In a landmark development for Indian sports, Randhir Singh has been elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during the organization’s 44th General Assembly. Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and five-time Olympic shooter, becomes the first Indian to assume this prestigious role. His election, which took place on Sunday, was unanimous, affirming his esteemed position within the global sports community.
The 77-year-old Singh, who has been serving as the acting president of the OCA since 2021, takes on the official role for a term extending from 2024 to 2028. His interim position followed the suspension of Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was banned from sports administration for 15 years earlier this year due to breaches of ethics.
Singh’s appointment was announced in the presence of India’s Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and distinguished sports leaders from all 45 Asian countries. His ascension to the presidency marks a historic moment, given his extensive experience in sports administration and his significant contributions to both Indian and Asian sports bodies.
A native of Patiala, Punjab, Singh’s deep-rooted connection to sports is evident from his family lineage. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, was a renowned Test cricketer for India and served as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also a first-class cricketer and an IOC member from 1947 to 1992.
In addition to his role with the OCA, Singh was a member of the IOC from 2001 to 2014 and continues to hold an honorary position with the global sports organization. His extensive background and commitment to sports administration have solidified his reputation as a prominent figure in the international sports arena.
Randhir Singh’s historic election as the OCA president underscores India’s growing influence in global sports governance and marks a significant achievement for the country’s sporting community.
