Newly elected OCA President Raja Randhir Singh Vows to Propel Asian Athletes to Greater Olympic Glory

New Delhi September 9th, 2024: Legendary Indian shooter and sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh who was officially declared as the new head of the Olympic Council of Asia at the 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi on Sunday, said the success of Asia in Paris 2024 was due to the quality of Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, 2026 will do the same for the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

In his first address after assuming the coveted post of OCA president Raja Randhir Singh said this in the presence of Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers JP Nadda, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, and Indian Olympic Association President P T Usha, were also in attendance along with sports leader from all 45 Asian countries.

Raja Randhir Singh said, “I thank everyone for the extraordinary support and goodwill and putting across my name as the sole candidate for the top position. I promise I will continue to serve Asia and the Asian athletes to the best of my abilities and to keep the OCA moving forward. It is truly an honour and privilege for India to be hosting the General Assembly. I congratulate Asian National Olympic Committees for the successful performance at the Paris Olympic Games.”

He added, “It presented a powerful and positive image of Asia in the world. There is no doubt that success of Asia in Paris 2024 was due to the quality of Asian Games in Hangzhou. We promise to assure that the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, 2026 will do the same for the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.”

The Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers JP Nadda, said, “With our efforts we can help sports as a symbol unity.  Sports is not just a competition, it promotes harmony and help in keeping a good mental health. Under able leadership of PM Modi India has already hosted large scale International Sporting events in the last 10 years.”

Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha said, “Raja Randhir Singh’s election as OCA President is the testament of his commitment towards the Olympic Asian Council and sports. India is honoured to host this prestigious assembly, and I extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished delegates from over 45 countries. We are committed to supporting the Olympic Movement and fostering a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence.”

“The General Assembly we are attending today is not just a formal gathering; it is a platform where ideas are exchanged, where the future of sports is envisioned, and where nations come together to promote peace and harmony through sport. As we prepare for upcoming Asian and Olympic events, we reaffirm our collective commitment to nurturing talent, encouraging fair play, and ensuring that athletes are given the opportunity to shine on the world stage,” she added.

After electing Raja Randhir Singh as new OCA president, the elections were held for other positions too. These included OCA Vice Presidents such as East Asia: Timothy Fok (Hong Kong, China), Southeast Asia: Dr Norza Zakaria (Malaysia), South Asia: HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (Bhutan), West Asia: Dr Thani Al-Kuwari (Qatar), and Central Asia: Otabek Umarov (Uzbekistan).

The new Executive Board members included East Asia: Ms. Mikako Kotani (Japan), Southeast Asia: Prof. Dr. Supitr Samahito (Thailand), Central Asia: Ms. Olga Rybakova (Kazakhstan), West Asia: Noora Al Jasmi (United Arab Emirates), and there was no candidate for South Asia.

The all-important event was also highlighted by the inclusion of Yoga as a demonstration sport in the upcoming edition of the Asian Games, a matter close to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s heart. Meanwhile, the Hangzhou Asian Games committee and the committee for the upcoming 2026 Nagoya Asian Games gave important presentations to outline the future roadmap for the Games.

About Olympics Council of Asia: The Olympic Council Of Asia (OCA) is an independent non-governmental no-for-profit international Asian sport organization for unlimited duration recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of National Olympic Committee (ANOC) and the 45 member Asian National Olympic Committee (NOCs).