MUSCAT: Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Jabri, Board Member of the Oman Olympic Committee and member of the Oman Athletes Committee, alongside Buthaina bint Eid Al-Yaqubi, also a member of the Oman Athletes Committee, participated in the 6th Athletes’ Forum organized by the Olympic Council of Asia in collaboration with the Olympic Solidarity Program. The event took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, on September 2–3, drawing significant attention from the Asian sports community. Their participation highlighted Oman’s ongoing commitment to athlete development and engagement at the continental level.
The forum brought together over 120 delegates representing 42 National Olympic Committees across Asia, including representatives from the International Olympic Committee and other international sports organizations. The gathering served as a key platform for exchanging best practices, experiences, and innovative ideas aimed at enhancing athlete welfare, representation, and governance. Discussions also allowed participants to share strategies and insights related to athlete support structures in their respective countries, strengthening regional collaboration.
This year’s forum carried the theme “Empowering Voices, Uniting Asia,” emphasizing the OCA’s dedication to placing athletes at the forefront of the Olympic movement within the continent. Sessions focused on several vital issues, such as strengthening athletes’ commissions in Asian countries, ensuring athlete safety during and beyond competitions, implementing robust anti-doping protocols, preventing manipulation of competitions, and promoting a culture of safe sport. These sessions were designed to provide both guidance and practical tools to enhance athlete participation and governance.
In addition to the formal discussions, the forum highlighted an increase in the annual grant for the Athletes’ Special Projects Fund from USD 3,000 to USD 5,000 to support initiatives aimed at advancing athlete status and opportunities across Asia. Participants also engaged in interactive activities, including the “Fun Run” organized in collaboration with the Kazakhstan Olympic Committee as part of promotional efforts for the 20th Asian Games scheduled in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The combination of dialogue, networking, and engagement activities reinforced the forum’s mission of uniting athletes and empowering their voices across the continent.
