▲ Results of the OCA Athletes' Commission election for the East Asia region at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games
Former national sailing team member Cho Sung-min has fallen short in his bid for a seat on the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athletes' Commission.
The OCA held a press conference today at the Main Media Center (MMC) set up near the Port Messe in Nagoya, Japan, to announce the list of elected members.
Running for the East Asia male representative seat, Cho garnered 1,832 votes, finishing behind Japan's former track and field national team member Naoto Tobe, who received 2,228 votes.
Third place went to Yang Chun-han, a former track and field national team member from Chinese Taipei, with 1,145 votes.
Cho has competed in the 2002 Busan, 2010 Guangzhou, 2014 Incheon, and 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, capturing one silver and two bronze medals.
An Olympian who also competed in the 2012 London and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he serves as an athletes' representative for both the Korea Sailing Federation and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee.
Cho campaigned by visiting the athletes' village during the competition, but ultimately lost the election.
The OCA Athletes' Commission serves to convey athletes' opinions to the OCA and voice recommendations for improving their rights and welfare.
A total of four positions were up for election at this Games: East Asia male representative (1 seat), Central Asia male representative (1 seat), West Asia female representative (1 seat), and Southeast Asia female representative (1 seat).
The other elected members are Amir Maimuratov of Kazakhstan (sport climbing) for Central Asia male representative, Reem Al-Sharshani of Qatar (shooting) for West Asia female representative, and Thanyalak Chotphibunsin of Thailand (shooting) for Southeast Asia female representative.
Reflecting on the election, Cho said, "It was a great experience to meet and build consensus with athletes and coaches from home and abroad throughout the campaign process.
I am grateful for the substantial support from the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and I am disappointed and sorry that the results weren't better."
He added, "I campaigned diligently within the scope of my availability and time.
Some of the dispersed athlete hotels had zero promotion regarding the election, which made it difficult to explain the details," while noting, "Since this wasn't unique to me, I don't think it significantly affected the outcome."
Cho further stated, "I expect those who were elected will work hard at the OCA, and as there are still many areas that need improvement domestically, I want to return to my original position to listen to athletes' hardships and help steer things in a positive direction."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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