Alkass English
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has officially confirmed His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani as the sole candidate for the position of President, following the close of nominations on 31 July 2025 at 5pm Kuwait time. No other nominations were submitted by the deadline, signaling strong regional consensus around Sheikh Joaan’s leadership.
Currently serving as President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and Senior Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), Sheikh Joaan has been a prominent figure in elevating Qatar’s global sporting profile and deepening its ties within the international Olympic Movement. His leadership has been marked by a focus on athlete development, institutional excellence, and inclusive regional cooperation.
This nomination comes after the announcement that the current OCA President, Raja Randhir Singh of India, will step down due to health concerns. The election is scheduled for 26 January 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The QOC views the widespread backing of Sheikh Joaan’s candidature as a reflection of shared aspirations across the continent. His vision prioritizes participation, equity, and respect for Asia’s rich diversity, while his leadership style is rooted in fostering dialogue, trust, and strategic unity among member nations.
Reaffirming its commitment to the advancement of Olympic sport in Asia, the QOC expressed confidence in Sheikh Joaan’s ability to guide the OCA into a new era of stability, collaboration, and progress.