Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manila: The Asian Football Confederation Emergency Medicine and Anti-Doping Regional Course came to a close on Friday, following a highly successful four-day programme.
In line with AFC's Vision and Mission - which focuses on the success of Asian teams on the world’s biggest stages and strengthen the level of fan engagement to ensure football is the number one sport throughout the continent - the course is aimed at increasing the pool of doctors and medical practitioners trained in football medicine.
AFC Medical Committee Chairperson Dato’ Dr Gurcharan Singh in his closing address, said he agreed with Professor Efraim Kramer, that the participants here were among the best and is looking forward for the next course which is in the pipeline for 2018.
"Kramer and I think that the participants here are one of the best lots. St. Luke’s Medical Centre has great facilities and their hospitality to conduct such a course is exemplary and thank you to the Philippine Football Federation for hosting this course.
"We have a President and EXCO Members who take football medicine very seriously and it is more important that the participants here practice unity of doctorate.
"A player should get the same treatment whether in Manila or Oman. They should not be any discrepancies when it comes to treating a player who is in need of medical assistance.
"Knowledge is power and the only way to win the hearts and minds of administrators is through knowledge and I look forward to the sixth edition of the AFC Medical Course." said Dr Gurcharan Singh.
Also present during the ceremony was Mariano Araneta, AFC EXCO, FIFA Council Member and President, Philippine Football Federation.
"The past four days of the AFC Football Emergency Medicine and Anti-Doping Regional Course has been greatly beneficial for everyone," said Araneta
"We hope that you, our participants for this workshop, were able to take heart the learnings you gained from this course and share it with your colleagues once you return to your countries and clubs.
"This is not only to raise the standards of football medicine in your respective clubs or countries, but to also make your mark in Asia through the beautiful game.
"I would also like to extend my gratitude to FIFA for their unwavering support in sports medicine," he said.
Dr. Arturo Dela Pena, Medical Director of St. Luke's Medical Centre was presented with a token of appreciation for his support and cooperation in the organisation of the AFC Football Emergency Medicine and Anti-Doping Regional Course in Manila.
Photo: Philippine Football Federation