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Randhir Singh: First Indian elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
On September 8, 2024, Randhir Singh made history by becoming the first Indian to be elected as the President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) during the 44th General Assembly held in New Delhi.
His tenure will run from 2024 to 2028. Singh, a former Olympic shooter and veteran sports administrator, was unanimously chosen for the position as the sole candidate. He had already been serving as the acting president since 2021, following the suspension of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, the former OCA president, due to ethical violations.
Randhir Singh, who hails from a prominent sports family in Patiala, Punjab, has been a central figure in Indian sports for decades. A five-time Olympian in shooting, Singh has also held numerous administrative roles, including Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association and the OCA. His career in sports administration spans over three decades, contributing significantly to both national and international sporting bodies. He has also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and has been associated with various global sports organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the Asian Games Coordination Committee.
During his election speech, Singh expressed gratitude to his colleagues and reiterated his commitment to strengthening sports across Asia. He highlighted the unity within the OCA and emphasized Asia’s increasing influence in global sports. Under Singh’s leadership, the OCA will continue to prioritize the five key events it oversees: the Summer, Winter, Youth, Beach, and Martial Arts Asian Games. Singh also praised India’s rising stature in the sporting world, noting the country’s growing infrastructure, athlete support, and government backing. He even hinted at India’s potential bid for the 2038 Asian Games.
Singh’s election is a milestone not only for India but also for Asia, as he steps into a crucial leadership role at a time when the continent is gaining prominence on the global sporting stage. His wealth of experience in both athletics and sports administration positions him as a key figure in driving the future of Asian sports forward. This election marks a new era for the Olympic Council of Asia, with Singh at the helm, guiding its direction over the next four years.
His leadership promises to bring a balanced focus on expanding the reach and impact of Asian sports while nurturing Olympic values across the continent.
Randhir Singh: A Life Dedicated to Indian Sports
Randhir Singh, a distinguished figure in Indian sports, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s Olympic movement and promoting various sports disciplines. Born on October 18, 1946, into the royal family of Patiala, Singh developed an early affinity for sports, particularly shooting. His passion, combined with his dedication, would later make him one of India’s most respected sports administrators.
Singh’s own sporting career began with great promise. As a shooter, he represented India in five consecutive Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984, a remarkable achievement that speaks to his skill and consistency. In addition to his Olympic appearances, Singh also competed in numerous Asian Games, securing individual and team medals. He won his first Asian Games gold medal in 1978 in the rapid-fire pistol event. His contributions to shooting extended beyond his performance, as he continued to inspire younger athletes and elevate the profile of shooting sports in India.
However, it is his work as a sports administrator that truly cemented Randhir Singh’s legacy. After retiring from competitive sports, Singh turned his attention to sports governance. In 1987, he was elected as the Secretary-General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), a position he held for over two decades. His leadership in the IOA was marked by efforts to modernize the organization and streamline operations. He was instrumental in securing India’s bid to host the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, a landmark event for Indian sports.
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