Doha: HE the President of Asian Athletics Association Dahlan Jaman Al Hamad emphasized the significance of the Athletics for Talented Students Program in schools, highlighting it as a pivotal step in identifying and cultivating athletic talent from an early age. This initiative aims to develop students' abilities with a focus on scientific and technical principles, ultimately preparing a new generation of athletes to represent Asia and achieve future success.
According to Qatar News Agency, His Excellency explained that the program is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing athletic talents in schools, acknowledging the sport's fundamental connection to various key skills that support other sports. Al Hamad noted that implementing the program would expand the athletics participant base and help uncover more promising talents.
Al Hamad further disclosed that the Asian Athletics Association has introduced specialized programs to educate and train school staff and prepare them to practically implement the talent program. The primary goal is to support talented children, nurture their passion for athletics, and enhance their abilities through technical and scientific support, thus paving the way for future champions.
He emphasized the Association's belief that talent and champions can be discovered across the continent when provided with appropriate support and nurturing. To this end, the Association is focused on training coaches to identify talent and encouraging children to engage in various athletics events to develop their abilities.
The President highlighted that dividing the continent into five regions would increase opportunities to implement the program across more countries. He acknowledged the national federations' role in promoting the program and the enthusiasm of several federations to implement it.
In particular, Al Hamad noted the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste's warm reception of the program and its readiness to implement it, following a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and the Timor-Leste Athletics Federation.
He affirmed that Asia is abundant in human resources and athletic talent, with the discovery and development of more talents reliant on appropriate programs and the continuous preparation of qualified personnel to nurture them.
In a related context, Al Hamad attributed the outstanding performances of Asian athletes at the World Athletics Championships and Diamond League Meetings to national federations' efforts in preparing athletes based on scientific principles. This preparation aims to enhance performance and achieve more successes and medals.
He mentioned that the Association monitors national federations' activities and tracks results and records achieved at various competitions. The Association pledges continued support for federations across the five regions in hosting and participating in championships, raising athletes' technical levels, and further developing athletics continent-wide.
He also highlighted the introduction of competitions for different age groups and disciplines, including the Asian U23 Championships recently held in China, as well as field-event championships covering throwing and jumping disciplines. These competitions achieved success in 2026, alongside other championships in the Association's upcoming calendar.