Randhir Singh is the first Indian to be elected OCA President

Veteran sports administrator Randhir Singh on Sunday became the first Indian to be elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the continental body’s 44th General Assembly here. Randhir, a five-time Olympic shooter, was the only candidate considered for the post of OCA president. His term runs from 2024 to 2028 and his election was unanimous.

Randhir, 77, has been acting president of the OCA since 2021. He replaces Kuwaiti Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, who was given a 15-year ban by the sports council in May this year for violating ethics rules.

Randhir, who has held various administrative positions in Indian and Asian sports organisations, was formally appointed as the Chairman of the OCA 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 sportsmen.

His 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 remained an honorary member of the world sports governing body.