said Sheikh Joaan.
The ANOCA President said he was very proud of the partnership between Africa and Asia and described the gathering as a “historic moment”.
The highlight of the meeting was the arrival of IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who said it was “wonderful” to be back in Asia and a “huge honour”.
“We are very excited to watch some sports over the next few days. I am looking forward to see how this partnership is fulfilled,” she added, referring to the Afro-Asia connection.
