Tamara Al Sayed
HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), met Monday with Kirsty Coventry, the newly elected President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on the sidelines of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait.
The meeting focused on key issues shaping the future of Olympic governance, the evolving responsibilities of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and the need for the Olympic Movement to remain responsive to global challenges through transparency, inclusivity, and athlete-centered leadership.
Sheikh Joaan underlined the importance of strengthened cooperation between the IOC, ANOC, and NOCs, particularly in areas such as institutional growth, athlete development, and sport’s broader contribution to social and regional integration.
He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to playing an active role in this shared mission, emphasizing the country’s dedication to sustainable and inclusive sports models. As the host of the 2030 Asian Games and a regular stage for international sporting events, Qatar remains steadfast in promoting Olympic values for future generations.
Sheikh Joaan also extended his congratulations to Coventry on her historic election, pledging QOC’s full support for her vision and leadership. Coventry, a former Olympic swimmer and two-time gold medalist, becomes the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC in its 130-plus-year history.