Keep politics away from sports: ANOC
Lausanne: The Association of National Olympic Committees(ANOC) expressed its hope that the international sports movement in Qatar would not be endangered by the geopolitical situation in the Gulf region.
The ANOC is headed by Kuwaiti Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, whose country has not backed the blockade.
The Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the neighbouring National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in the Gulf region are valuable partners to the world's Olympic Movement and have significantly developed sports in their countries in recent years," said a ANOC statement on Monday. "Sport has also played a key role in opening up the region to the world. Last year, the QOC brought together the world's NOCs in Doha and hosted a fantastic ANOC General Assembly and ANOC Awards."
The ANOC members also praised HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Qatar Olympic Committee for hosting several top international sports events.
"Qatar will bring the world back to the region when it hosts the 2019 IAAF World Championships, 2022 FIFA World Cup, 2023 FINA World Championships and other events," the statement added.
ANOC sincerely hoped the geopolitical situation regarding Qatar will be resolved soon and it won't impact on the incredible value that Qatar brings to the sports world.
"Sport must be separated from politics. The sport's development is very important to the people of the region. ANOC will continue to work with the other NOCs and support them in their mission to develop sport and promote the Olympic Values."
