Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar was unanimously elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) this week during the organization's 46th General Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The vote, held on January 26, 2026, marks a new chapter for Asian sports governance as Sheikh Joaan steps into the role previously held by Raja Randhir Singh, who stepped down in 2025 due to health concerns.
As the sole candidate, Sheikh Joaan—who also heads the Qatar Olympic Committee—emphasized unity and opportunity in his inaugural address. "Asia’s diversity is our greatest strength," he stated, pledging to empower National Olympic Committees and amplify youth engagement in sports across the continent. His term will extend through 2028.
The election follows a July 2025 OCA resolution to address leadership continuity, ensuring stability ahead of major events like the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Uzbekistan’s debut as host of the OCA General Assembly underscores Central Asia’s growing influence in regional sports diplomacy.
