By Nick Butler at the Centara Convention Centre in Bangkok

Gambia is an early example of the IOC and ANOC achieving their objective of NOC autonomy, something highlighted as crucial by IOC chief Thomas Bach ©Getty ImagesGambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) President Momodou Dibba has hailed the re-opening of their headquarters building in Bakau as a "great start" for the Olympic Movement in its pursuit of sporting autonomy.


The opening of the headquarters building at Olympic House, confirmed late last month during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting in Montreux, followed months of conflict and negotiation between GNOC and the Gambian Government.

After being closed in April, the House was re-opened briefly in August but the Government continued to control who was allowed to enter the building.

This led to a meeting in Lausanne, where IOC autonomy tsar Patrick Hickey ordered them to reopen the House, revoke a travel ban on GNOC staff, and formally recognise Dibba as GNOC President.

After a deadline of October 13 passed without the situation being resolved, a suspension was thought the most likely outcome, only for action to be finally taken, although the IOC are continuing to keep a close eye on the situation.

Speaking during the ANOC General Assembly here, Dibba singled out Hickey for praise in speeding up the process, along with the IOC, ANOC and the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa.

It was a great example of how collective action can work to resolve problems and a "great start" in the process, Dibba told delegates from 203 of the 204 National Olympic Committees.

His contribution was welcomed by ANOC chief Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, who pointed out that many other NOCs have recently battled similar problems, with India, Pakistan, Egypt and Sheikh Ahmad's native Kuwait.

This comes at a time when NOC independence has been identified as a crucial pillar of focus for both ANOC and the IOC, with this week's United Nations resolution acknowledging the autonomy of sport seen as another key step. 

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
October 2014: Gambia avoid Olympic suspension after headquarters re-opened
October 2014: Exclusive: Leading Gambian sports official slams "dictatorial" IOC interference in country
October 2014: Gambia facing suspension from International Olympic Committee
September 2014: IOC warn Gambia to restore access to Olympic headquarters or face consequences
September 2014: Exclusive: IOC to hold new crisis talks with Gambia after Olympic staff refused entry to headquarters