The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) handed its highest order to Kuwaitis Khaled Al-Hamad and Yousif Al-Shaheen for their efforts in launching a youth sports programme in their country. During his attendance of general assembly talks in Manila, OCA President Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stressed the importance of honouring those who have contributed to encouraging sports initiatives on the continent, in appreciation of their contributions that have formed the foundations of the development of sports in Asia. In addition to the Kuwaiti duo, several other sports personalities were also handed the honour, according to an OCA statement. The attendees received a message by video-conference from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, during which Sheikh Ahmad's role in heading the Asian Olympic body was commended, added the statement. They also received national bids to host upcoming events, and decided on the dates and venues of their upcoming meetings. Source: KUNA