Saudi rower Husein Alireza elected to Olympic Council of Asia Athletes’ Committee

RIYADH: Saudi Olympic rower and team captain Husein Alireza has been elected to the Olympic Council of Asia Athletes’ Committee at the recently concluded 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

More than 8,000 athletes voted in an election that lasted three weeks where 10 candidates were elected from a pool of 26.

Alireza won 2,381 votes — 818 votes more than the runner-up.

He told Arab News: “The election was fairly arduous and involved long hours meeting athletes and delegates from different countries every day of the three weeks in Hangzhou.

“I’m so proud and excited by this opportunity. I want to help athletes lead constructive and successful lives on and off the field of play.”

Alireza becomes the first Saudi to be elected to the OCA Athletes’ Committee. It was set up with the aim of bringing the voice of the athletes of Asia to the highest levels in the Olympic Movement and ensure it is heard and made to count.