Dahlan to contest for top post of Asian association

Qatar’s Dahlan Al Hamad pulled off a coup when he was elected as one of the four Vice-Presidents of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) in 2000.

Dahlan, who is also the senior Vice-President of the Asian Athletics Association (AAA), is all set to stake claim for its presidency.

“I can either beat around the bush, evading the question, or I can just say that yes, I’m contesting for the post of the AAA presidency. I choose the latter. The election will be held in Chennai, India, on July 1, during the AAA Congress, on the sidelines of the ’13 Asian Championships,” said the official, when asked about his Asian plans.

It will not be easy though. India’s Suresh Kalmadi, who is in his third term after being elected in 2000, is expected to contest again. So is Indonesia’s Mohamad Bob Hassan (1991 to 2000), a former AAA president.

An Indian official, who is closely associated with the workings of the AAA, felt time was ripe for a change at the top.

“Both Kalmadi and Bob Hassan have been entangled in legal problems in their home countries. Dahlan has a clean image and is also an IAAF vice-president. Barring major upsets, he should be the council’s natural choice. But his opposition will also be strong,” said the source.

Dahlan, on his part, sounded extremely confident.

“As a senior IAAF official, I’m sad to say Asian athletics hasn’t progressed on the world stage. There’s so much more we can do to improve ourselves. The AAA hasn’t been able to rise to the occasion. I feel the time’s right for a change.

“Kalmadi is a very good friend of mine. But now, I feel I need to bring my plans and dreams to the Asian people. In the past, many had pushed me to stand for elections, but I never did. But now it’s time. I’m confident of winning,” he said.

Republished with permission from www.dohastadiumplusqatar.com