Randhir Singh Becomes First Indian President of Olympic Council of Asia

Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh has become the first Indian to be elected as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia. His tenure will be from 2024 to 2028. Singh, a five-time Olympic shooter, has been acting president since 2021 and was elected unanimously during the 44th General Assembly.

Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh on Sunday made history, becoming the first Indian to be elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The election took place during the 44th General Assembly of the continental body.

As a five-time Olympic shooter, Singh was the lone eligible candidate for the OCA president's post, and his election was unanimous. His term will run from 2024 to 2028. Randhir has been serving as the OCA's acting president since 2021, following a 15-year ban on Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

The 77-year-old administrator has held various posts in Indian and Asian sports organizations. Randhir was officially named OCA president in the presence of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and top sports leaders from 45 Asian countries. Hailing from a prominent sports family in Patiala, Punjab, his uncle and father were also notable sportspersons and IOC members.

(With inputs from agencies.)