Olympic Council of Asia announces Raja Randhir Singh as new President

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced the election of Raja Randhir Singh of India as its new President.

The 77-year-old five-time Olympian was elected unopposed for the term 2024-2028 at the 44th OCA General Assembly in the Indian capital of New Delhi on Sunday, along with five Vice Presidents for the five zones and five Executive Board members.

Taking on the role, Randhir stated “thank you very much and we are very honoured for the love and affection you have shown us.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. With your support you have shown Asia is one, Asia is one family. We are always there for you.”

The veteran sport administrator, who had been the OCA acting President since 2021 - filling in for Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah - becomes the first Indian to assume this prestigious role.

With an extensive background both as an Olympic shooter and sports official, Singh first made his name as an Olympic shooter, competing in five Olympic Games.

 as a shooter and boasts an impressive résumé in sports administration. He had already been leading the organisation as acting president since 2021, stepping in for Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait, who was banned from sports administration for 15 years due to ethical violations.

In his new role capacity, Singh faces the challenge of guiding a continent that, in recent years, has witnessed significant sporting growth but also faces crucial infrastructure and organisational hurdles. He has also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014, and continues as an honorary member.

Singh took over from Sheikh Ahmad when the latter was banned from sports administration for 15 years due to ethical violations.

Image: Raja Randhir Singh (right) with OCA Director General, Husain Al Musallam at the 44th OCA General Assembly. Credit: OCA.