Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani, president of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), and General Waker-uz-Zaman, president of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), explored the possibility of expanding sports knowledge to improve opportunities and resources for athletes.
Competing and training on an equal footing with other athletes is essential to progress and achieve positive results. During General Waker-uz-Zaman’s visit to the country, the development of the Olympic movement in Bangladesh and the country’s growing involvement at the continental level were also key topics of discussion, as reported by the Gulf Times.
Both committees are looking to increase their presence in Asian sport – a necessary step to making an impact internationally. The QOC has pledged to support not only the BOA but also other National Olympic Committees in Asia in further developing the Olympic Movement, a priority for all committee leaders.
After reviewing potential initiatives and short-term goals for the current Olympic cycle, which concludes with the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, Sheikh Joaan also met with Will Ahmed, founder and CEO of WHOOP, to discuss the importance of integrating innovation into athlete development.
Athlete preparation has changed dramatically over the last few decades and technology is now an integral part of that progress. Without the proper use of technological advances, it is almost impossible to optimise competitive performance. Many countries are falling behind due to limited access to the latest sports technologies.
The discussion focused on the need for equipment capable of analysing biometric data. As the saying goes, “You can’t improve what you can’t measure”. Modern performance experts agree that the ability to track and assess progress is a fundamental requirement for growth.
Athlete health has also been a key focus, with modern technology proven to improve recovery and reduce physical stress – crucial components in the pursuit of excellence.
Bangladesh, which has never won an Olympic medal, is seeking to improve its sports infrastructure so that its athletes have access to better training facilities. Last month, a meeting was held – attended by Waker-uz-Zaman himself – to take forward the project to upgrade the multipurpose complex, which was designed and built under the supervision of the Bangladesh Army. The project is expected to mark a turning point in the country’s sporting future.
