The Association of National Olympic Committees -ANOC- held a meeting in Tokyo with the Japanese Olympic Committee -JOC- on the sidelines of the World Athletics Championships. The session was led by ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg and Vice President Spyros Capralos, together with JOC President Seiko Hashimoto. Also present were International Olympic Committee -IOC- Athletes’ Commission member Yuki Ota, International Gymnastics Federation -FIG- President and IOC Member Morinari Watanabe, and JOC Executive Board Member Hajime Hayashi.

The agenda focused on strengthening cooperation between ANOC and the Continental Associations, as well as underlining the strategic value of the Continental Games in advancing the Olympic Movement. These regional multi-sport competitions are considered an essential platform for the preparation of athletes and nations ahead of the Olympic Games, while also helping to reinforce the Olympic Movement across each continent. Japan, as host of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi–Nagoya, was highlighted as a key example of the importance of these events.

Olympic Programme and Youth Olympic Games development

Another central topic of discussion was the Olympic Programme, crucial to ensuring that competitions evolve in line with new sporting and social trends. The development and consolidation of the Youth Olympic Games also featured prominently, underlining their potential to inspire younger generations to engage with the Olympic Movement.

The meeting also emphasized the institutional weight of the JOC, which, after organizing Tokyo 2020, continues to stand as one of the most influential National Olympic Committees worldwide. Looking ahead to Aichi–Nagoya 2026, the Japanese body aims to consolidate its role as a reference in the management and promotion of major sporting events.

The discussions reaffirmed ANOC’s commitment to supporting National Olympic Committees in their mission. “Our goal is for every NOC to receive services tailored to their needs and to grow in the best interests of the Olympic Movement,” it was highlighted during the meeting.