Doha: HE Asian Athletics Association (AAA) President Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad emphasized the crucial role that the West Asian Athletics Association (WAAA) plays in advancing the sport across the continent. He stressed the importance of activating all five regions of Asia to enhance regional events and championships to develop athletes’ capabilities.

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Hamad highlighted that the standings and capabilities of Asian athletes are closely linked to the efforts of subcontinental athletics associations. These associations are vital in organizing championships and implementing AAA programs that nurture talent and improve athletes’ performance levels, aiming for more global and Olympic medals.

The President of AAA lauded the WAAA’s strong commitment to organizing championships and promoting activities across all age categories. He pointed to significant events such as the 2nd West Asian Clubs Athletics Championship hosted by Qatar and the Asian Youth (U18) Championships in Saudi Arabia, alongside other regional tournaments like the Gulf Cooperation Council Athletics Championship, which holds technical importance for Arabian Gulf teams.

HE Al Hamad underscored the necessity of regularly holding competitions to enhance athletes’ performance and refine their talent through experience. Organizing such championships is pivotal in boosting young athletes’ confidence, providing them with competitive exposure that can elevate their overall performance.

His Excellency also commended the WAAA General Assembly’s decisions regarding the event calendar, noting that these decisions benefit regional associations by offering athletes more growth opportunities. Al Hamad expressed optimism that WAAA’s active role will lead to significant achievements in future continental and global competitions.

He anticipated that West Asian athletes would deliver highly competitive performances at the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in South Korea, which serves as ideal preparation for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025 scheduled for September.

The WAAA concluded its General Assembly meetings in Doha on Sunday, coinciding with the Diamond League, under the leadership of Chairperson Sayyar Al Enezi and in the presence of HE President of AAA Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad.