The still-serving President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, stated that Asia played a decisive role during his tenure and that the continent will always hold a “special place in his heart.” Bach made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), held this Sunday in Kuwait, where he was awarded the OCA Order of Merit.
In his final speech to the 45 National Olympic Committees of Asia as IOC President, Bach expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the continent and reflected on the moments and memories shared during his presidency. Bach will step down as IOC President on June 23, and will be succeeded by Kirsty Coventry.
Three Consecutive Olympic Games in Asia
Bach, who assumed the IOC presidency in 2013, highlighted that the most significant chapter of his tenure was the three consecutive Olympic Games held in Asia: the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.
“Each of these events was held under unique and challenging circumstances, and each became a historic success for the host countries and for the entire Olympic Movement,” Bach noted.
Unforgettable Moments from the Olympic Games in Asia
During his speech, Bach recalled some of the most iconic moments from these Olympic Games. Among them, he highlighted the joint parade of North and South Korean athletes during the opening ceremony of PyeongChang 2018, the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the organization of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics in the context of geopolitical tensions and an ongoing pandemic. “With an Asian Olympic host, we turned great adversities into a historic success for the entire Olympic Movement. We value Asia’s spirit of resilience,” Bach stated.
Bach also praised Asia as a continent of ancient civilizations and modern innovation, with deeply rooted traditions and boundless energy. During his address, he acknowledged Asia’s growing role within the Olympic Movement and expressed his gratitude for being part of the OCA General Assembly. “Today, Asia’s influence on the Olympic Movement is stronger than ever. Thank you, dear Asian Olympic friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Bach concluded.
