The red lines Asian Games athletes cannot cross
Asian Games athletes must refrain from crossing certain "red lines" as outlined in the Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) Safeguarding Code of Conduct. This code, distributed to all athletes and officials set to compete in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, starting from September 19, prohibits inappropriate relationships where power imbalances or dependencies are present, as well as the use of degrading language and bystander behavior towards harassment incidents.
Those found guilty of breaches may face suspension, removal of accreditation, suspension, exclusion from the Games, referral to law enforcement, disciplinary action by various bodies, or any combination thereof.
The code also covers the use of social media, demanding respectful and appropriate content that does not compromise others' dignity or safety. Non-compliance could result in the same penalties as above. Furthermore, maintaining appropriate physical, emotional, and professional boundaries at all times is emphasized, alongside respect and inclusivity in communication, absent of harassment, bullying, discrimination, intimidation, abuse, or exploitation.
Safeguarding Officers have been made mandatory since 2022, and India appointed one for the Youth Asian Games the previous year. Athletes, including India's youngest athletes like 15-year-old cricket star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 16-year-old TT player Syndrela Das, have been made aware of the code through workshops and email communications, with signed acknowledgments pledged for adherence.
The code strictly forbids any inappropriate relationships with minors, provision of alcohol to minors, and any form of harassment, bullying, abuse, neglect, discrimination, exploitation, or violence. Moreover, retaliation against individuals reporting safeguarding concerns or participating in investigations will not be tolerated.
Aichi-Nagoya is set to host over 17,000 athletes and officials, serving as direct Olympic qualifiers for hockey and squash, with gold-medallists securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
