Randhir Singh: First Indian to become president of the OCA

Randhir Singh, a five-time Olympian and sports administrator, has become the first Indian to become president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Singh was elected at the 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi on September 8, 2024.

Randhir Singh's Election as OCA President

Elected on September 8, 2024, at the 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi
First Indian to become president of the Olympic Council of Asia
Ran unopposed for the 2024-2028 term
Received 44 out of 45 available votes, with one abstention
Previously served as OCA acting president since 2021
Replaced Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was banned for 15 years
Election attended by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and sports leaders from 45 Asian countries

Randhir Singh's Background and Achievements

77-year-old former Olympic shooter and sports administrator
Competed in five Summer Olympics between 1968 and 1984
Participated in four Asian Games, winning medals in three:
- Gold in 1978 Bangkok Asian Games
- Bronze in 1982 Delhi Asian Games
- Silver in team event at 1986 Seoul Asian Games
Member of the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2014
Continues as an honorary member of the IOC
Comes from a family with a rich sports history:
- Father, Bhalindra Singh, played first-class cricket and was an IOC member (1947-1992)
- Uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, played Test cricket for India and was an IOC member

Awards received:

- Arjuna Award (1979)
- Olympic Council of Asia Award of Merit (2005)
- ANOC Merit Award (2006)
- International Olympic Committee's Olympic Order, Silver (2014)

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Overview

Established in 1949 as the Asian Games Federation in New Delhi
Renamed Olympic Council of Asia in 1981
Headquarters moved from New Delhi to Kuwait
Non-governmental body governing sports in Asia
45 Asian National Olympic Committee members
Recognized by the International Olympic Committee

Future Plans and Challenges

Randhir Singh emphasized Asia's strong foothold in world sports
Highlighted unity among National Olympic Committees
Challenges include managing the size of the Asian Games:
- 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games had over 15,000 athletes
- Plans to reduce the number of teams through qualifications
Yoga accepted as a demonstration sport for 2026 Nagoya-Aichi Asian Games
India's future Olympic ambitions:
- Bidding for 2030 Youth Olympics
- Long-term goal of hosting 2036 Olympics
India to compete against Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Thailand, Mongolia, Russia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2030 Youth Olympics hosting rights

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