SOPC President Prince Abdulaziz Engages In Olympic Council Of Asia Meeting In Bahrain

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, the president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), attended the 101st executive board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This meeting took place in Bahrain's capital alongside the 3rd Asian Youth Games "Bahrain 2025". Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, SOPC vice president, and Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen, SOPC chief executive and secretary-general, were also present.

The OCA board meeting covered several agenda items. Preparations for upcoming events like the 7th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh next year were discussed. The 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, set for 2026, and the 4th Asian Youth Games "Cambodia 2029" were also on the agenda. Financial and administrative reports to be presented to the OCA general assembly were reviewed as well.

During his visit, Prince Abdulaziz engaged in discussions with Sheikh Fahad bin Nasser bin Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, president of the Kuwait Olympic Committee. They explored Saudi and Kuwaiti participation in the Manama Asiad and ways to enhance cooperation between their respective Olympic committees. These discussions aimed at fostering stronger ties between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in sports.

Additionally, Prince Abdulaziz met with Otabek Umarov, OCA vice president for Central Asia. Their conversation focused on strengthening relations between SOPC and OCA to support sports development across Asia. This collaboration is seen as vital for promoting sports activities throughout the continent.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Prince Abdulaziz held several bilateral meetings in his role as president of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSA). He met with Mohamad Norza, president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, and Mahmoud Khosravi Vafa from Iran's National Olympic Committee. These discussions centred on preparations for Malaysia’s and Iran's participation in the upcoming 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh this November.

The engagement of Prince Abdulaziz with various leaders highlights a commitment to enhancing international sporting relations. By focusing on cooperation and development within Asia's sporting community, these meetings aim to foster a collaborative environment that benefits all participating nations.

With inputs from SPA