Raja Randhir Singh elected as President of Olympic Council of Asia as wishes poured in 

New Delhi, September 8th 2024: Former Indian shooter and veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh was officially elected unopposed as the first Indian President of the Olympic Council of Asia at the 44th Olympic Council of Asia General Assembly at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday. 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.

Wishes poured in from all parts of the country for Raja Randhir Singh, who added another chapter to his historic legacy. After a legendary sporting career in shooting spanning for over two decades, Raja Randhir Singh continued to serve in different roles across several sporting bodies including Indian Olympic Association and Indian Olympic Council, and continued to globally promote Olympic ideals and values. He and his family have been a source of inspiration for several generations of athletes, and continues to remain so even to this day.

Raja Randhir Singh has already been awarded several accolades for his six-decade long association in sport including the Olympic Order, Silver in 2014, OCA Award of Merit in 2005, Merit Award from ANOC in 2006, and Honorary Doctorate, Literature in Sports Science from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Government of India.

Dr. Prem Verma, Principal Commissioner, Customs and GST, (CBIC), Government of India – one of the members of the Organizing Committee, OCA, for this event, personally met the OCA President Raja Randhir Singh at the Bharat Mandpam and greeted for his historical achievement on Sunday.

Later while talking to media persons Dr. Verma said, “It’s a proud moment for us that one of the most famous and veteran sports personality whose name is synonymous with sports Raja Randhir Singh has been elected as the first Indian President of OCA. All Indians and entire sports fraternity feel proud of this historical moment. Further, we feel privileged and proud for hosting the 44^th OCA General Assembly which was a very successful event courtesy the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India as well as the organizers. Entire credit of successfully organizing this mega event goes to the Deputy Director General Vinod Tiwari the brain behind all the arrangements made for the event. In future, we hope that India will shine on the global platform in the field of sports and we want to hold more such events. The events like these add to the exchange of cultural values, spread the message of bilateral harmonious relationship, humanity and mutual cooperation.”

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Dr. Prem Verma also happens to be the member of the Olympic Committee of Asia. He made  meticulous and wonderful facilitation of customs and immigration clearances including providing VISAs to the delegates of the participating countries, and ensured smooth transition of the foreign passengers and accorded them a warm welcome as well. The credit of the successful arrival and departure of the foreign delegates at the airport goes to Dr. Verma.

After the election of Raja Randhir Singh as the first Indian being picked up for the top post of the OCA, the greetings from poured in from the Olympic legends also from all over the country.

In is congratulatory remarks, the 2008 Olympic Gold medal winning shooter in shooting Abhinav Bindra said, “Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Randhir Singh on being elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia. His decades-long dedication to sport, both as an Olympian and a leader, have left an indelible mark on the global sporting community. I am confident that under his visionary leadership, the OCA will continue to promote the Olympic ideals and elevate the standard of sport across Asia. Wishing him every success as he embarks on this prestigious role.”

Paris Olympics dual medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker added, “Congratulations to Raja Randhir Singh Sir for being elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia. His contribution to the Indian sports fraternity, both, as an athlete and as a leader, has been an inspiration for all generations of athletes. It is a matter of honour for us as Indians to have him at the helm of the prestigious OCA, and I am confident his spirited guidance and dedicated services will bore tremendous results for the sporting fraternity across Asia. Wish him all the success in the new role.”

The 2012 Olympics Bronze-medal winning boxer Mary Kom said, “I extend my heartiest congratulations to Raja Randhir Singh Sir for being named as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia. With his inspiring persona, visionary mindset and true passion for sport, he has already etched his name in the annals of sporting history. With this new chapter in his legendary career, I am confident he will further elevate the sporting culture, and foster Olympic ideals all across Asia. I thank him for his remarkable contributions in sport and wish him all the best for his new role.”

Related article: Randhir Singh Set to Become First Indian President of the Olympic Council of Asia

2012 Olympics Bronze-medal winning shooter and India’s Chef-de-Mission at Paris Olympics Gagan Narang said, “It is a matter of great honour for us as Indians to have Raja Randhir Singh Sir leading the Olympic Council of Asia. His years of commitment to sports has always been a source of inspiration for all of us associated with the sports industry. He has dedicated his life towards elevating sporting standards globally and has truly exemplified what it means to live by Olympics ideals. Now, with his vision and guidance, a new chapter is set to begin for sports across Asia. I extend my hearty congratulations to him and wish him the best in the new role.”

Tennis Legend Mahesh Bhupathi added, “The first time I met him was in 1996 Olympics. He has been a statesman and an incredible administrator of sports for our country. I am very proud he has become the head of the OCA and I am sure he will continue his legacy of advancing sports now at the Asian level.”