DUSHANBE, September 29, Asia-Plus - The leadership of Tajikistan’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) today publicized the preliminary list of Tajik sportsmen to participate at the 15 ^th Asian Games in Qatar.  

According to the NOC president Bahrullo Rajabaliyev, a list of delegates consists of 52 people, including sportsmen, coaches and officials.  Rajabaliyev said Tajik sportsmen will compete in 11 sports: karate-do (2 athletes); taekwon-do (3); shooting (2), archery (2); athletics (3); tennis (4); judo (4), Greek-Roman wrestling (2); boxing (4); free-style wrestling (2) and volleyball (12).  

The NOC head added that list of participants may increase if the sports federation and the Committee for Sports and Physical Training find sponsors.  “At present we are considering the possibility of participation of our soccer players in the games,” Rajabaliyev said.

The 15 ^th Asian Games is a multi-sport event that will be held in Doha, Qatar from November 27, 2006 to December 15, 2006.  The games are particapted by different countries located in Asia.    

The Asian Games, also called the Asiad, is held every four years among athletes from all over Asia.  The games are regulated by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) under the supervision of the Internaitonal Olympic Committee (IOC).  Medals are awarded which started in 1950.