Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh made history on Sunday by becoming the first Indian elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during the organization's 44th General Assembly. A five-time Olympic shooter, Singh was the sole eligible candidate for the position. His unanimous election secures his tenure as OCA president from 2024 to 2028.
The 77-year-old Randhir Singh, who has served as the acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) since 2021, was officially elected to the position of OCA president on Sunday. He stepped into the role following the 15-year ban imposed on Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah earlier this year due to ethics violations.
Randhir, with a distinguished background in various administrative roles within Indian and Asian sports organizations, was formally appointed as OCA president in a ceremony attended by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and leading figures from all 45 Asian countries.
Randhir was also a member of the IOC between 2001 and 2014, after which he continued as the honourary member of the global sports body.
"Congratulations to all my team. I sincerely thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Asia is one family. Thank you all for all support. We will try to carry on for long," Randhir said after his election.
"Special congratulations to all the ladies who have joined the team. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your dedication to the Olympic course.
"Let's all work together towards a future where the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect are celebrated," he added.
The election for the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) positions was uncontested, with Randhir Singh securing the role of president, alongside five vice presidents representing each of the five zones and five executive board members.
Electronic voting via tablet required a simple majority of 50 percent plus one from the 45 National Olympic Committees. Randhir received 44 out of 45 votes, with one abstention and no negative votes.
The General Assembly was also attended by BJP president JP Nadda and Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khade. All 45 Asian nations participated in the session.
The newly elected OCA vice presidents are:
- East Asia: Timothy Fok (Hong Kong, China)
- Southeast Asia: Dr. Norza Zakaria (Malaysia)
- South Asia: HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (Bhutan)
- West Asia: Dr. Thani Al-Kuwari (Qatar)
- Central Asia: Otabek Umarov (Uzbekistan)
- The elected executive board members are:
- East Asia: Mikako Kotani (Japan)
- Southeast Asia: Dr. Supitr Samahito (Thailand)
- Central Asia: Olga Rybakova (Kazakhstan)
- West Asia: Noora Al Jasmi (United Arab Emirates.
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