New Delhi: Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya met Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Director General and World Aquatics President Captain Husain Al-Musallam in Nagoya on the sidelines of the 20th Asian Games.
The two sides discussed ways to strengthen sporting cooperation between India and the wider Asian sporting community.
Mandaviya said the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between India’s National Sports Federations and their respective Asian federations and exploring ways to further develop aquatic sports in the country.
In a post on X, the Sports Minister said the discussions also focused on increasing grassroots participation and creating pathways for nurturing young talent in aquatic disciplines.
Mandaviya said the OCA welcomed India’s readiness to host various Asian-level championships, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening sporting cooperation and development across the continent.
The Union Minister is in Nagoya for the Asian Games, where Indian athletes are competing across multiple disciplines.
Mandaviya also attended the official welcome reception for the Asian Games along with Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha.
Sharing his experience, Mandaviya highlighted Japan’s hospitality and culture and said he had participated in Kagami-biraki, a traditional Japanese ceremony associated with celebrations.
He also said it was an opportunity to reconnect with members of the Asian and global sporting community and noted the interest in India’s sporting development and future.
Meanwhile, OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani chaired the 110th OCA Executive Board meeting in Nagoya ahead of the Asian Games.
The meeting reviewed preparations for upcoming OCA events, including the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games Riyadh 2026, Asian Beach Games Cebu 2028 and Asian Winter Games Almaty 2029.
The 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 bring together athletes from across the continent and are scheduled to officially open at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium on Saturday.
(DD News)