New Delhi
Randhir Singh, a celebrated 1978 Asian Games gold medallist and veteran sports administrator, has been elected as the first Indian president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). His election was confirmed unanimously during the 44th General Assembly of the OCA held on Sunday.
Singh, who won the gold medal in shooting at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok, was the only candidate for the position. His election was witnessed by notable figures such as India’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, and leading sports officials from across Asia.
Born in Patiala, Punjab, Singh comes from a family with a strong sporting heritage. His uncle, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh, played Test cricket for India and was an IOC member, while his father, Bhalindra Singh, was also a first-class cricketer and an IOC Member.
Singh began his sports career in shooting, competing in five Olympic Games from 1968 to 1984, and in four Asian Games between 1978 and 1994. He won individual gold in trap shooting in 1978, individual bronze in 1982, and a team silver in 1986. Singh also participated in the 1978 Commonwealth Games.
In sports administration, Singh has held numerous prestigious positions, including secretary-general of the Indian Olympic Association, vice-chairman of the Delhi Commonwealth Games organizing committee, and secretary-general of the OCA. He has also been a member of various IOC commissions and received several awards for his contributions, including the Olympic Order and an Honorary Doctorate in Sports Science.
