IOC holds talks with Afghan General Directorate of Physical Education & Sports
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today met with the recently appointed representatives of the Afghan General Directorate of Physical Education & Sports. The talks were about the future of sport in Afghanistan and the representation of the country in international competitions. During the meeting, the Afghan representatives stated that they were strongly committed to following and observing the Olympic Charter. 14:52:00
Both parties reiterated the fundamental right to access and practise sport safely for all individuals without discrimination. The IOC emphasised its existing channels of support for athletes and the Olympic community in Afghanistan. There was also an exchange of information on the structure and functioning of the Olympic Movement, and particularly its autonomy. In this respect, it was highlighted that the IOC continues to recognise the existing National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Afghanistan and its elected officials, with the NOC President and Secretary General present at the meeting.
Both sides consider the discussions to have been constructive and agreed to continue the dialogue.
The meeting was held in Doha and facilitated by the state of Qatar, with the support of the Qatar Olympic Committee. The IOC delegation was led by IOC Deputy Director General Pere Miró, and included the Olympic Council of Asia Director General, Husain Al-Musallam. The Afghan delegation was led by Engineer Nazar Mohammad Mutmaeen, the General Director of the Afghan General Directorate of Physical Education & Sports.