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The 44th Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) General Assembly, a pivotal event in the Asian sporting calendar, will convene at the Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on September 8, 2023. This momentous occasion will witness the official appointment of Randhir Singh as the first Indian President of the OCA.Randhir Singh, a renowned former Indian shooter, was unanimously elected to this prestigious position earlier this year. The 77-year-old sports legend hails from Patiala, Punjab, and comes from a family steeped in sporting excellence. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, represented India in Test cricket and served as an IOC member. His father, Bhalindra Singh, was also an IOC member and a first-class cricketer.Randhir Singh's illustrious sporting career includes participation in four Asian Games editions from 1978 to 1994. He clinched an individual gold medal in trap shooting in 1978, an individual bronze medal in 1982, and a team silver medal in 1986. He also competed at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.In recognition of his sporting achievements, Randhir Singh was bestowed with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1979 and the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award. His transition into sports administration began during his playing days when he was appointed as the Honorary Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in 1987, a position he held until 2012.Randhir Singh's administrative acumen extended to his role as a member of the governing board of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) from 1987 to 2010. He also served as the Vice-Chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.His international sports administration career took off in 1991 when he was appointed as the Secretary General of the OCA, a position he held until 2015. He subsequently became the Life Vice President until 2021, after which he was appointed as the Acting President.Randhir Singh's global sports influence is evident in his membership of the ANOC Executive Council since 2002. He served as the IOC representative on the WADA Board from 2003 to 2005 and became a member of WADA's Finance and Administration Committee in 2005. He also chaired the 2019 Asian Games Asian Games Coordination Committee.His IOC membership spanned from 2001 to 2014, after which he continued as an honorary member. During his tenure, he served on various IOC commissions, including Olympic Games Study, Sport for All, Women and Sport, International Olympic Truce Foundation, and Coordination for the 1st Summer Youth Olympic Games Singapore.In recognition of his invaluable contributions to sports, Randhir Singh has received numerous accolades, including the OCA Award of Merit in 2005, the Merit Award from ANOC in 2006, the Olympic Order, Silver in 2014, and an Honorary Doctorate in Literature in Sports Science from Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education, Government of India.

Randhir Singh, a seasoned sports administrator and former international shooter, is poised to become the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The 77-year-old Singh, who has served as the acting chief of the continental sports body since 2021, emerged as the sole candidate for the top post in the upcoming September 8 elections.Singh's nomination was unanimously approved by the OCA Election Committee, chaired by Justice Rohinton Nariman, after reviewing the eligibility requirements and nominations submitted by member National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Singh was nominated by the Indian NOC and supported by 27 other OCA member NOCs.Singh's appointment as acting OCA chief came after Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped aside as president following a Geneva Court ruling that found him guilty in a forgery case. Singh had previously served as OCA Secretary General from 1991 to 2015 under Sheikh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.During his tenure as acting OCA chief, Singh oversaw the postponement of the Hangzhou Asian Games from 2022 to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Games were eventually held successfully, showcasing Singh's leadership qualities.Born in Patiala, Punjab, Singh is the son of Bhalindra Singh, a long-time IOC member and IOA president. He is also the grandson of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Singh's shooting career saw him win multiple national titles and become the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold medal in 1978. He competed in five Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984 and won medals in four Asian Games.Singh's administrative experience includes serving as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) from 1987 to 2012 and as vice chairman of the organizing committee for the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. He was also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from 2001 to 2014 and has been an honorary member since 2014.Singh's election as OCA president would mark a significant milestone for Indian sports and further strengthen the country's position in the global sporting arena.