FIAS President Participates in 46th OCA General Assembly in Tashkent

A delegation from the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS), led by President Vasily Shestakov, participated in the 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), held on January 26 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event marked a significant moment for Asian sports with the election of Sheikh Hamad bin Al Thani as the new OCA President.

FIAS President Vasily Shestakov conducted extensive meetings with key figures from the Olympic movement and Asian sports. The FIAS head took part in a meeting with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev as part of a delegation of leaders from major international sports organizations.

A particularly important meeting took place between Vasily Shestakov and Alamjon Mullaev, President of the SAMBO Union of Asia and Oceania, with OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam. Discussions focused on the prospects for SAMBO's development in Asia, the possibility of its inclusion in the Asian Games program, and opportunities to expand cooperation.

The FIAS delegation also held separate negotiations with representatives of the Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan, including leaders Otabek Umarov and Oybek Kasimov.

Meetings were held with Russian Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyaryov, the U.S. Special Representative for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli, United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic, and International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) General Secretary Stephan Fox.

FIAS representatives also conducted negotiations with sports ministers and officials from various Asian countries, advancing the federation's strategic goals in the region.

Newly elected OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, who also heads the Qatar Olympic Committee and is the brother of Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, received 44 votes with one abstention. He presented his vision under the motto “Together for Asia”, emphasizing regional cooperation, modern governance standards, and strengthening Asian sports' international standing.

Sheikh Hamad Al Thani will serve until 2028, replacing Raja Randhir Singh, who stepped down due to health reasons. His election comes ahead of the Asian Games scheduled to be held in Qatar in 2030 and 2034.

The FIAS delegation characterized the meetings as highly productive and positive, strengthening the federation's ties within the Asian Olympic movement and promoting SAMBO's development across the continent.