The Opening Ceremony today evening set on the majestic lawn by the poolside of the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Hotel, Abu Dhabi, formally welcomed teams from 20 Nations to the ASAF Asian Championships 2016.
Opening Ceremony
Twenty-one nations are competing in the ASAF Asian Championship 2016. National flags were hoisted at the Opening Ceremony to welcome the teams from each nation. Set against the impressive backdrop, sailors, coaches, team leaders, race officials, friends and family were greeted by Sheikh Khaled Zayed Saqr Al-Nehayan, President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation
Dr Malav Shroff, President of the Asian Sailing Federation, thanked the Organizing Committee, sponsors and volunteers, before paying tribute to the teams competing in Abu Dhabi, he said, “For 2016 Olympic campaigners, we recognize that this Championship is an important milestone for you all to qualify your nations to the Rio Olympics. Fair winds to all teams and I wish you all every success.'”
The Championship was formally declared open by the hoisting of the Event flag by Dr Malav Shroff, President Asian Sailing Federation.
Ready to Race
With registration and equipment inspection virtually finished, this afternoon the practice race put the Race Committee, Jury and teams through their paces with a dress rehearsal, ahead of racing getting underway at 1200 hours on Monday 07 March. However, with a touch of superstition ahead of the main event, only a few teams started the practice race, with no-one opting to cross the finish line.
The moment of truth has almost arrived. The fleet is packed with many of the big names and an abundance of former youth Champions.
ASAF Extra Ordinary General Body Meeting
Earlier in the afternoon, the members of the ASAF family met to elect the new Executive Committee for the term 2016 – 2020. Dr Malav Shroff and Aileen Loo were declared elected unopposed as the President and Vice President (Woman).
The voting for the rest of the three Vice Presidents was conducted through secret ballot and Abdur Rehman Arshad, Rashid Ibrahim Alkindi and Pilsung Lee were declared elected after counting of votes.
The new Executive Committee decided to appoint Jason Lim as Secretary General and Mr Hj Lukman bin Hj Abu Bakar as the Treasurer for the period 2016 – 2020.
Captain Ajay Narang was appointed as Chairman Events Committee and Takao Otani was appointed Chairman of the Technical Committee. Abdur Rehman Arshad will head the Development and Training Committee of the ASAF.
MORE INFORMATION
Participating Nations
Teams from 20 Nations: Bahrain, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, S Korea, Thailand and UAE.
Rio 2016 Olympic Qualification
Find out more about qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and details of nations already qualified at www.sailing.org/olympics/rio2016
Useful Links
Championship Website – www.ac2016.asiansailing.org
Official Noticeboard – http://www.ac2016.asiansailing.org/index.php/notice-board
Media Information
Daily photo galleries will be available on the Championship Website and Facebook .
Social Media
Asian Sailing Federation on Facebook will bring you regular updates at https://www.facebook.com/asiansailing
The @ASAFUpdates Twitter account will be following the action throughout the Championship.