By Nick Butler at the Centara Convention Centre in Bangkok

Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah believes hosting the ANOC General Assembly will mark a sporting return for the United States ©AFP/Getty ImagesHosting the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in 2015 should mark the "return" of the United States into the international sports movement, ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah has claimed.


Speaking following the conclusion of this year's General Assembly here, Sheikh Ahmad claimed he was looking forward to going back to the US in a year's time, and already believes there is good cooperation underway with local organisers.

The US has found itself isolated in recent years following rows with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over revenue sharing and the failure of American cities to win bids to host the Olympics.

The US were left humiliated at the IOC Session in Copenhagen five years ago after Chicago were eliminated in the first round of voting for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics, despite President Barack Obama addressing the members. 

"I hope this is the return of the United States to the sports movement," Sheikh Ahmad said. 

"They are in the sports movement of course, but you understand what I mean.

"To return back after the problems of [2002] Salt Lake City [Winter Olympics] and all the cities who didn't have a chance to host the Olympic Games. 

"It is a good opportunity for the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to build that trust again."

Sheikh Ahmad also claimed this is the "best time for the US to come back with a nice Olympic bid, because maybe in 2024 they will have a good chance".

With 40 International Olympic Committee members, 204 National Olympic Committees and 14 International Federations, plus SportAccord, the World Anti Doping Agency and the Court of Arbitration of Sport among those present this time around, there are few better opportunities to welcome the entire Olympic Movement than at the General Assembly, Sheikh Ahmad claimed. 

Next year's Association of National Olympics Committees General Assembly is due take place in the Washington Hilton Hotel in the United States capital ©Washington HiltonNext year's Association of National Olympics Committees General Assembly is due take place in the Washington Hilton Hotel in the United States capital ©Washington Hilton



Washington D.C. is one of four US cities - along with Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco - whose bids for the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics are currently being reviewed by USOC.

The successful candidate is due to be chosen next year. 

Centred around the Washington Hotel, where both the Assembly and the Official Hotel will be situated, the Assembly is due to take place from October 28 to 31 next year, with the 2nd ANOC Gala Awards also scheduled to take place there.

Preparations for the event was one of a number of items on the agenda for the second day of the General Assembly today. 

The day was predominantly dedicated to a series of presentations from Organising Committees, for the Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as for the Baku 2015 European Games.

Seven amendments to the ANOC Constitution were made, the most significant one consisting of the stipulation that every Continental Association is obliged to elect at least one female member among its representatives on the ANOC Executive Council.

"This has been a momentous week for ANOC," added Sheikh Ahmad.

"Together with the world's 204 NOCs and over 40 IOC members, International Federations, SportAccord and many other key Olympic stakeholders, we have made history.

"With more member nations than the United Nations, ANOC knows very well the importance of collaborating with different nations and cultures.

"We are strongest when we work together and embrace each others ideas.

"The meetings in Bangkok have showcased our unity and solidarity and I have no doubt that working together, under the leadership off the IOC, we will create a stronger and more sustainable future for the sports movement and for our athletes."

Thomas Bach reiterated his support for ANOC and for plans for the inaugural World Beach Games ©Getty ImagesThomas Bach reiterated his support for ANOC and for plans for the inaugural World Beach Games ©Getty Images



IOC President Thomas Bach was present once again for the second day of the General Assembly, providing the closing address to wrap up proceedings this afternoon.

He used the occasion to pledge his support for the inaugural World Beach Games, a collaboration between ANOC and SportAccord approved by the General Assembly yesterday, which is currently thought likely to be held for the first time in 2017.

"I am very satisfied you at ANOC has taken some leadership in this respect," the German declared. 

"We will continue dialogue and look at how Beach Games can be an asset for the NOCs, and want to make it complementary with the Olympic Games.

"We will look at non-Olympic disciplines that can be played on sand and beach, and could also be complimentary to the programme of the Olympic Games.

"We are looking forward to continuing our dialogue there and are confident this will lead to a great success."

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