Randhir Singh becomes first Indian president of OCA: Details here
Randhir Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and five-time Olympic shooter, has been elected as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The 77-year-old has become the first Indian to be elected for this prestigious post. Singh's election was unanimously decided at the 44th General Assembly of OCA. He will serve the OCA between 2024 to 2028. Here are further details.
Official statement from OCA
Journey to OCA presidency
Notably, Singh had been serving as the acting president of OCA since 2021. He held the post following a ban imposed on Kuwait's Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah for ethics violations. The official announcement of Singh's presidency was made in the presence of Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and top sports leaders from all 45 Asian countries.
Significant contributions to sports administration
Singh has been a prominent figure in sports administration for many years. He was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) between 2001 and 2014, and has since continued as an honorary member of this global sports body. Singh's family has a rich sporting history in Patiala, Punjab. His father Bhalindra Singh, was also an IOC Member from 1947 to 1992.
Singh's career as trap and skeet shooter
Before venturing into sports administration, Singh enjoyed a successful career as a trap and skeet shooter. The former Indian shooter competed in five Olympic Games between 1968 and 1984. He became the first Indian shooter to win the Asian Games gold medal, at the 1978 Games. Singh received the Arjuna Award in 1979 for his achievements in shooting. He retired from the sport in 1994.
