The 36th meeting of the Council of Presidents of the Olympic Committees of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was recently chaired by the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha, Qatar. In his opening speech, H E Sheikh Joaan welcomed the attendees and relayed greetings from Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He also expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Zubair, President of the Oman Olympic Committee, for their efforts in strengthening joint Gulf sports work during the previous session. Additionally, he commended the national Olympic committees in the GCC countries for their contributions to the development of the Olympic and sports movement in the region.
H E Sheikh Joaan also congratulated the United Arab Emirates on the successful hosting of the first Gulf Youth Games, which played a vital role in nurturing new generations of athletes. During the meeting, the Presidents of the Olympic Committees in the GCC countries were briefed on recommendations for joint Gulf sports work, including requests to host 13 Gulf sports championships in 2024. The efforts made by the Olympic committees and sports federations in various sports were appreciated for enhancing joint Gulf sports activity. It was agreed that national Olympic committees should provide the General Secretariat with information on upcoming Gulf sports tournaments and championships for 2025.
The Council reviewed a memorandum on the conditions of committees and working groups affiliated with the Council, leading to the decision to form a planning, coordination, and follow-up committee comprising nominees with experience and expertise in the sports field. The tasks and responsibilities of this committee were approved to ensure effective oversight of the outputs of affiliated committees and working groups. The Presidents were also updated on recommendations for international cooperation and partnerships, as well as the current state of joint Gulf sports activity, which mainly focuses on organizing various sports events each year.
Furthermore, the Council recommended that the Planning, Coordination, and Follow-up Committee explore suitable forms of international cooperation in the future. The 37th meeting of the Council of the Presidents of the Olympic Committees of the GCC countries has been scheduled for May 6, 2025, in Kuwait. This meeting highlighted the commitment of the Gulf countries to promoting sports and Olympic activities in the region through collaboration and joint initiatives. The efforts of the national Olympic committees and sports federations were recognized for their significant contributions to the development and enhancement of sports in the GCC countries.
In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of cooperation and coordination among the GCC countries in fostering a vibrant sports ecosystem. The emphasis on international partnerships and collaborations indicates a strategic approach towards enhancing sports activities and events in the Gulf region. The future looks promising for joint Gulf sports initiatives, with a focus on hosting tournaments and championships that showcase the talent and potential of athletes in the GCC countries. The upcoming meeting in Kuwait presents an opportunity for further discussions and decisions that will continue to elevate the status of sports in the region.
