Olympic Council of Asia announces Raja Randhir Singh as new President

September 9, 2024

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.

20th August 2024 - Olympic Council cancels martial arts games after Thailand misses deadline

12th October 2023 - Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee spotlights impressive contributions of volunteers

30th September 2023 - Unilumin impresses at 19th Asian Games with LED displays and Integrated Metasight Solutions

24th September 2023 - First carbon-neutral Asian Games underway in China

5th May 2023 - Southeast Asian Games open in Phnom Penh

20th February 2023 - OCA to invite Russia’s gymnastics and wrestling federations invited to Asian Games

4th October 2022 - OCA awards 2029 Asian Winter Games hosting rights to Saudi Arabia

16th February 2022 - Olympic Council of Asia partners with sport technology firm Bornan

6th May 2022 - OCA announces postponement of Hangzhou’s Asian Games

1st March 2021 - OCA and AESF sign partnership agreement for 2022 Asian Games

31st December 2020 - Olympic Council of Asia announces second postponement of 6th Asian Beach Games

16th December 2020 - Olympic Council of Asia awards Asian Games hosting to Doha in 2030 and Riyadh in 2034

17th November 2020 - Olympic Council of Asia looks to third Asian Youth Games in 2021

25th March 2020 - Olympic Council of Asia welcomes Tokyo Olympic Games postponement

20th August 2013 - Delhi’s Thyagraj Stadium acknowledged as India’s first green stadium

9th August 2011 - Indian Government Audit report slams ‘flawed’ Delhi Games

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.