Riyadh’s 2030 Asian Games bid has announced today the formation of a new Athletes’ Commission to ensure the interests of Saudi Arabian and Asian athletes are placed at the heart of the bid.
Saudi Arabia’s first female Olympic medal winner, Dalma Malhas, will Chair the Athletes’ Commission, while the country’s leading male Athletics sprinter, Abdullah Abkar, will be Vice-Chair.
Dalma, who recently played a key role in the Riyadh 2030 bid launch presentation (view on YouTube: https://bit.ly/30QBQ1l), rose to international sporting fame by winning bronze in Equestrian at the inaugural 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore and has recently made the national Saudi Equestrian first team.
Vice-Chair, 23-year-old Abdullah, competed in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, finishing an excellent fourth in the 100m Final. All the remaining athletes that make-up the Athletes’ Commission (details below) are under 20 years of age and all aspire to compete for their nation in the 2030 Asian Games in Riyadh.
Key responsibilities of the Athletes’ Commission will include working alongside the Riyadh 2030 Bid Committee and the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee (SAOC) to:
Represent and ensure the interests and opinions of athletes are heard at the highest level of decision-making – and that the athlete perspective is at the heart of the bid’s Games concept and plan
Proactively consider issues relating to athletes and advise on athlete-related matters including welfare, training, scheduling and venue designProvide current, future and past athletes with the opportunity to contribute to the development, evolvement and growth of Saudi Arabian and Asian sport
Riyadh’s 2030 Asian Games promises to provide a platform for all Asian athletes to excel on a stunning, modern and sustainable stage and leave an enduring legacy for the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
As the first-ever Asian Games in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh 2030 will connect with new audiences and inspire a new generation of athletes across Asia. Expressed as ‘Transforming the Future’, a core element of the Games vision is to inspire even more women in Asia to take part in sport.HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Alfaisal, President of Riyadh 2030 and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, said:
"Placing athletes at the very heart of Riyadh’s bid for the 2030 Asian Games is a key priority so establishing this Athletes’ Commission is a great asset for us. We are ensuring the needs and interests of athletes are represented at every stage of the Riyadh 2030 bid as we look to provide a platform for them to excel and achieve the best possible results.
"Athletes will lead from the front as we highlight welfare matters, sports development and aim to drive positive social change across the Asian continent and our nation."
Dalma Malhas, Chair of the Riyadh 2030 Asian Games bid’s Athletes’ Commission, said:
"I am honoured to be appointed Chair of Riyadh 2030’s Athletes’ Commission. By placing athletes at the centre of the bid, the 2030 Asian Games will allow athletes from all of Asia to perform at their very best so they realise their potential on a wonderful international stage.
"An increasing number of women and girls are participating in sport throughout Asia and Saudi Arabia. The 2030 Asian Games will be a platform to inspire new audiences and the Athletes’ Commission will play a key role in achieving this vision."
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