Former international shooter and veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh is poised to become the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Singh, who currently serves as the acting president of the OCA, emerged as the sole candidate for the top post in the upcoming elections on September 8.
Singh’s Uncontested Candidacy
The Olympic Council of Asia confirmed Singh as the only eligible candidate for the presidential election. “The OCA election commission can confirm that OCA acting president Randhir Singh is the sole eligible candidate for the OCA General Assembly election on September 8, 2024,” stated the OCA. Justice Rohinton Nariman led the Election Committee, which reviewed the CVs and eligibility requirements of all nominated candidates.
Support and Nomination
The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of India nominated Singh, and 27 Member NOCs of the OCA supported his nomination. The Election Committee deemed Mongolian Olympic Committee President Battushig Batbold ineligible as he did not meet the eligibility requirements. Consequently, Batbold withdrew his candidature.
Acting Chief Since 2021
Singh assumed the role of acting chief of the Olympic Council of Asia in September 2021 after Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped aside following a forgery case verdict. From 1991 to 2015, Singh served as OCA Secretary General under Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
Previous Leadership Challenges
In July 2023, Sheikh Ahmed’s brother, Sheikh Talal Al Fahad Al-Sabah, won the OCA presidential election. However, the IOC did not recognize the elections, citing Sheikh Ahmed’s undeniable impact on the polls. The IOC banned Sheikh Ahmed for three years.
Leadership During the Pandemic
Singh demonstrated his leadership when he decided to postpone the Hangzhou Asian Games from 2022 to 2023 due to COVID-19. Under his guidance, the subsequent Asian Games were a success, showcasing his effective leadership.
Background and Achievements
Born in Patiala, Punjab, Singh is the son of Bhalindra Singh, a longtime IOC member and IOA president. Singh is the grandson of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. During his shooting career, Singh won multiple national titles in skeet and trap events and became the first Indian shooter to win a gold medal in the Asian Games in 1978 in Bangkok. From 1968 to 1984, he competed in five Olympic Games in mixed trap.
Olympic and Administrative Roles
From 1987 to 2012, Singh served as the Secretary General of the IOA and as the vice chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He was a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014 and has been an honorary member since 2014.
Randhir Singh’s imminent election as the president of the OCA marks a significant milestone for Indian sports administration. His extensive experience as an athlete and administrator positions him well to lead the OCA. The sports community eagerly anticipates his leadership and the positive changes he will bring to Asian sports. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 News from IPL365.
