The 46th General Assembly of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), held in Tashkent, has elected H.E. Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar as the new President of the organization. He becomes the 22nd President to lead the Asian Olympic Movement since the first multisport Games were staged in 1913.

 

The General Assembly was attended by representatives of all 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, as well as the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

 

Sheikh Joaan currently serves as Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and President of the Qatar Olympic Committee. During the Assembly, he presented his strategic vision under the slogan “Together for Asia.”

 

His priorities include:

 

• strengthening solidarity and development across Asia;
• supporting athletic excellence;
• promoting good governance;
• embracing innovation responsibly;
• ensuring that OCA events and programmes are sustainable, inclusive, and credible;
• expanding Asia’s international representation;
• positioning sport as a universal language of peace, mutual respect, and cultural understanding.

 

 

In his address, Sheikh Joaan emphasized the importance of unity across the continent, stating:

 

“Asia is the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family. This diversity is our greatest strength.”

 

Sheikh Joaan will serve as OCA President for the remainder of the current term following the resignation of former President Raja Randhir Singh due to health reasons.

 

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, expressing sincere appreciation for Mr. Singh’s leadership, vision, and dedication during challenging times for the organization.