Al Hamad, bid leader last year as Doha secured the International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) 2019 World Championships, will be officially announced as re-elected on June 2 during the AAA Congress in Wuhan, China.

"I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all Asian Athletics Federations for their support from the first moment I was elected to lead AAA," said the victor, who also announced last month his intention to seek re-election this summer as one of the IAAF's vice-presidents.

"I truly believe together we will bring Asia to the centre stage of the athletics world.

"As I have already demonstrated, during my tenure as President of Asia Athletics Association, our plan for Asia will be achieved by creating and delivering a new athletics concept.

"We need to emphasise on the grass roots programmes, to educate and engage youngsters on the sportsmanlike principles, to teach them the virtues of fair play and to fight against doping.

"I wish to ensure each and every one that I will do what it takes to further enhance the AAA operations."

Al Hamad's efforts to position himself come ahead of a crucial IAAF election this August which will see either Britain's Sebastian Coe or Sergey Bubka chosen to replace the outgoing President, Lamine Diack

Dahlan Al Hamad will seek re-election this summer as an IAAF vice-president, while Britain's Sebastian Coe (left) and Sergey Bubka of Ukraine (right) will contest the succession of Lamine Diack (centre) as IAAF President ©Getty Images


Al Hamad's massive vote of confidence is a reflection of the success he has had within the last two years in working on the development of Asian Athletics, during which time there has been an increasing emphasis on youth programmes and the creation of a new strategic plan.

"This ambitious project we are determined to implement at the AAA cannot be separated from a general strategic plan the IAAF should adopt," the Qatari said last month when announcing his candidacy for re-election.

"No matter who the next IAAF President will be, we have to start innovating World Athletics and the main means are by focusing on the youth, inspiring them and engaging them.

"If I am re-elected as IAAF vice-president I will concentrate all my forces and energy in that direction."

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