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11:02 GMT
DOHA, Jan 26 (KUNA) -- The Olympic Council of Asia's (OCA) 46th General Assembly on Monday elected Qatar's Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani as OCA President during its meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Qatar News Agency (QNA) said he becomes the 22nd president to serve the Olympic Movement in Asia since 1913, as the meeting brought together more than 350 sports officials from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and Sheikh Joaan succeeds former OCA President Randhir Singh as head of the world's largest regional sports organization.
Sheikh Joaan is the fifth president in the council's history, reflecting Qatar's growing role and leadership in Asian sport, QNA noted.
Participating committees expressed full confidence in his leadership and extensive experience in advancing sport across the continent.
Following his official endorsement, the General Assembly screened a video highlighting Sheikh Joaan's achievements, which helped develop Qatari sport and strengthened Doha's status as a global sports hub.
"Asia is the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family. This diversity is our greatest strength. But it also requires us to work in unity, guided by mutual respect and our shared commitment to the Olympic values," Sheikh Joaan said in his speech.
He went on to say, "Through unity, we transform diversity into opportunity. We empower our National Olympic Committees and we provide a platform for our youth to excel on the world's sporting stage."
He continued, "Together, let's work towards a more united, stronger, and successful OCA. Together for Asia."
Sheikh Joaan will serve as president for the remaining term after Singh stood down due to his health reason.
Sheikh Joaan commended the role Singh played for the OCA, stating, "I wish to express my sincere appreciation to my dear friend His Excellency Mr. Raja Randhir Singh for his leadership, vision, and tireless efforts during challenging times."
The meeting reviewed updates on the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the Sanya Asian Beach Games in 2026, with organizers reporting the Aichi-Nagoya Games are set for September 19 to October 4 and the Sanya Beach Games for April 22 to 30.
The organizing committee of the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 8 to 10, 2026, also presented the latest preparations for the event. (end)
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