GUANGZHOU - The world triathlon chief wants to address the disparity between men and women in the sport at the continental level.

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"The big challenge for us is to bring more women to the sport," Marisol Casado, president of the International Triathlon Union (ITU), said at the Guangzhou Asian Games.

"In China, there is no problem, but in Muslim countries, we need to find the way. We have to be more careful not to implement rules that go against their culture."

According to Casado, just 11 women competed in this edition of the Asian Games compared to more than 30 men.

Japan dominated the triathlon podium, with Mariko Adachi winning the women's individual title and Yuichi Hosoda taking the men's crown.

As a female president of the sport, Casado said she could serve as a good example for other women.

"We are working on detailed plan (to involve more women). We have to go to places like here as there are a number of women competing here in Guangzhou in our sport," the Spaniard told China Daily.

"I already requested their advice. In some cases, the National Olympic Committees decided not to bring their women. In other cases, (it was) because they didn't have good performances on the women's side."

Casado served as secretary general of the Spanish Triathlon Federation before she was elected ITU president in 2008.

Former ITU president Les McDonald was awarded the 2010 IOC Women and Sport Award, and the ITU is the only international Olympic sports federation that currently has females serving as president and secretary general. One of its four vice-presidents is also female.

"I feel very proud (to be the leader of the sport). I think it's a good example that when you have good environment it's possible for women to be on top," said Casado, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee.

China Daily

(China Daily 11/16/2010 page10)