Raja Randhir Singh elected as first Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

Raja Randhir Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian to be elected President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). 

Singh, an Olympic shooter and a veteran sports administrator, secured this prestigious position during the OCA General Assembly. His election marks a milestone for Indian sports diplomacy and represents the increasing influence of India in the global sporting arena.

A former Olympian himself, Singh has been involved in sports administration for several decades. He served as the acting president of the OCA since September 2021, after Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah temporarily stepped down following legal issues. Singh's leadership and long-standing contributions to the Olympic movement in Asia have earned him the respect and trust of the international sports community, leading to his unanimous election.

Throughout his career, Singh has been deeply committed to promoting Olympic values and expanding the scope of sports in Asia. His election as the permanent President of the OCA is expected to bring new perspectives and innovation to the organization. He has already played a pivotal role in ensuring that key sports events in Asia run smoothly and is credited with fostering stronger collaboration between various national Olympic committees.

Singh's historic achievement underscores the rising prominence of Indian officials in the global sports administration landscape. His leadership is anticipated to further enhance Asia's role in international sports while promoting a more inclusive and equitable platform for athletes across the continent.

With a background as a six-time Olympian and multiple Asian Games gold medalist, Singh's deep understanding of the challenges athletes face and the intricacies of sports governance makes him a highly qualified figure to lead the OCA. His new role promises to further strengthen the bond between Asia’s sports organizations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), while driving forward initiatives that focus on youth development and gender equality in sports.