Who is Randhir Singh? the first Indian president of OCA
Randhir Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and five-time Olympic shooter, has made history by becoming the first Indian to be elected as the president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). His election was held during the 44th General Assembly of the OCA. The 77-year-old former Olympian was unanimously chosen for this prestigious position, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Singh's term as OCA president to last 4 years
Singh's tenure as the president of the OCA will last from 2024 to 2028. Prior to his official election, he had been serving as acting president since 2021. This interim role was necessitated due to 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.
Singh's significant contributions to sports administration
Singh has made substantial contributions to sports administration over the years. He was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014, and has since continued as an honorary member of this global sports body. His family also boasts a rich sporting legacy, with his uncle Maharaja Yadavindra Singh having played Test cricket for India and served as an IOC member.
Do you know?
Randhir Singh featured in four editions of Asian Games between 1978 and 1994, winning an individual gold medal in trap shooting in 1978, individual bronze medal in trap shooting in 1982, and a team silver in trap shooting in 1986. He also competed at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada. From 1968 to 1984, Singh competed at five Olympic Games in mixed trap
Arjuna Award in 1979
In 1979, Randhir was conferred with the Arjuna Award. He also received the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award the very same year. His career in the sports administration began when he was appointed as the Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association in 1987, a position he held till 2012. He also became a member of the governing board of Sports Authority of India in 1987. He served in the role till 2010
