International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry has called on the global sporting community to uphold the political neutrality of sport, emphasizing that athletes should compete on merit and free from outside interference.
Iran NOC; Tehran: She delivered
this message in a video address to the 46th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
General Assembly on January 26, stressing that protecting the Olympic spirit of
peace and unity is essential in a world often divided. Coventry highlighted Asia’s strong track
record in hosting major international events and praised the role of the OCA
and its outgoing president, Raja Randhir Singh, ahead of the upcoming Asian
Games 2026. She also reflected on her early engagements as IOC President,
reaffirming her commitment to listening, learning, and strengthening
collaboration with Asian NOCs as part of the IOC’s Fit for Future agenda.