Yao Ming, China's basketball icon, speaks during the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 11, 2025. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has "a special place in my heart" at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has "a special place in my heart" at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday.

Bach, addressing the assembly for the final time before his tenure ends in 2025, highlighted Asia's pivotal role in his leadership.

Bach credited three consecutive Asian-hosted Olympic Games - PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, and Beijing 2022 - as the "defining chapter" of his presidency, praising the continent's resilience amid global challenges.

"Asia always has and always will have a special place in my heart," said Bach, who was awarded the OCA Order of Merit, lauded the Asian Games as a "model of success" for other continental bodies.

In his welcome address at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Center, OCA first vice president Timothy Fok Tsun-ting described Kuwait as the "heartbeat" of the OCA, emphasizing Asia's collective achievements.

"The Opening Ceremony and General Assembly will display not only the unity of Asia but also the diversity of Asia, the spirit of Asia and pride of Asia," Fok stated, calling the event a milestone in building a "brighter future" for the continent's sports movement.

Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming, a guest speaker, reflected on the Olympics' unifying power, recalling his experience at Sydney 2000.

"Sports can overcome hurdles, break down barriers, and unite the youth of the world behind one common goal," said the NBA Hall of Famer.

IOC president-elect Kirsty Coventry and the president of the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee, Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, also attended the two-day conference. ■

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 11, 2025.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has "a special place in my heart" at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)

Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 11, 2025.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has "a special place in my heart" at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)