Delhi: Veteran sports administrator Raja Randhir Singh was elected as the president of Olympic Council of Asia at it’s 44th General Assembly in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on Sunday.

The 77-year-old was elected unopposed as 44 votes out of 45 were casted in his favour.

Singh became the first-ever Indian president of the continental body and his tenure will continue till 2028.

Randhir Singh has held multiple posts in Olympic Council of Asia including the secretary general (1991 to 2015), Lifetime vice president (2015-2021), and acting president (2021- 2024).

Talking about his appointment, Randhir Singh said,” I am very grateful all the NOCs for supporting me and standing with me. There was a big controversy last year which tainted the one family motto of OCA. But we are back to normal now and it is good now.”

When asked about what will be his main motive as a president, Randhir said,” Asian Games is our priority as we conduct a total of five Asian Games including Summer Games, Winter Games, Beach Games, Indoor Games, and youth Games. Meanwhile, we have also forayed in the esports with support from Saudi Arabia.”

With Randhir Singh taking the position of President, India’s voice is expected to grow stronger in the continental landscape now.

“I am happy that my election happened in India. A lot of people are unaware that Asian Games started in India and the adjoining Patiala House is the place where they formed the earlier Asian Games Federation,” said Randhir Singh about the importance of India in OCA.

The first-ever Asian Games were conducted in India in 1951 and returned to the country in 1982. But after that, India hasn’t hosted any continental showpiece.

“India has capability and the zeal to host big tournaments. There is a government that is willing to support it. The Asian Games are allotted till 2034 and India can definitely host it after that,” Randhir Singh said when asked about India’s chances of conducting an Asian Games.

44th Olympic Council of Asia Election results:

OCA President: Raja Randhir Singh (India)

OCA Vice Presidents:

East Asia: Timothy Fok (Hong Kong, China)

Southeast Asia: Dr Norza Zakaria (Malaysia)

South Asia: HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck (Bhutan)

West Asia: Dr Thani Al-Kuwari (Qatar)

Central Asia: Otabek Umarov (Uzbekistan)

Executive Board members:

East Asia: Ms. Mikako Kotani (Japan)

Southeast Asia: Prof. Dr. Supitr Samahito (Thailand)

Central Asia: Ms. Olga Rybakova (Kazakhstan)

West Asia: Noora Al Jasmi (United Arab Emirates)

South Asia: No candidate