?Top Arab sports experts called for a number of recommendation to increase funding sources to develop regional Olympic achievements on the inaugural day of Scientific Research Forum in Sports Economics, being held in Bahrain.
This theme was presented by Dr Mohamed Sobhi Hassanein, Head of the Physical Education Sector at the Supreme Council of Egyptian Universities in Egypt, who kicked off yesterday’s first session by addressing a large number of attendees – administrators, academics, physical education teachers, coaches and researchers, on sport as an important source to boost economy.
Hassanein also said the Olympic achievement for Arabs is insignificant compared to some other countries, noting that 108 medals were won by Arab countries in all Olympic games, while the US could achieve 121 medals in a single Olympic games, claimed in the most recent Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Late on, Jordan Olympic Committee vice-president Dr Sari Hamdan brought up the second session of the on economic and sports investments, and its benefit for both parties.
Hamdan said the true relationship between economics and sports started in 1992 in Spain, when an investment plan was created and launched four years before Barcelona Olympics.
He added that TV telecasts rights have achieved 47% of total profits, and noted that profits for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is expected to hit US 300 billion.
Yesterday’s third and concluding session was presented by Saudi Arabia’s Emeritus professor & former director of Pediatric Exercise Physiology Research Lab at King Saud University Dr Hazzaa bin Mohammed Al Hazzaa, who spoke about the selection of talents in the field of sports and the importance of making the right choice in choosing young skillful athletes who could become the heroes of tomorrow for any nation.
Al Hazzaa said the success of the selection of talents is based on many factors, one of which is predicting his/her physical performance and setting the physiological, skulls, and psychological aspects.
Yesterday’s opening session was preceded by a speech delivered by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Award general secretary Dr Abdulrahman Sayyar, who affirmed the significance of this gathering on sports investment and promote the nations economics and further develop relations with the private sector.
Sayyar referred to Russia as a nation hosting the World Cup in few weeks, for which it spent nearly US 13 billion on sports stadiums, roads and other infrastructure, but is expected to earn US 23 billion as benefits.
The forum, meanwhile, continues today with the Scientific Committee meeting, then the participants and guests will be treated to an open tour around some of Bahrain’s historic and well-known land marks.
The final sessions are scheduled for tomorrow, and will be presented by Dr Ahmed bin Saad Al Sharif of the UAE, Dr Wesam Al Shaikhli of Iraq and Dr Ammar Al Rifai of Saudi Arabia.