80th Asian Athletics Association Council Meeting 2015

Jakarta, March 15, 2015: 80th Asian Athletics Association Council meeting, chaired by President Dahlan Al-Hamad, was held in the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta (Indonesia) on Thursday (March 12). It was the last meeting of the existing council members ahead of the Congress in Wuhan in June 2015 which will elect new council members for the period of 2015-2019.

Induction of former president as Hon. Life President of AAA
Council resolved to include Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, former president of AAA as a Hon. Life President of AAA for his work in the development of athletics in Asia during his tenure.

Asia-Oceania better cooperation
President Dahlan Al-Hamad stressed on the inclusive cooperation with Oceania especially in the field of coaching programmes to develop grassroots athletics in Asia.

Training camp prior to 21st Asian Athletics Championship 2015
President Dahlan Al-Hamad initiated and confirmed staging of 2 week long training camp for the selected elite athletes of member federations with limited resources to prepare for the Asian Athletics Championship.

Hubei Olympic Sports Centre in Wuhan (China) will host over 50 athletes and coaches from Asia. Host China will provide coaching support for the athletes and coaches. Training Camp will take place from May 18-31, 2015.

IAAF presidential candidates present their vision
IAAF presidential candidates Sergey Bubka (UKR) and Sebastian Coe (GBR) presented their vision of World of Athletics to the council members. Election of IAAF president will take place in Beijing during IAAF World Championship in Athletics in August 2015.

Competition reports
Asian Beach Games 2014- Athletics
For the first time Olympic Council of Asia included Athletics discipline in the Asian Beach Games held at Phuket (Thailand) from Nov 19-22, 2014. Athletics Association of Thailand successfully organised the athletics events of the Asian Beach Games. Total 11 events were held including innovative 4x60m shuttle relay.

Record entries for Asian 20KM Walking Championship 2015, Nomi (Japan)
Asian 20KM Walking Championship will be held on March 15 at Nomi City (Japan) which has seen upward trend in the participation of member federations. This year total 40 athletes from 15 countries (including guest of USA, CAN and AUS)

First Asian Youth Athletics Championship, Doha 2015
LOC of Asian Youth Athletics Championship presented the current status report of the championship. Qatar Sports Club stadium will host the championship from May 8-11. Special cultural programme will be held for the athletes during the closing ceremony on 11th May. Athletes born between 1999 and 1999 are eligible to compete. Last date of entry is 23 April 2015.

Asian Grand Prix 2015 series dates confirmed
Thailand will host all 3 legs of Asian Grand Prix series 2015 starting with June 22 at Pathum Thani followed by Ayuthaya on June 25 and Bangkok will host final leg on June 29.

Wuhan all geared up to welcome Athletes of Asia
World of athletics is looking to China in 2015 as China is celebrating Chinese year of Athletics by staging IAAF World Cross Country Championship, World School Athletics Championship, Asian Athletics Championship and finally IAAF World Championship in Athletics.

Host city of 21st Asian Athletics Championship 2015 is all geared up to welcome athletes of Asia. LOC and CAA team members presented the progress report to the AAA Council. LOC has finalised Venue map and secured over 800 rooms in 7 hotels in the lake city of Wuhan. Wuhan will also host Asian Athletics Association congress at famous Wuhan Conference Centre on June 2, 2015.

LOC has secured title sponsorship by Dongfeng Motor Corporation and live telecast of the 21st Asian Athletics Championship with CCTV5 and Hubei TV. LOC will also use digital platforms in addition to the TV, Outdoor, Radio and Print to reach wider audiences in China and Asia. LOC has kept affordable ticket prices to ensure everyone can enjoy live action of best athletes of Asia.

Over 300 volunteers will be in the conduct of the championship including over 100 interpreters.

Sponsorship and Marketing of AAA events
The Sporting Age (TSA) official marketing agency of AAA presented its report on the sponsorship and marketing of AAA events. —- AAA