Asia Rugby is excited to reveal the list of candidates vying for positions on the Asia Rugby Executive Committee, with the elections scheduled for November 8, coinciding with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. This election is crucial as it will fill vital leadership roles within Asia Rugby, with the newly appointed officials set to guide the organization and strategically influence the growth and direction of rugby across Asia over the next four years.
Positions Open for Election:
The following key positions are available for election at the AGM:
Asia Rugby President & World Rugby Council Member (1 position)
Asia Rugby Deputy President (1 position)
Asia Rugby Vice Presidents (3 positions)
World Rugby Council Member (1 position)
Asia Rugby Executive Committee Members (7 positions)
The newly elected Executive Committee (EXCO) members will take office immediately after the 2024 AGM, serving a four-year term that will conclude at the AGM in 2028. This impending election signifies a notable development for Asia Rugby, as the incoming leadership will be charged with spearheading efforts to promote growth, inclusivity, and the overall advancement of the sport throughout the region.
Formation of the Electoral Committee
To guarantee a fair and transparent electoral process, Asia Rugby has established an Electoral Committee composed of members with extensive experience in governance and regulatory affairs. This committee will play a pivotal role in overseeing the election.
The Electoral Committee includes:
Mr. Ramesh Lachmanan – Currently serving as the Chair of the Judicial Committee, he has been appointed Chair of the Electoral Committee.
Ms. Patricia Leahy – Deputy Chair of the Asia Rugby Advisory Board, bringing valuable insights into strategic planning.
Mr. Raja Lal – Formerly a Retired Partner at Ernst & Young, contributing his expertise in financial governance.
Appointment of Scrutineers
In line with Asia Rugby’s governance protocols, the Electoral Committee possesses the authority to appoint two Scrutineers from non-voting members of the Council. These Scrutineers are tasked with the vital responsibility of tallying votes and delivering the results to the Chairman of the AGM, ensuring a thorough and transparent voting procedure.
List of nominated candidates for the 2024-2028 term.
President & World Rugby Council Representative – 1 Position
Qais Al Dhalai (United Arab Emirates) (Incumbent ) **
Ada Milby (Philippines) **
Deputy President – 1 Position
Terence Khoo (Singapore) (Incumbent ) **
Fawzi Khawaja (Pakistan) **
Yoon Choi (Korea)
Vice President – 3 Positions
Kakhramon Djalilov (Uzbekistan) **
Kensuke Iwabuchi (Japan)
Manat Chavanaprayoon (Thailand)
Rizwan Ur Rab Malik (Pakistan)
Tanka Lal Ghising (Nepal) **
Yoon Choi (Korea)
World Rugby Council Representative – 1 Position
Ada Milby (Philippines) (Incumbent ) **
Fawzi Khawaja (Pakistan) **
Nahid Biyarjomandi (Iran) **
Yoon Choi (Korea)
Asia Rugby Executive Committee – 7 Positions
Abdallah Jammal (Lebanon)
Aigul Jartybayeva (Kazakhstan)
Angelina Liu (Singapore)
Anita Wang, Shiang Fen (Chinese Taipei)
Batbayar Pureviargal (Mongolia)
Christopher Brooke (Hong Kong China)
Gerald Prabhu (India)
Kensuke Iwabuchi (Japan)
Jaesub Choi (Korea) (Incumbent ) **
Mohamad Fahmy Bin Abd Jalil (Malaysia)
Yu Han (China)
Yudha Ramon, SH., MH (Indonesia)
The Electoral Committee will continue to review and verify candidate eligibility until the election date, emphasizing the commitment to a thorough vetting process. Some requested information from certain candidates’ unions is still pending, and ongoing evaluations will ensure full compliance with established regulations.
The upcoming election signifies a crucial opportunity for Asia Rugby, providing a stage for dedicated leaders determined to elevate the sport throughout the continent. Asia Rugby is firmly committed to maintaining a fair, inclusive, and transparent election process, aimed at identifying leaders who will advocate for the advancement and success of rugby across Asia.
Related
**Interview with Qais Al Dhalai, Candidate for Asia Rugby President**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Qais. As an incumbent and the only candidate for Asia Rugby President, can you share your vision for the future of rugby in Asia if re-elected?
**Qais Al Dhalai:** Thank you for having me. My vision is centered around inclusivity and development. I believe that rugby can provide not only athletic opportunities but also life skills for young people across Asia. My goal is to expand grassroots programs while ensuring that existing teams receive the support they need to grow.
**Editor:** In light of the upcoming elections on November 8 in Bangkok, how do you intend to engage and involve the rugby community during your term if re-elected?
**Qais Al Dhalai:** Engaging the rugby community is crucial. I plan to establish regular forums where voices from all levels of rugby can be heard. These forums will allow for feedback on programs and initiatives, fostering a more collaborative environment. Moreover, I want to leverage digital platforms to increase our reach and engagement.
**Editor:** Change often comes with its challenges. What do you see as the most significant challenge facing Asia Rugby in the next four years, and how would you address it?
**Qais Al Dhalai:** One of the key challenges is ensuring equitable resource distribution among member unions. To tackle this, I propose a transparent funding allocation system that prioritizes development programs, particularly in emerging rugby nations. It’s vital we invest in these regions to nurture talent and promote the sport.
**Editor:** A fair and transparent electoral process is critical. Could you elaborate on the steps Asia Rugby is taking to ensure this during the election?
**Qais Al Dhalai:** Absolutely! We have formed an Electoral Committee composed of experienced individuals to oversee the election process. They are responsible for maintaining transparency and fairness, including appointing independent scrutineers to tally the votes. This approach is essential for rebuilding trust within the rugby community.
**Editor:** as you look toward the future, what are you most excited about in terms of Asia Rugby’s growth over the next four years?
**Qais Al Dhalai:** I’m most excited about the potential for growth at the grassroots level. We have innovative new programs in place that focus on youth engagement and diversity. Additionally, the prospect of hosting more international rugby events in Asia could significantly elevate our profile and attract more fans to the sport.
**Editor:** Thank you, Qais, for your insights and for sharing your vision for Asia Rugby’s future. Best of luck with the elections!
**Qais Al Dhalai:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to discuss these important issues, and I appreciate your support.
