Head of the Olympic Council of Asia urges keeping politics and sport separate — The Japan Times
Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia, said in Nagoya, Japan, that politicians should not interfere in sport. The comment came after an incident involving Taiwan’s sports minister, Lee Yang, at the Asian Games.
As The Japan Times reports, Lee Yang, a former Olympic badminton champion, was initially barred from attending the flag-raising ceremony. Taiwan’s delegation refused to take part in the ceremony in protest, causing a standoff.
Incident involving the Taiwanese delegation
Lee Yang was later allowed to enter, and the ceremony took place more than an hour later than scheduled. Taiwan’s Cabinet said the official had faced “unjustified obstruction” and noted that he had the necessary passes.
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Sheikh Joaan said at a press conference that he was unaware of the case. In his view, the focus at the Games should be on athletes, their equal rights to compete, and freedom. Hussein Al-Musallam, director general of the Olympic Council of Asia, added that the flag-raising ceremony is intended for Games participants, not ministry or government delegations.
Complaints about the organization of the competitions
Preparations for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya have also been accompanied by complaints from delegations about organizational problems, particularly transport and athletes’ accommodation conditions. The president of the Olympic Council of Asia defended local organizers, saying accommodation issues are being addressed as they arise.
The Games program features a record 43 sports and 469 medal events. By comparison, the Summer Olympic Games have 32 sports and 329 medal events. Virtual taekwondo will make its debut in Nagoya, while breaking and esports also remain on the program.
