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Hussain Al-Musallam, Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and President of World Aquatics, recently shared his insights with BW Businessworld on the rapidly changing landscape of sports in Asia. In the interview, Al-Musallam highlighted the need for organizational reforms, underscored the critical importance of athlete welfare, and discussed the role of cutting-edge technology in driving the performance of athletes across the continent.
Here are some excerpts from the conversation:
What is the Olympic Council of Asia’s vision for the future of the Asian Olympic Movement?
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is committed to enhancing the operational and organizational framework of the Asian Olympic Movement. At the core of this vision is the improvement of services for athletes, ensuring that they have access to world-class facilities and support systems. This includes top-notch accommodation, efficient transportation, state-of-the-art medical services, and secure, well-maintained sports facilities.
Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on upgrading the IT infrastructure. In large-scale events, logistics and communication are critical, and by implementing advanced technology, the OCA aims to avoid common issues such as delays or mismanagement that could disrupt events. Staying ahead in the tech space is key to providing a seamless experience for athletes and organizers alike. The overarching goal is to ensure that athletes can focus solely on their performance, confident that their basic needs and safety are well taken care of.
How does OCA plan to foster youth participation in sports across Asia?
Youth participation is a cornerstone of the OCA’s development strategy. We are working closely with National Olympic Committees and sports federations to introduce programs that encourage young athletes to engage in competitive sports from an early age. This is not just about physical training but about building a holistic support system that includes the latest in sports science, technology, and education.
For example, we are integrating modern coaching techniques, which leverage data analytics and biomechanics, to help coaches provide more targeted training. Moreover, we are placing a strong emphasis on educating young athletes about critical topics such as doping, nutrition, and mental health. These are areas that are often overlooked but are essential for the long-term well-being and success of athletes. By focusing on comprehensive development, we can nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the physical and mental demands of professional sports.
What steps is OCA taking to ensure athlete welfare and combat illegal betting in sports?
Athlete welfare is at the forefront of the OCA’s agenda. We recognize that athletes need to feel safe and secure, not just in terms of their physical environment but also in their career stability and mental health. To this end, we have implemented robust safeguarding policies designed to protect athletes from exploitation, abuse, and undue pressure. These policies include educational programs, where athletes are taught how to recognize and report any form of misconduct.
Furthermore, the OCA is working with international organizations such as Interpol to tackle illegal betting, which has become a significant threat to the integrity of sports. We believe that collaboration with local authorities is key to minimizing the risks posed by illegal betting during major sporting events. Through these efforts, we aim to create a safe, fair, and transparent environment for athletes, ensuring that their well-being is protected on all fronts.
What are the main challenges affecting sports performance in Asia, and how can they be overcome?
The performance gap between Asian athletes and their counterparts in Western countries can largely be attributed to infrastructural limitations, outdated coaching methods, and, in some cases, a lack of a competitive mindset. To bridge this gap, we need to invest in a comprehensive sports system that integrates multiple elements, including education, media, and even culture.
A successful example of this approach is China, where a structured sports system has contributed significantly to its success on the global stage. By implementing systems that provide athletes with the best facilities, training, and support, we can help them reach their full potential. It’s not just about building infrastructure but also about shifting mindsets—both at the athlete and coach levels. We need to foster a culture of competition and excellence, which will inspire athletes to push their limits.
What initiatives are being taken to develop aquatics across Asia, especially in countries like India?
Aquatics is an area with immense potential for growth in Asia. Not only does it offer significant health and safety benefits, but it also provides opportunities for community and family participation. Our focus is on promoting swimming education at a grassroots level, particularly in regions where access to traditional swimming pools may be limited.
In countries like India, where water safety is a pressing concern, we are exploring innovative methods to teach swimming. For example, we have successfully implemented programs in other regions, such as Africa and Bahrain, where natural bodies of water like lakes and beaches are used for teaching swimming. This kind of creative approach helps overcome the challenge of limited infrastructure and allows us to reach more children and families. Our goal is to instill basic swimming skills and water safety knowledge, which will not only improve public health but also serve as a foundation for developing elite swimmers for international competition.
How is the OCA addressing the need for new training standards and safety practices in aquatic sports?
The OCA is shifting its focus from the traditional model of quantity-based training to a more modern, quality-based approach. In the past, the emphasis was often on long training hours, but we’ve realized that this does not necessarily yield the best results. Now, we are focusing on more intense, technical training sessions that are designed to optimize performance while ensuring that athletes remain healthy and injury-free.
Additionally, we are collaborating with national federations to improve safety standards across all aquatic sports. This includes implementing new safety protocols, providing specialized training for coaches, and ensuring that athletes have access to the latest equipment and medical care. By prioritizing both quality training and safety, we aim to produce world-class athletes who can compete at the highest levels.
In your experience, apart from the infrastructure facilities, how important is it to train athletes to have the right mindset in sports performance?
The human factor is a critical component of sports performance. While having the right infrastructure and training methods is essential, an athlete’s mindset and motivation can often be the deciding factor in their success. We’ve seen examples of individual athletes who have succeeded without the backing of a structured sports system, but these cases are rare.
Sustainable success requires a well-organized system that provides consistent support to athletes throughout their careers. This includes not only physical training but also mental health support, career planning, and mentorship. By addressing both the mental and physical aspects of performance, we can help athletes perform consistently at the highest levels.
What are the key leadership lessons you’ve learned from your experience in sports governance?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the need for adaptability. Sports, like many other industries, are constantly evolving, and as a leader, it’s crucial to remain flexible and open to change. However, while adaptability is important, it’s equally vital to stay true to your core principles and values. In sports governance, these values include fairness, integrity, and respect for athletes.
Another key lesson is the importance of collaboration. Successful sports governance requires working with a wide range of stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, government officials, and private sector partners. It’s only by bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise that we can create policies and systems that benefit everyone involved.
What is your outlook on the future of sports governance in Asia?
The future of sports governance in Asia will require leaders who are both flexible and principled. The challenges we face today—whether related to athlete welfare, illegal betting, or performance gaps—are complex and will require innovative solutions. However, it’s essential that future leaders maintain the values that have long been the foundation of sports, such as fairness, transparency, and respect.
A comprehensive sports system that integrates education, media, and culture will be key to long-term success. This system must be adaptable to new challenges but also structured enough to provide consistent support to athletes, coaches, and administrators. I am confident that with the right leadership, Asian sports can continue to grow and thrive on the global stage.
