Amir receives IOC president, officials
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, and members of the IOC and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), on the occasion of their visit to Kuwait for the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The meeting was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with senior state officials.
His Highness the Amir delivered a speech welcoming the distinguished guests and highlighting Kuwait's pride in hosting the General Assembly. 'We welcome you to the land of love and peace and extend our appreciation for your sincere efforts in advancing Asian sports and empowering athletes across the continent,' His Highness said. He reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to sports development, in line with the New Kuwait 2035 vision, which emphasizes investment in youth, inclusivity in sports for all segments of society, and the promotion of peace, tolerance and cooperation through athletics.
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dr Thomas Bach, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry, and members of the IOC and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), on the occasion of their visit to Kuwait for the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The meeting was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, along with senior state officials.
'Sports are more than competition — they embody values, determination and unity. They are a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding across cultures and borders,' His Highness stated. He also expressed Kuwait's pride in being home to the OCA and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation among National Olympic Committees, with a focus on women's sports, sports for people with disabilities, and the integration of technology in sports infrastructure.
Dr Thomas Bach also addressed the gathering, expressing his gratitude for the warm hospitality and lauding Kuwait's leadership in promoting the values of the Olympic Movement. 'The presence of all 45 members of the National Olympic Committees of Asia here in Kuwait reflects the unity of the continent and the OCA's vital role in connecting Asia with the international Olympic community,' Bach said. He highlighted Kuwait's instrumental role in revitalizing the Olympic Council of Asia and underscored His Highness the Amir's commitment to both the Olympic and Paralympic movements.
Dr Bach also announced ongoing efforts by the IOC to embrace the digital revolution, including the Olympic AI Agenda, aimed at harnessing artificial intelligence to benefit athletes worldwide. As a token of appreciation, Dr Bach presented His Highness the Amir with a special commemorative gold medal — a rare honor previously awarded only to heads of state demonstrating exceptional support for the Olympic Movement. The meeting concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and was attended by senior officials and dignitaries from across the Olympic community. — KUNA
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