On May 25, 2023, Husain AHZ Al-Musallam also known as Captain Husain received honorary doctorate Causa Award in Sports Science by the Vasil Levski National Sports Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria. Captain Husain Al-Musallam is the Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia and President of World Aquatics.
This esteemed award is given in appreciation of Captain Husain's outstanding contributions to the aquatics sport as an athlete, official, administrator, and current global leader. During his speech of acceptance, Captain Husain expressed his gratitude and pride at being awarded the honor. "This very special day is something I will always cherish in my memory," he remarked.
Capt. Husain told the crowd that the second anniversary of his election to the presidency of FINA, which is now renamed World Aquatics to include all six disciplines, would occur next month. "I notice a lot of young men and women in the audience today. Being able to attend such an Academy is such a blessing. Each of you will possess unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. However, I'm positive that you all share one thing in common: dreams. Everybody wants to accomplish something. I'm impressed by that. I adore talking to youth and learning about their goals." said Mr Husain.
Speaking about the sacrifices athletes have to make to succeed, Capt. Husain explained why, in his capacity as President, he established the "athletes will always come first" policy. "I was an athlete when I was younger. I competed in swimming on behalf of Kuwait. I've gained so much from swimming over the past 50 years. It has given me the chance to travel the world, made lifelong friends, and taught me a great deal about dedication and self-control.
Sometimes I like to think back to when I was a teenage swimmer and I would have said something different if someone had told me that I would end up as the President of the International Federation. I'm positive I wouldn't have taken them seriously! Asia had never produced a FINA president before. It would have appeared to be a dream out of the blue. And that is one thing I have discovered in my life, and it is a very significant lesson I would like to impart to all young people: Never give up on your dreams. My experience serves as evidence that even the most unlikely dreams can come true.
Capt. Husain continued, saying that his goal was and still is to use his swimming experience to assist other athletes. In addition, he discussed the changes he has brought about in his two years as President, such as raising prize money, forming a committee for reform, forming an athletes' committee that is chosen by other athletes, and renaming the organization from FINA to World Aquatics.
The president of World Aquatics emphasized in closing that the governing body had a responsibility to care for all competitors, not just those at the top level. Around the world, hundreds of millions of people exercise in the water. All these people need to be represented by me. For this reason, I back initiatives that teach people to swim. Not only is this keeping people healthier, but it's also saving lives. "We envision a world where water unites people for sport, health, and life." In the name of everyone who engages in aquatic sports, let me accept this award. Our entire aquatic family is one.
