AFC honours Aspetar for advancing sports medicine
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, received a distinguished accolade at the conclusion of the 8th Medical Conference organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Recognised as a principal scientific partner, Aspetar was commended for its pivotal role and unwavering support, which were instrumental to the success of the region's premier medical event.
Dr Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, chief executive officer of Aspetar, accepted the prestigious award from AFC Secretary General Dato' Windsor during the closing ceremony. Simultaneously, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) was honoured as a key collaborator in hosting this global event.
Dr Al-Kuwari expressed profound pride in this recognition, which validates Aspetar's leadership and excellence in the sports medicine. He underscored the exclusive scientific contributions made by over 20 leading international experts from Aspetar who participated throughout the three-day conference, featuring 54 specialised lectures and sessions, complemented by 13 intensive workshops covering diverse medical disciplines pertinent to sports during the two days preceding the conference.
'We take great pride in our foundational role in the advancement of sports medicine not only across Asia but globally,' Dr Al-Kuwari remarked. 'We remain committed to sustaining and enhancing our impactful contributions to this vital field. Today's honour epitomizes Aspetar's stature as a preeminent and influential institution within scientific, medical, and sports communities.'
Dr Al-Kuwari further highlighted the exemplary contributions of Aspetar's experts, notably Dr Khalid Al-Khelaifi, recipient of the Medical Excellence Award, extending his warm congratulations. He also lauded Dr Mohammed Al-Saey for spearheading the issuance of the AFC's first specialised guideline on sports dentistry—an achievement that significantly elevates the profile of Qatar's medical professionals.
The concluding day of the conference featured a series of distinguished presentations, including the integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging and a comprehensive review of Aspetar's innovative approach to sports injury prevention. Researchers elaborated on data collection methodologies within the Qatar Stars League and the successful adaptation of these methodologies across Asian competitions. Novel research topics addressed challenges in women's sports, emergency medical protocols on the field, and the physiological effects of hot climates on female football athletes.
Aspetar's participation culminated with an in-depth showcase of its extraordinary experience during the FIFA World Cup QATAR 2022, highlighting best practices in comprehensive medical coverage for major sporting events, thereby cementing Aspetar's status as a global exemplar in sports medicine.
This distinguished involvement reaffirms Aspetar's strategic partnership with the AFC and its role as a leading authority actively shaping the future of sports medicine throughout the continent. The conference, now held biennially since the last edition in Doha, is slated to reconvene in 2027.
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