Asian athletics has huge potential, says Bubka

Sergey Bubka, IAAF Vice President and IOC Executive Board member, has praised the high level of professionalism at the Asian Athletics Championships and believes Asia has huge potential to become a hub for athletics in future.

Bubka who attended Wuhan in China, for the Asian Athletic Association (AAA) Congress followed by the 21st Asian Athletics Championships, believes that the efforts of Asian countries to host global athletics competitions, as well as the Olympic Games, guarantee fantastic legacy and proves the strength of Asian Athletics.

Bubka said: "The importance of events like this for the development of athletics in the region cannot be overestimated. For many athletes the Championship is the opportunity to gain international experience and medals. The competitions open the door to world athletics for all participants.

"Every Asian Athletics Association event is amazing due to the toughness of competition. The athletes fight for their national federations with commitment and tenacity, producing fantastic performances. Due to the efforts of the Area Association, many regions are showing continuous growth. It is now time for the IAAF to provide more support and opportunities for both the AAA and National Federations."

Bubka underlined his belief that the IAAF appreciates the efforts that all Asian countries make to develop athletics in the region. China is particularly strong when it comes to development. He added: "Our confidence in Asian Athletics is shown by the number of major athletics events held by Asian countries. Asia hosted every second IAAF World Championships since Osaka 2007. Following Daegu 2011, the World Championships will return to Beijing this summer and then travel to Doha four years later. Last year we had an incredible World Race Walking Cup in Taicang, while in 2015 Guiyang hosted IAAF World Cross Country Championships.

"I would also like to thank AAA and National Federation for their efforts to organize plenty of continental competitions. Athletics at the 2014 Asian Games was a fantastic success while the Asian Championships in Wuhan provided plenty of world-class results – 9.91 at the men’s 100m is the first but not the only one to mention. Over 350 athletes from South East Asian Federations recently got a chance to compete and win medals in Singapore at 28th SEA Games. I am sure athletics will also be at the spotlight there."

Bubka praised the contribution of the AAA and the National Federations to the development of the sport, saying: "It is very important to build a strong competition system for all levels, when athletes can progress from school and local meets to National and Area Championships. Asia could develop its own elite competition series which will provide athletes with opportunities to perform at the international level. The IAAF must support the AAA initiatives to improve the sandard of athletics.

"We need well educated professional coaches, as well as the latest technology and facilities, to develop athletics in Asia. The IAAF invests $12million annually in Regional Training Centers, High Performance Training Centers and Accredited Training Centers located throughout Asia. Beijing, Kuala Lumpur and Doha centers are places where coaches and young athletes can share their experiences. We must improve the accessibility of athletics knowledge by introducing online education, coaches’ seminars, production meetings and athletes’ communication."

Bubka also lauded the strong results of Chinese athletes during current season and predicted that new superstars will soon follow the steps of Liu Xiang at international level.

He commented: "Chinese sprinter Su Bingtian became the first Asian-born athlete to run a historic sub-10 second 100m, finishing third at the Eugene Diamond League with 9.99. Liu Hong broke the women’s 20km race walk world record with 1:24:38 at the 2015 IAAF Race Walking Challenge in La Coruna. They are striking demonstrations of Asia’s huge potential in our sport. The outstanding Asian athletes’ performances show young people all over the continent how they can grow and be successful if involved in athletics and work hard to develop their talents."

Bubka visited Kathmandu following an invitation from the Nepal Athletics Association and paid tribute to the victims of the earthquake which devastated the region and the local communities.

Bubka attended the Dashrath Stadium in the Nepal capital to see the devastations caused by the earthquake and he said: "The earthquake took many lives and damaged infrastructure including sport facilities. The Nepalese people, the families of the victims, need our support and the warmth of our hearts. It is very important for me to be with you to show that we are together.

"As a chairman of the IAAF Development Commission, I have discussed with Nepal Athletics Association President Rajeev Bikram Shah how we can provide support and restore sport infrastructure in Nepal, as well as to develop and promote athletics. The IAAF philosophy is to bring partnerships so if the government provides land and contributes to prepare the headquarters, the IAAF will provide a modern synthetic track in Nepal. Athletes need to build their skills in appropriate conditions and the IAAF must look at how we can help." Bubka also promised to send experts to assist Nepal to improve sports conditions and to bring high-level coaches to the country.

Sergey Bubka is a candidate for the Presidency of the IAAF, and the election will be held in August 2015 during the IAAF Congress in in Beijing, China.

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only