IOC Asks Randhir Singh to Continue as OCA’s Acting President

Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) requested that the former Olympian, Mr. Randhir Singh, continue as acting president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

The Indian sports administrator assumed the role of the Council’s acting president in September 2021, as Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped down as OCA president after being convicted of forgery by a Swiss criminal court. Thereafter, Mr. Singh’s tenure ended on July 8, 2023. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to recognise the appointment of Sheik Ahmad’s brother, Sheikh Talal Fahad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as president of the OCA based on the recommendation of its ethics commission. This was on account of Sheik Ahmad’s alleged involvement in the OCA elections held in Bangkok. Further, an investigation has been initiated into the OCA election polls.

Through a letter, Mr. Singh was asked to continue as the OCA’s acting president, considering that the IOC investigation will most likely not conclude before October 2023. The letter further mentioned that Mr. Singh would be expected to “continue to direct the OCA administration in all matters, including the calling of any Executive Boards, General Assemblies and any other meetings needed for the governance of the OCA”.

Earlier, he had also assumed the OCA’s Secretary General role from 1991 to 2015.