Raja Randhir Singh, a prominent figure in the world of sports administration, is poised to take the helm of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at its 44th General Assembly on Sunday. Singh, a member of the OCA since 1991, has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s trajectory and is confident in his ability to lead it into the future.
One of his key priorities is to secure the final approval for Yoga to be recognized as a sport in the Asian Games. He believes that Yoga, having already received approval from the OCA’s sports committee and executive board, has the potential to become a mainstream Asian Games sport, much like other disciplines like wushu and karate. He emphasizes that Yoga, once a distinctly Indian practice, has evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending geographical boundaries.
“Every country works hard to promote their sports – China did for wushu, Japan for karate, we also brought in kabaddi in 1990. Now, Yoga has already been approved by the OCA sports committee and the executive board and hopefully on the 8th, I am confident of Yoga being recognised as an Asian Games sport. But I don’t think it is an Indian event any more; Yoga has become a world sport.”
Singh envisions Yoga as a medal event for both men and women, with a points system, similar to gymnastics, used to evaluate the asanas, ensuring a systematic and streamlined competition. He highlights the fact that Yoga will be a demonstration sport in 2026, leading to its full inclusion as a competitive sport after 2030.
Singh has also expressed his support for India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, recognizing the government’s ambition and the country’s capability. However, he cautions that hosting the Olympics is a complex endeavor, requiring a strong bid and facing competition from other nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey. He points to Qatar’s successful hosting of various world events, including the World Athletics and Aquatics Championships and the FIFA World Cup, as evidence of their readiness to host such mega-events.
He believes that while hosting the Olympics is a coveted goal, India should not overlook the potential benefits of hosting the Asian Games. He emphasizes that hosting the Asian Games will boost the nation’s sporting infrastructure, provide a platform for Indian athletes to excel on home soil, and generate significant tourism revenue.
Singh’s family has a long history of leading the OCA. His father, Bhalindra Singh, and grandfather, Yadvindra Singh, both held prominent positions within the organization. Singh’s elevation to the presidency marks a continuation of this legacy, reflecting a commitment to sports development in Asia.
Reflecting on his tenure as acting president since 2021, Singh highlights the OCA’s transformation from a financially challenged organization to a robust and influential body. He attributes this success to a focus on multi-discipline events, investment in world-class infrastructure, and fostering unity among member nations.
He believes that hosting the Asian Games will create a win-win situation for India, boosting its sporting prowess and contributing to its overall development. He even encourages India to bid for the Winter Asian Games, highlighting the country’s potential to leverage its natural resources, including its mountain ranges and existing infrastructure, to host such events.
Regarding India’s performance at the upcoming Paris Olympics, Singh remains optimistic. He acknowledges the criticism surrounding India’s medal tally but emphasizes the progress made in recent years, evidenced by an increase in the number of athletes finishing in the top four and reaching the semifinals. He attributes this positive trend to the government’s unwavering support and funding for sports development.
Singh advocates for a longer tenure limit for administrators within national sports bodies, arguing that it’s crucial to have experienced individuals with established international networks to drive progress. He highlights his own journey within the OCA as an example, demonstrating that significant achievements require sustained involvement and engagement at the international level.
