Dear friends,
On the occasion of 2023 coming to an end and welcoming the arrival of 2024, on behalf of the Executive Committee of Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF), we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone - our member federations, regional university sports federations, Asian sports federations, continental university sports federations and FISU- who have been with us on this journey and provided us with invaluable support to ensure another remarkable year for our shared undertakings.
The year of 2023 is full of highlights for AUSF. With the pandemic situation under control worldwide, we wasted no time to host and participate in onsite events gradually. The postponed AUSF General Assembly, the 3rd FISU-AUSF Strategic Dialogue, and AUSF Gala were held successfully; 4 face-to-face executive meetings were also delivered to ensure the smooth operation of the AUSF and planning for the future; and all member federations have been encouraged to resume their own onsite events if situation allows. In addition, we took an active part in FISU events, including World University Games, World University Cups and the General Assembly.
During the 12th AUSF General Assembly in Dubai, UAE, we were very delighted to see the attendance of 31 members, a truly big in-person reunion for AUSF family after 3 years. Meanwhile, a new Executive Committee for the period of 2023-2027 has been elected. They will lead AUSF towards good governance and a brighter future on a new journey. Your trust and support to us and other board members are highly appreciated in these regards. At the same time, Qatar has joined our AUSF family during the Assembly, making the total number of AUSF members 41. In order to promote healthy lifestyle for the entire Asian university community, the 3rd FISU-AUSF Strategic Dialogue was held featuring the theme of healthy campus, with a wide range of speakers and presenters. During the AUSF Gala, honorary awards were presented to the retired EC members, member federations, and our partners in honor of their contribution to the Asian university movement.
To provide sports opportunities for students athletes and coaches as part of our commitment, we were very touched by the efforts of our member federations in hosting 3 out of 4 FISU sports events, namely Chengdu FISU World University Games Summer, Jinjiang FISU University World Cup Football and Doha FISU University World Cup 3x3 Basketball. In spite of the various difficulties, 34 AUSF member federations participated in the Chengdu FISU World University Games, accounting for more than one third of all the participating NUSFs. We are also very proud of the outstanding performances of the students’athletes from our member federations in the past year. Teams Japan and Republic of Korea, were the top 2 on the Medal Tally of Lake Placid FISU World University Games Winter; Teams China, Japan and Republic of Korea, were the top 3 on the Medal Tally of the Chengdu FISU University Games Summer; Beijing Normal University Women’s Team from China claimed the Champion in the 2023 Jinjiang FISU University World Cup Football, all of which showcased the high level of competition of Asian university athletes.
During the FISU election in Geneva, we were so overwhelmed by the unity and solidarity of our AUSF family. Thanks to our concerted efforts, candidates from Asia have been elected to 8 positions in the FISU Executive Committee for the term 2023-2027. This is a strong testament to the collaborative spirit that defines us as a continent. During FISU General Assembly, AUSF, FISU Oceania and FISU have consolidated their collaboration through signing a Memorandum of Understanding, strengthening the ties between AUSF and its partners.
We are fully aware that all of above achievements would not be possible without our collective efforts. Looking ahead to the new year, we are ready to make full efforts, together with all the fellow EC members and member federations, to develop effective strategic plans for more sustainable development, improving institutional governance and organizing more onsite sports and educational events for Asian youth. Among which, Asian University 3x3 Basketball Championship and AUSF Football Cup will be staged as FISU events qualifiers. The Inaugural Asian University Dragon Boat Championship will be staged to celebrate the year of Dragon in 2024. In addition, we are also exploring the organizing of the Asian University Wushu Championship and Asian University Chess Championship, and FISU-NUSFs Seminar as a follow up with the collaboration with our strategic partners. We look forward to your participation in these events.
As we wind down 2023, it is my honor and pleasure, on the occasion of the festive season, to wish you and your loved ones a prosperous 2024, and look forward to seeing you soon in person.
Dr. LIU Lixin Mr. SEETOW Cheng Fave
AUSF President AUSF Secretary General