Sana'a: The Yemeni Olympic Committee initiated a series of qualification tests for national team athletes intending to compete in the 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan in September and October. This strategic move is part of efforts to evaluate athletes' readiness in terms of physical, technical, and health aspects, as decided by the Olympic Committee's Board of Directors.

According to Yemen News Agency, the tests are designed to ensure that only the most eligible athletes represent Yemen on the international stage. The rigorous selection process involves male and female athletes from various national teams, with nominations made by national sports federations. The physical tests are being conducted in three cities: Sana'a, Aden, and Seiyun, covering 14 sports in which Yemen aims to participate, including wushu, swimming, weightlifting, boxing, and athletics, among others.

In Sana'a, tests were conducted at two locations, overseen by Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Ahjari and Technical Director Jamal Al-Jabali. The Recreational Club hosted the men's tests, while the Balqis Club catered to the women's evaluations. Aden saw physical fitness tests conducted in the morning, while Seiyun held them in the evening.

Athletes underwent various assessments, including speed, strength, muscular endurance, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. These evaluations are pivotal in determining the athletes' potential participation in the Asian Games.

Mohammed Al-Ahjari emphasized the responsibility of sports federations in nurturing and developing athletes, while the Olympic Committee supports international competition preparations. He highlighted the financial challenges faced by the Yemeni Olympic Committee due to difficulties in accessing funds from the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia but reaffirmed their commitment to participating in the Asian Games.

Dr. Ahmed Jasser, a member of the Players' Licensing Committee for International Competitions, praised the Committee's focus on selecting the best athletes. He stressed the importance of physical fitness in athlete development and urged players to strive for excellence in representing Yemen.

Jamal Al-Jabali outlined the three-stage testing process tailored to Yemeni athletes, with the first stage completed and the subsequent stages set to follow. The final assessments will determine the athletes who will represent Yemen at this significant Asian sporting event.