His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on Monday was elected president of the Olympic Council of Asia in Uzbek capital Tashkent where the entire sports fraternity of the world's largest continent was present.
The 46th General Assembly of OCA on Monday elected Sheikh Joaan - the current chairman of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) - as its new 'young, dynamic and passionate leader' who promised to provide forward-thinking leadership across Asian sports.
"Together, let's work towards a more united, stronger, and successful OCA. Together for Asia," Sheikh Joaan said on Monday in his acceptance speech. "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," Sheikh Joaan added. "I will work to strengthen solidarity among Asian countries, ensure good governance, and support the sustainable development of sports.
"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," the new OCA chief said. "I will strive to enhance joint efforts and effective partnerships with various stakeholders of the Olympic Movement in a manner that serves the development of Asian sports," he added.
The OCA posted on X on Monday: "We extend our sincerest congratulations to His Excellency Sheikh Jowan bin Hamad al-Thani on the occasion of his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. This day marks the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of the sports movement across the Asian continent, grounded in vision and sustainable excellence."
The post added: "Under his leadership, the Asian Sports Family looks forward to a new stage of growth, innovation, and strengthening unity across various parts of the region.
Sheikh Joaan paid tributes to his predecessor Raja Randhir Singh of India. He said on Monday: "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."
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, via the X platform, said: "I congratulate my brother, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia, wishing him success and prosperity in leading the path of Asian sports and strengthening joint work between the National Olympic Committees."
HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, said on X: "I congratulate my brother, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, on the occasion of his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. Sheikh Joaan is a distinguished sports figure; through his expertise and experience, he will contribute greatly to elevating the level of the Olympic movement across the continent of Asia. We wish him success in this mission."
Saudi Arabia's Olympic team account on X said: "Congratulations. Team Saudi extends its congratulations to His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani following his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia."
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim, President of the Asian Football Confederation, said: "I congratulate His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani on his election as President of the Olympic Council of Asia. The election of Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad is a qualitative addition to the Asian sports movement. This step reflects the confidence of the Asian sports family in His Excellency and his ability to lead OCA towards broad horizons of excellence and development. Sheikh Joaan's presidency of the Olympic Council of Asia will have a direct positive impact on the future of the sports movement in Asia."
During the OCA General Assembly President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev awarded Sheikh Joaan the Sports Excellence Medal.
After receiving the medal, OCA President Sheikh Jaan said on Monday: "I am proud to receive this medal. I speak on the behalf of all of us (OCA) today, I express our gratitude to you (President of Uzbekistan) for your warm hospitality amd succesful hposting of this General Assembly. Thank you."
The presidents of Asian sports federations were also present in Tashkent as was Dahlan Jumaan Al Hamad, the Qatari chief of Asian Athletics Association.
Mohammed Yousef al-Mana, First Vice President of QOC, termed it was 'a historic day' and that 'the OCA will witness a significant transformation in the coming period'.
Established in November 1982, the OCA is the governing body for the 45 National Olympic Committees across the continent. Headquartered in Kuwait City, the OCA is responsible for coordinating regional sports activities and overseeing major international events, most notably the Asian Games and the Asian Winter Games, which are held every four years.
The Strategic Pillars
In his address to the assembly, Sheikh Joaan also outlined the specific commitments of his presidency, often referred to as his "roadmap" for the council:
** Solidarity: Strengthening support and development for all National Olympic Committees across Asia.** Athletic Excellence: Providing better platforms for Asian athletes to succeed globally.** Good Governance: Promoting transparency and ethical standards within the organization.** Responsible Innovation: Embracing digital transformation and AI in sports while maintaining integrity.** Sustainability: Ensuring that OCA events (like the Asian Games) are economically and environmentally sustainable.** Peace & Culture: Positioning sport as a "universal language of peace, mutual respect, and cultural understanding."