About
Husain Al-Musallam
Husain Al-Musallam, a distinguished figure in the world of sports administration, has dedicated his career to promoting and enhancing the Olympic movement in Asia. With a background in competitive swimming, Al-Musallam transitioned into sports administration, bringing with him a passion for excellence and a commitment to integrity.
Husain’s career is marked by his dedication to integrity, transparency, and the promotion of sports. His leadership at the OCA and World Aquatics has left a lasting impact on the sports community, and he continues to inspire with his vision for the future of Asian sports.
Career Highlights
1980s
Began his career in sports administration, focusing on developing swimming programs in Kuwait.
1995
Joined the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and innovative approach.
2015
Appointed Director General of the OCA, where he has since led numerous initiatives to strengthen the organization’s role in the global sports community.
2021
Elected President of World Aquatics, further solidifying his influence in international sports administration.
Key Achievements
Promoting Transparency and Integrity
Al-Musallam has been instrumental in establishing the Aquatics Integrity Unit and the Athletes' Committee, ensuring fair play and athlete representation within the organization
Successful Event Management
Under his leadership, the OCA successfully managed major events like the Asian Games and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games. His strategic oversight was crucial in the decision to postpone the 19th Asian Games due to the pandemic, prioritizing athlete safety and ensuring the event’s success (infobae) (Asia Hockey).
Advocacy for Media and Communication
Al-Musallam has been a vocal supporter of the media’s role in promoting sports. He praised Asian media for their contributions to sports coverage during the 24th AIPS Asia Congress in Seoul, highlighting their role in bringing Asian sports to the global stage (OCA Asia)
Support for Asian Athletes
He has consistently emphasized the importance of athlete welfare, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported for international competitions, including the upcoming Paris Olympics (Olympics).
Recently, Husain Al-Musallam has been in the news for his proactive approach to dealing with challenges in the sports world. His decision to postpone the Hangzhou Asian Games was widely praised as a move that put athletes' health and safety first, demonstrating his commitment to the Olympic values of fairness and integrity.
Husain Al-Musallam continues to look forward to enhancing the capabilities of the OCA and supporting Asian athletes on the global stage. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, he is focused on ensuring that Asian athletes have the resources and support they need to excel.