Randhir Singh makes history as 1st Indian President of the Olympic Council of Asia in OCA’s 42-year history

Randhir Singh made history as the 1st Indian President of the Olympic Council of Asia in OCA’s 42-year history. The veteran sports administrator on Sunday was elected during the 44th General Assembly of the continental body.

A five-time Olympic shooter, Randhir was the lone eligible candidate for the OCA president’s post. Randhir Singh’s tenure will run from 2024 till 2028, and his election was unanimous.

The 77-year-old Randhir Singh has been the OCA acting president since 2021, filling in for Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was handed a 15-year ban from sports administration in May this year over ethics breaches.

Randhir, who held different administrative posts in Indian and Asian sports bodies, was officially named OCA president in the presence of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and top sports leaders from all 45 countries of Asia. He hails from Patiala in Punjab and belongs to a family of sportspersons.

Randhir Singh’s uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, played Test cricket for India and was an IOC member. His father Bhalindra Singh, also a first-class cricketer, was an IOC Member between 1947 and 1992. Randhir was also a member of the IOC between 2001 and 2014, after which he continued as the honorary member of the global sports body.

Indian Olympic legends react to Randhir Singh becoming OCA president

Many of India’s top Olympic stars reacted to Randhir Singh becoming OCA president.

Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medal winner, said, “Randhir Singh’s 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 double medal-winning shooter Manu Bhaker added, “Raja Randhir Singh sir’s 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 further added, “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.”

(With inputs from PTI)

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