TASHKENT: Sheikh Joaan Hamad Al Thani is the new president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), becoming the 22nd person to lead the continental body since its inception.
The election took place earlier today during the OCA General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event was attended by representatives from all 45 Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and Uzbek president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Sheikh Joaan, who currently serves as the Qatar Olympic Committee president and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), will serve the remainder of the current term. He succeeds Raja Randhir Singh, who stepped down from the role due to health reasons.
In his inaugural address, Sheikh Joaan unveiled his manifesto, titled “Together for Asia.” The vision focuses on modernising the organisation while maintaining the cultural diversity of the continent.
The new president’s key commitments include:
- Strengthening solidarity and development across all member nations.
- Promoting good governance and responsible innovation within the council.
- Ensuring sustainability and inclusivity in all OCA-sanctioned events.
- Positioning sport as a “universal language of peace” and mutual respect.
“Asia is the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family,” Sheikh Joaan told delegates.
“This diversity is our greatest strength. But it also requires us to work in unity, guided by mutual respect and our shared commitment to Olympic values.”
The election marks a significant transition for the OCA, which oversees major events including the Asian Games. Sheikh Joaan paid tribute to his predecessor, Raja Randhir, thanking him for his “leadership, vision, and tireless efforts during challenging times.”
Sheikh Joaan’s appointment is seen as a move to further solidify the Gulf region’s growing influence in global sporting governance. Qatar has recently hosted several high-profile international events, including the 2022 Fifa World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.
“Through unity, we transform diversity into opportunity,” Sheikh Joaan concluded.
“We empower our National Olympic Committees, and we provide a platform for our youth to excel on the world’s sporting stage.”
