Husain Al-Musallam

Husain AHZ Al-Musallam
حسين المسلم
Director General of Olympic Council of Asia
Incumbent
Assumed office
September 2005
Secretary General of Kuwait Olympic Committee
Incumbent
Assumed office
March 2019
President of World Aquatics
Incumbent
Assumed office
June 2021
Personal details
Born (1960-05-19) 19 May 1960 (age 64)
Kuwait
EducationUniversity of Berlin - Sports Management Diploma
Alma materOxford Air Training School
ProfessionSports administrator
Former airline pilot

Husain AHZ Al-Musallam (Arabic: حسين المسلم; born 19 May 1960) is a Kuwaiti sports administrator and former airline pilot. He currently serves as the Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Secretary General of the Kuwait Olympic Committee.[1][2][3][4][5] In addition to his roles within the Olympic movement, Al-Musallam is the President of World Aquatics.[6] His career has been marked by controversy, notably his implication in international sports corruption scandals, including the FIFA bribery scandal.[7]

Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics, continues to significantly impact aquatic sports, particularly in maintaining integrity and fair play. In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Al-Musallam highlighted the organization's comprehensive anti-doping measures, underlining World Aquatics' dedication to clean competition. Since January 2024, 2,145 anti-doping tests were conducted, making this the most extensive testing program in Olympic history, overseen by the International Testing Agency (ITA). [8]

Al-Musallam also commended China's dominance in aquatic sports during the 2023 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, where Chinese athletes won 23 gold medals. He emphasized China's rising role as a key host for major international sporting events. [9]

His efforts to globalize and promote aquatic sports were recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, which honored him during the 2024 Paris Olympics for his contribution to expanding the sport's reach worldwide.

Husain Al-Musallam has made significant strides in promoting aquatic sports on a global level. His presidency at World Aquatics has been marked by numerous achievements, underpinned by his dedication to inclusivity, sustainability, and athlete welfare.

One of his notable contributions includes spearheading World Aquatics' commitment to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework. This initiative, signed during the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcases World Aquatics' commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainability in sports. By aligning with the UN's goals, Al-Musallam has positioned aquatic sports as a key player in global environmental efforts, emphasizing the importance of protecting water bodies crucial for the sport’s future. [10]

Al-Musallam has been a champion of athlete empowerment and governance reform. Under his leadership, World Aquatics became the first international federation to establish democratic elections for athletes, ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

Additionally, Al-Musallam has worked to elevate aquatic sports in emerging regions. His recognition of China's dominance in aquatic sports and his leadership in overseeing an extensive anti-doping program for the 2024 Paris Olympics reflects his dedication to ensuring clean and competitive aquatic sports globally. [11]

  1. ^ Bridge, Sam (30 August 2018). "Olympic Council of Asia chief hopes Kuwait ban over by 2020". ArabianBusiness.com. Retrieved 2019-08-23.
  2. ^ "Kuwait Olympic Committee Election Results". aroundtherings.com. Retrieved 2019-08-23.
  3. ^ Herald, The Korea (2019-02-15). "OCA director-general receives honorary degree from Kookmin University". www.koreaherald.com. Retrieved 2019-08-23.
  4. ^ "Administration - Olympic Council of Asia". www.ocasia.org. Retrieved 2019-08-23.
  5. ^ "Swimming delegates re-elect top two officials". ESPN.com. 2017-07-22. Retrieved 2019-08-23.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference :1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1147039/
  9. ^ https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1146968/world-aquatics-testing-paris-olympics
  10. ^ https://www.worldaquatics.com/news/4077093/a-historic-moment-as-world-aquatics-commits-to-the-un-sports-for-climate-action-framework
  11. ^ https://www.worldaquatics.com/news/4077093/a-historic-moment-as-world-aquatics-commits-to-the-un-sports-for-climate-action-framework