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8th AFC Medical Conference reaffirms commitment to athlete care
Kuala Lumpur: The 8th AFC Medical Conference concluded on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, bringing down the curtain on three days of scientific knowledge exchange and collaboration among more than 800 delegates from across Asia and the global sports science community.
Returning to Kuala Lumpur for the first time since 2011, the eighth edition marked 30 years since the landmark inaugural edition in Tokyo in 1995 and was attended by distinguished guests and medical professionals, including Malaysia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh and FIFA Medical Director Dr Andrew Massey.

The conference was preceded by two days of workshops and seminars, equipping delegates with updated protocols and fostering deeper engagement, thereby setting the stage for the main event.

 

Under the theme of “Medicine and Science: Navigating Through Changing Times”, the three-day event explored the evolving demands of modern football and the critical role of sports science in supporting athletes to perform at the highest level.
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Delegates also received updates on topics such as artificial intelligence and other emerging technological advancements in the field and their usage in injury prevention and performance optimisation.
 
A key highlight of the conference was the dedicated attention on women’s health in football, with presentations addressing subjects such as menstrual health, gender-specific injuries, and the establishment of fair and tailored medical support systems.
Participants received hands-on training on key aspects of emergency medicine and on-field care through practical workshops focusing on managing concussions, cardiac emergencies, and various forms of trauma, while specialists from leading institutions provided insights into rehabilitation strategies for players returning to play after long-term injuries.

 

The conference also featured in-depth conversations around mental health and psychological resilience, reinforcing the Confederation’s commitment to holistic care of athletes.
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Moreover, delegates also had the opportunity to hear from experts on the latest advancements in sports dentistry, anti-doping regulations, and the best practices in providing medical support at major competitions.
 
Additionally, in conjunction with the conference, the 4th AFC Medical Awards were conducted on Thursday, in recognition of the outstanding contributions of medical professionals across Asia.
 
To relive the highlights of the 8th AFC Medical Conference, Kuala Lumpur 2025, please click here.