Doha, May 18 (QNA) - HE Asian Athletics Association (AAA) President Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad said that Asia must activate all five of its regions to step up regional events and championships in order to develop the continent's athletes' capabilities.

Al Hamad told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that Asian athletes' standings and capabilities are closely linked to the efforts of Asia’s subcontinental athletics associations in organizing championships and implementing AAA programs to nurture talents and raise athletes’ performance levels in order to obtain more global and Olympic medals.

The President of AAA commended the West Asian Athletics Association's (WAAA) strong commitment to organizing championships and promoting activities across all age categories.

His Excellency pointed to the 2nd West Asian Clubs Athletics Championship hosted by Qatar this year and the Asian Youth (U18) Championships hosted by Saudi Arabia, in addition to several regional tournaments, including the Gulf Cooperation Council Athletics Championship, which holds technical significance for Arabian Gulf teams, an important part of Western Asia.

HE Al Hamad stressed the importance of consistently holding competitions to improve the performance of athletes and refine talent through gaining more experience. He noted that organizing championships boosts young athletes' confidence and provides them with competitive exposure that elevates their overall performance.

His Excellency also praised WAAA General Assembly's decisions regarding the event calendar, adding that such decisions serve regional associations and provide athletes with more opportunities for growth. Moreover, Al Hamad said that WAAA's active role will yield many achievements in upcoming continental and global competitions.

Al Hamad expected West Asian athletes to give highly competitive performances at the upcoming Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in South Korea next month, noting its ideal timing for athletes ahead of September's World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.

On the sidelines of the Diamond League, WAAA concluded its General Assembly meetings in Doha on Sunday, headed by Chairperson of WAAA Sayyar Al Enezi, in the attendance of HE President of AAA Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad. (QNA)