10 November 2005 - Dr. Ugur Erdener’s speech at 2005 AAF Congress

Dr. Ugur Erdener’s speech at 2005 AAF Congress

New Delhi, India - 10 November 2005

During the AAF (Asian Archery Federation) Congress the Korean President Mr. Chung was elected as new AAF President. Mr. Maj (Rtd) Baharuddin Jamil is the new 1st Vice President, whereas FITA Vice President Mr. Sanguan Kosavinta has been appointed 2nd Vice President.

FITA President, Dr. Ugur Erdener, was present at the AAF Congress in New Delhi, India. He addressed the assembly with the following opening speech:

“Dear President of AAF, Dear AAF Council Members, Dear Presidents of the Asian Member Associations

It is a pleasure for me to be in Asia in India for my first official visit as FITA President.  Asia is a key continent for FITA and a very interesting period is lying ahead for your continent.  A key year will be of course 2008 when our Chinese friends will host the Olympic Games.  The same year India will host its first FITA World Championships here in Delhi which will be the first event for many of the archers of the future Games and Championships.

I take this occasion to congratulate the Indian hosts and their President with the successful hosting of this Asian Championships.

The future is what FITA together with AAF wants to build for the world of Archery.  FITA is establishing many new tools to be one of the top individual Olympic Sports.  A new strategic plan is under development and many of the 10 points I made part of my Presidential program are being implemented.

In 2006 it will be the start of the World Cup which will bring the best Archers of the world together. The final qualifying event will be hosted in China in Shanghai in September and the top European and American archers will come to Shanghai to face the best Asians.

FITA has established a successful sponsorship program around the World Cup and this will enable better TV coverage, prize money to the archers and more development programs.  Several important companies have already signed up and we expect more to come by the end of the year.

AAF as Continental Assocation needs to grow and focus on the development of the sport.  This will be in partnership with FITA and AAF will receive more funds from FITA than in the past to promote and develop the sport . However more funds means more responsibility and the new team you will elect today should not underestimate the challenges that lie in front of them.

I wish you a good congress and lots of productive work

Thank you”

Dr. Ugur Erdener

FITA President