(250512) -- KUWAIT CITY, May 12, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Yao Ming, China's basketball icon, speaks during the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait City, Kuwait, May 11, 2025.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said Asia has "a special place in my heart" at the opening ceremony of the 45th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in Kuwait on Sunday. (Photo by Asad/Xinhua)