Doha: Qatar Olympic Committee President HE Sheikh Joaan is poised to bring significant changes to the Asian sports landscape, according to commentators. Mohammed Hajji, editor-in-chief of Al Watan newspaper and vice president of the International Sports Press Association, highlighted Qatar's global political and sporting influence as a major asset supporting Sheikh Joaan's candidacy for the presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
According to Qatar News Agency, Hajji stated that Sheikh Joaan's leadership would capitalize on Qatar's strong international relations to benefit Asian sports, ensuring the continent secures its position on the global Olympic stage. He emphasized that Qatar's experience as a global sports hub, exemplified by hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, would positively impact the OCA under Sheikh Joaan's guidance.
Fahad Al Emadi, an Al Watan editor, pointed out that Sheikh Joaan's focus on investing in human capital has been key to his success at the Qatar Olympic Committee. He expects this approach to be implemented across Asia to enhance athlete development during Sheikh Joaan's tenure at the OCA. Al Emadi praised Qatar's training programs for talent development, expressing confidence that these models would be expanded across OCA member states to support athletes' ambitions.
In a related commentary, Abdulaziz Al Maarefi, editor-in-chief of Al Sharq newspaper, noted that Sheikh Joaan's achievements as QOC President demonstrate his capacity to restructure and diversify Asian competitions. Al Maarefi indicated that Sheikh Joaan's leadership would transform the structure and content of Asian competitions, enhancing their commercial and media appeal.
He added that Sheikh Joaan's presidency would usher in more professional and transparent sports governance in Asia, leading to increased Asian medal counts at future Olympic Games. This shift aims to position the OCA as an influential partner in global sports decision-making. Al Maarefi emphasized that developing Asian sporting competitions represents a significant challenge during Sheikh Joaan's tenure as OCA President.