MOSCOW: New ANOC president Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah has urged world sports leaders to work together in fighting against racism in sport, anti-doping and illegal betting at the second World Olympic Sport Convention.

Al Sabah also stated a need to protect the autonomy of national Olympic Committees during his address which followed his confirmation last week, also in Moscow, as success to Mario Vazquez Rana as leader of the Association of National Olympic Committees.

He said: “All governments in the world look for transparency, good governance and improving the level of sport. Today we are facing different issues and irregularities in different countries, and I’m sure those shortcomings in our sports family can’t be resolved without trust and mutual respect.”

Al Sabah stressed the importance of the Olympic values and principles in removing obstacles in sport and promoting a healthy society through sports participation.

He said: “Good cooperation makes improvement. We – the sporting family which includes ANOC – should work hand in hand with the United Nations and the World Anti Doping Agency to find solutions for all those concerns raised by all parties.

“Without trust there won’t be any solution, so I’d like to thank you for all the trust you have given to me. I will continue to work with the IOC President, Dr. Jacques Rogge, IOC members, International Federations, NOCs and governments for the good of the Olympic Movement.”

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