HANGZHOU, Sept. 22 – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach expressed his deep appreciation for the inclusion of new programs in the Asian Games, emphasizing the importance of embracing traditional sports. In an interview with Xinhua on the eve of the 19th Asian Games’ opening ceremony in Hangzhou, Bach hailed the event for its remarkable blend of emerging sports such as breakdancing and local Asian sports like sepak takraw and kabaddi, which truly showcase the region’s diverse sporting culture.
Bach highlighted the significance of nurturing traditional sports, referring to them as an integral part of history and tradition. He commended the IOC for leading the way by introducing various new sports to the Olympic Games program. The Tokyo Olympics, for instance, witnessed the inclusion of 3×3 basketball, climbing, skateboarding, and surfing – a move aimed at sustaining the interest of the younger generation, who greatly embrace these sports.
Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics set to take place in Los Angeles, Bach confirmed that once the organizers apply for new sports, the IOC’s program commission will carefully review them and make recommendations. Notably, boxing will be absent from the 2028 program of events due to controversies surrounding the sport during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bach emphasized the IOC’s desire to include boxing in the Olympic program, underscoring its global appeal and high social values. However, he stressed that the sport must be governed by an international federation committed to integrity and transparency, which is what the athletes deserve.
Addressing anti-doping issues in weightlifting, Bach acknowledged the existence of an unacceptable number of doping cases during and outside the Games. While progress has been made in weightlifting governance, Bach emphasized the need to further address certain issues. He called for continuous efforts to promote clean and fair competition.
In conclusion, President Bach’s endorsement of the Asian Games’ diverse program and his emphasis on the importance of traditional sports resonates with the IOC’s commitment to evolving and adapting to the interests of the younger generation. With a keen focus on integrity and transparency, Bach also conveyed the IOC’s dedication to fostering clean competition in weightlifting and highlighted the desire to include boxing in the Olympic program, provided that it is governed by a federation committed to upholding the sport’s values.
