Members of the national triathlon federations (NFs) in Asia came together via online on Saturday, 30 July, for the 30th Asia Triathlon (AST) Congress. A total of 24 NFs participated in the meeting, joined by World Triathlon President Marisol Casado (ESP).
At the beginning of the Congress, AST Acting President Vijitr Sittinawin (THA), in his opening remarks, paid tribute to a 25-year old Japanese athlete Tsudoi Miyazaki (JPN), who recently lost her life due to a car hit in France, and called a moment of silence. Meanwhile, Acting President Sittinawin expressed his gratitude towards the continuous efforts made by all the NFs to further develop the sport of triathlon in the region. He was also grateful for former AST President Justin Park (KOR) for his work.
World Triathlon President Casado hailed friends in Asia as the region hosted the successful two-consecutive Games - the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022. She conveyed an importance of solidarity in developing the sport across Asia and beyond, stressing the value and the necessity to help each other. She also touched on the recently signed World Triathlon's regional Development programme, by which the AST has been allocated USD 200,000. President Casado sees “space to grow” in the region, and her high expectations were expressed.
Among the fully packed Congress agenda, notably the Vietnam Triathlon Federation was approved as a new member to the total of existing 37 NFs. AST Secretary General Shin Otsuka (JPN) reported a relocation of AST office to Japan and an addition of administration staff member. The Congress also decided to suspend Afghanistan National Triathlon Federation due to the unpaid annual membership fee.
Technical Committee Chair, Byambaa Tsagaanbaatar (MGL), reported on events status that included the 2022 Asian Elite and Mixed Relay Championships in Aktau, Kazakhstan, scheduled for 17-18 September.
Meanwhile, a bidding process for the 2023 Asia Triathlon Congress and Championships is currently underway. While the deadline for the bid application was originally set for 24 July, the new deadline is now scheduled for 12 August by 5 p.m. (JST). Those NFs, who are willing to host these events, were encouraged to submit the applications.
Congress Agenda:
1. Roll Call
2. President’s Welcome Speech
3. World Triathlon Speech
4. Asia Triathlon President Report
5. Asia Triathlon Secretary General Report
6. Announcement of Asia Triathlon Office in Japan
7. 2021 Financial Audit Report
8. Asia Triathlon Membership Report
9. Amendment of Constitution
10. Technical Committee Chair Report
11. Sports Development Coordinator Report
12. Announcement of 2023 Asia Triathlon Congress and Championships Host City
13. Any Other Business
By Masa Takaya , Japan Triathlon Union Executive Board Member / Communications Asvisor
