Tribune News Network
Kuwait City
His Excellency 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), on Monday met with Kirsty Coventry, President Elect of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), during the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia in Kuwait.
The meeting came at a significant moment for the Olympic Movement, as Coventry prepares to assume the IOC presidency on June 23, 2025, coinciding with Olympic Day. She will succeed Dr. Thomas Bach and become the first woman and the first African to lead the IOC in its 131-year history.
During the meeting, His Excellency congratulated President Elect Coventry on her election and reiterated QOC’s support for her vision and leadership. Discussions addressed the future of Olympic governance, the evolving role of National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and the importance of ensuring the Olympic Movement continues to respond to global challenges with transparency, inclusion, and athlete focused leadership.
Sheikh Joaan emphasized the value of continued collaboration between the IOC, ANOC, and NOCs, particularly in areas such as institutional development, athlete support, and the broader role of sport in advancing social and regional cooperation. He reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to contribute meaningfully to this shared mission through strong partnerships and continued engagement.
