Bangkok, 16 July 2019: In the presence of AAA Council members, Asian Athletic member federation representatives and Thailand sports dignitaries, the new headquarter of Asian Athletics Association was inaugurated in Bangkok on 15th July 2019.
AAA President Gen. Dahlan Al Hamad welcomed Gen. Charouck Arirachakaran, Vice President of Olympic Council of Asia, Dr Gongsak Yodmani, Governor of Sports Authority of Thailand, Gen. Sant Sarutanond, President of Athletic Association of Thailand, Mr Yanyong Akkarajindanon, Director of the office Property and management of Thammasat University, AAA Council Members and Presidents and Representatives of Member Federations.
Gen. Dahlan in his opening address said that it is a moment of pride and honor to stand before the dignitaries on this historic day. He emphasized that inauguration of the AAA office in Thailand is line with the goals which were set for the advancement and development of Asian Athletics.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand said “On behalf of Government of Thailand, I welcome establishment of Asian Athletics Association office in the Thammasat Stadium and we at SAT will extend all support to AAA and look forward to work together for the development of athletics. We are also working on legislation which will ease setting up of International sporting organizations in Thailand by offering assistance in setting up offices and taxation. However, current law is not extended to sport organizations. We will raise this issue with Government of Thailand.
General Sant, President of AAT expressed his gratitude towards Thammasat University management for all the support given to set up the Secretariat office of the AAA in Rangsit campus. It is our policy to make Thailand as the center of the sports and by establishing AAA office, Thailand athletics will benefit through various development projects of AAA in Thailand.
Earlier when members of AAA entered the rangsit campus of Thammasat University and walked towards magnificent athletics stadium build for 1998 Asian Games, one particular member remembered fond memories of competing and winning medal in the very stadium where new headquarter of AAA is located. His name is Andery Abduvaliev, 1992 Olympic Hammer Throw Champion, now president of Uzbekistan Athletics Federation and newly elected vice president of Asian Athletics Association.
Gen. Dahlan concluded with thank you to the Government of Thailand, Thammasat University and the Athletics Association of Thailand for their support and cooperation extended since discussion started in 2017 culminating with inauguration of the AAA HQ in Thailand.
