{
  "id": 2770680,
  "title": "School talent program strengthens future of Asian athletics: President of Asian Athletics Association to QNA:",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/school-talent-program-strengthens-future-of-asian-athletics-president",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-23T10:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/731648/qatar/school-talent-program-strengthens-future-of-asian-athletics-president-of-asian-athletics-association-to-qna"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "His Excellency Dahlan Jaman Al Hamad, President of the Asian Athletics Association, emphasized the critical role of the Athletics for Talented Students Program in schools. He described this initiative as a crucial step towards early identification of athletic talent and its development following scientific and technical guidelines. The program aims to prepare a new generation of athletes capable of representing Asia and achieving future success.\n\nIn a QNA interview, Al Hamad explained that the program specifically targets the identification and nurturing of athletics talent in educational settings. He highlighted the sport's significance and its connection to fundamental skills beneficial across various athletic disciplines. Implementing the program, according to Al Hamad, would expand the participant base and uncover more promising talents.\n\nAl Hamad further detailed that the Asian Athletics Association has established specialized programs to educate and train school personnel to effectively introduce the talent program. His primary focus is on supporting gifted children, fostering their interest in athletics, and enhancing their abilities through scientific and technical guidance. This strategy aims to cultivate future champions by providing the necessary support and nurturing.\n\nRecognizing the potential for talent discovery across Asia, Al Hamad stressed the importance of dividing the continent into five regions to facilitate broader program implementation. He praised national federations for their commitment to promoting the program and noted enthusiastic responses from several federations. Timor-Leste's readiness to adopt the program, following a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the Timor-Leste Athletics Federation, was particularly encouraging.\n\nAl Hamad underscored Asia's wealth of human resources and athletic talent, asserting that uncovering and developing these talents hinges on implementing supportive programs and training qualified personnel. He attributed the continent's athletes' strong performances at the World Athletics Championships and Diamond League Meetings to national federations' dedication to preparing athletes scientifically, aiming for improved performance and increased success.\n\nThe President confirmed the Asian Athletics Association's ongoing support for national federations across all five regions, particularly in hosting and participating in championships. This support is aimed at elevating the technical level of male and female athletes and further advancing athletics across the continent. Recent successes include the Asian U23 Championships held in China and various field-event championships, which have contributed to athletics' growth and popularity during 2026.",
  "summary": "His Excellency the President of Asian Athletics Association Dahlan Jaman Al Hamad stressed the importance of implementing the Athletics for Talented Students Program in schools, describing it as an im...",
  "key_points": [
    "Program aims to identify and nurture athletics talent in schools, following scientific guidelines.",
    "Al Hamad emphasizes regional division into five regions for broader program implementation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}