Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian to be elected as president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The election took place during the 44th General Assembly of the continental body, where Singh was the sole eligible candidate. His tenure will run from 2024 till 2028, and his election was unanimously approved by all member countries.
Singh, a five-time Olympic shooter, has a long and distinguished career in sports administration. He has held various administrative positions within both Indian and Asian sports organizations. Prior to his election as OCA president, he served as acting president since 2021, filling in for Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah who was banned from sports administration for 15 years due to ethics breaches.
The 77-year-old Singh hails from Patiala, Punjab, and comes from a family deeply rooted in sports. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, played Test cricket for India and was an IOC member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also a First-Class cricketer and served as an IOC Member from 1947 to 1992. Randhir himself was a member of the IOC between 2001 and 2014, and continues to serve as an honorary member of the global sports body.
Singh’s election as OCA president is a significant moment for Indian sports, signifying the country’s growing influence on the global stage. His expertise and experience will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the future of sports in Asia.
