Husain Al Musallam has been awarded the prestigious Order of Dustlik (“Friendship”)
World Aquatics President and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Director General, Husain Al Musallam, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Dustlik (“Friendship”) by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The Order of Dustlik reflects President Al Musallam’s outstanding contributions to sports development, international cooperation and peace and friendship through sport at both regional and global levels.
The award was presented during a meeting between President Mirziyoyev and OCA officials on the sidelines of the 46th OCA General Assembly held in Tashkent, which also saw the election of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani as the new President of the continental Olympic confederation.
In the granting of the award, President Al Musallam’s great personal contribution to strengthening mutual cooperation relations between the OCA and Uzbekistan was highlighted. The recognition also acknowledged his role in promoting a healthy lifestyle and his efforts to harness the power of sport to create peace, mutual respect and understanding among nations.
Commenting on the honour, President Al Musallam said:
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition from the Republic of Uzbekistan. I have worked in the global sports industry for many years, and one thing I have always believed in is that sport has a remarkable ability to unite and empower people like nothing else. I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure this is a reality in as many places as possible.”
He added;
“This includes supporting the growth of sport in Uzbekistan, and I am delighted that the global aquatics community, together with members of the OCA community, will gather in Tashkent for the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup stop from 8-10 October. I very much look forward to coming back to this brilliant city and sharing in the excitement of sport again.”